There shall be written policies and procedures designed to enhance the dignity of all patients and to protect their rights as human beings. These written policies and procedures shall include but not be limited to the following standards:
1. There shall be procedures to inform all patients of their legal and human rights and the rules and regulations of the facility applicable to his or her conduct. There shall be documentation of implementation of these procedures.2. Physical restraints and seclusion shall be used only in extreme cases to protect the patient from injuring himself or others, and when all other alternatives are exhausted. They shall not be used as punishment of staff convenience.a. There shall be documentation verifying that patients under physical restraint or in seclusion are observed by a staff member at least every thirty (30) minutes.b. Authorization for the use of physical restraints and/or seclusion shall be written as justified in the patient's record by the attending physician. This authorization shall be renewed at least every twenty-four (24) hours.3. The patient has the right, to the extent permitted by law, to refuse specific medications or treatment procedures. The responsibility of the facility, when the patient refuses treatment, is to seek appropriate legal alternatives or orders of involuntary treatment or, in accordance with professional standards, to terminate the relationship with the patient upon reasonable notice.4. The risks associated with the use of any drugs and/or procedures shall be fully explained to the patient in terms that he/she can understand. The decision as to whether or not the patient is able to exercise sound judgment rests with the physician and must be documented in the patient's clinical record.5. The patient shall give his consent in writing prior to the use of potentially hazardous drugs and procedures. In the event that the patient is unable to exercise sound judgment, the written consent of family members having the legal right to consent must be obtained prior to the use of potentially hazardous drugs and procedures. Potentially hazardous drugs and procedures shall be administered in accordance with accepted clinical practice and shall be directed and supervised by a physician.6. There shall be written policies and procedures for reviewing and responding to patient's communications, e.g. opinions, recommendations, and grievances, in a way that will preserve and foster conflict resolution and problem solving. The written policies shall also delineate the means by which patients are familiarized with these procedures. Each patient's personal privacy shall be assured and protected within the constraints of the individual treatment plan.7. There shall be procedures designed to protect the patient's rights and privacy with respect to facility visitors, e.g. educational or other individual or group visitations through the program. The patients shall be informed in advance of such visitations, which shall be conducted so as to minimally interrupt the patient's usual activities and therapeutic program.8. The facility shall provide the patient with means of communication with persons outside the program in at least the following ways, unless contraindicated by physician. Patients shall be allowed to conduct private telephone conversations with family and friends. Patients shall be allowed to send and receive unopened mail.9. The facility shall inform the patient, the patient's family, or legal guardian as appropriate, of the cost (itemized when possible) of services rendered.10. The facility shall assure confidential treatment of personal and Medical Records, and may approve or refuse their release to any individual outside the family, except, in case of transfer to another health care institution, or as required by law or third-party payment contract.11. Each patient's personal dignity shall be recognized and respected in the provision of all care and treatment.15 Miss. Code. R. 16-1-52.8.1
Miss. Code Ann. § 41-9-17