A county social service agency or local law enforcement agency that assists a facility is not liable to the patient for damages on the grounds that the notification of the family member or emergency contact or the participation of the family member was improper or violated the patient's privacy rights. Patients shall have the right to be cared for with reasonable regularity and continuity of staff assignment as far as facility policy allows. Competent patients shall have the right to refuse treatment based on the information required in Right No.6. In cases where a patient is incapable of understanding the circumstances but has not been adjudicated incompetent, or when legal requirements limit the right to refuse treatment, the conditions and circumstances shall be fully documented by the attending physician in the patient's medical record. Written, informed consent must be obtained prior to patient's participation in experimental research.
Patients have the right to refuse participation.
Both consent and refusal shall be documented in the individual care record. Every patient shall also be free from nontherapeutic chemical and physical restraints, except in fully documented emergencies, or as authorized in writing after examination by a patient's physician for a specified and limited period of time, and only when necessary to protect the patient from self -injury or injury to others. Patients shall have the right to respectfulness and privacy as it relates to their medical and personal care program. Case discussion, consultation, examination, and treatment are confidential and shall be conducted discreetly. Privacy shall be respected during toileting, bathing, and other activities of personal hygiene, except as needed for patient safety or assistance.