Some specific rights of individuals residing in forensic mental health facilities are:
- Access to a telephone to call family, friends, etc. during specific hours; - unless such communication seemed harmful;
- Access to a telephone to report abuse or to call an attorney at anytime;
- Visitation with family and friends;
- Access to speak privately during calls and visits;
- Access to mail communications;
- Protection of confidential records;
- Information on how to report a complaint;
- Access to voting in national, state and municipal elections;
- Provision of express and informed consent to medications by a competent individual;
- Access to grounds unless restricted for medical or safety reasons;
- To be free from abuse and neglect;
- To be treated respectfully;
- Provision of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Identification of a representative to be notified in case of emergency; notified of admission and/or invited to Treatment Team meetings;
- Placement in the least restrictive (limiting) and most appropriate and available setting;
- A physical examination within 24 hours;
- Participation in the development of a treatment plan and a discharge plan;
- To keep clothing and personal items unless removed for safety or medical reasons;
- To contact the court to request a review of the reason and legality of his/her detention, a denial of a right or privilege, or a procedure that is not being followed.