Section 320.23 - [Effective 11/29/2024] Bill of Rights for Individuals Receiving Mental Health Services at Psychiatric Hospitals Not Operated by a Community Center(a) The department will publish a Patient's Bill of Rights, which is herein adopted by reference as Exhibit A of this subchapter, with copies available from the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, P.O. Box 12668, Austin, Texas 78711-2668, which will contain interpretations written in simple and nontechnical language of the various rights afforded individuals receiving mental health services at psychiatric hospitals, an explanation of the circumstances under which those rights may be limited, and organizations individuals may contact in the event of rights violations. The Patient's Bill of Rights will be revised as necessary.(b) The department will publish a Teen's Bill of Rights and a Children's Bill of Rights ("The Little Dinosaur Named Wilbur," with supplementary material) which are adopted by reference as Exhibits B and C of this subchapter, respectively, with copies available from the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, P.O. Box 12668, Austin, Texas 78711-2668. The Teen's Bill of Rights and the Children's Bill of Rights will contain interpretations written in simple and nontechnical language of the rights afforded minors receiving mental health services at psychiatric hospitals, an explanation of the circumstances under which those rights may be limited, and organizations individuals may contact in the event of rights violations. The Teen's Bill of Rights and the Children's Bill of Rights will be revised as necessary.(c) The Patient's Bill of Rights, the Teen's Bill of Rights, and the Children's Bill of Rights published by the department will be used as the formal document for rights notification for individuals admitted to psychiatric hospitals which are not operated by community centers. At psychiatric hospitals operated by community centers, individuals admitted for services will receive the rights handbook as outlined in § 320.161 of this title (relating to Rights Handbooks for Persons Receiving Mental Health Services at Facilities, Community Centers, and Psychiatric Hospitals Operated by Community Centers).(d) The Patient's Bill of Rights, the Teen's Bill of Rights, and the Children's Bill of Rights must be printed in English and Spanish, and must be made available in other languages of primary use by individuals admitted to each psychiatric hospital.(e) Immediately upon admission into services, each individual must be given the Patient's Bill of Rights, Teen's Bill of Rights, and/or Children's Bill of Rights. (1) A copy must also be given to the individual's parent or conservator of a minor and the legal guardian of the person, when applicable, and to any other person requested by the individual.(2) The parent/conservator of a minor shall receive a copy of the Patient's Bill of Rights in addition to the Teen's Bill of Rights and/or Children's Bill of Rights.(f) Copies of the Patient's Bill of Rights, Teen's Bill of Rights, and/or Children's Bill of Rights must be displayed prominently at all times in all areas frequented by persons receiving services (e.g., day rooms, recreational rooms, waiting rooms, lobby areas). A sufficient number of copies will be kept on hand in each of these areas in order that a copy may be made readily available to anyone requesting one.(g) Nothing in this section shall preclude the use or distribution of additional brochures or materials outlining rights information provided the information does not conflict with information presented in the rights handbook.26 Tex. Admin. Code § 320.23
Transferred from 25 TAC § 320.162 Texas Register, Volume 49, Number 44, November 1, 2024, TexReg 8747 eff. 11/29/2024