Patients have a right to confidentiality of their medical and mental health records. Patients have a right to have access to their medical and mental health records. The patient's doctor, however, may legally deny total access if he determines it to be harmful to release the entire record. The reason for denial must be documented in the treatment record. Such treatment may be given against a patient's will only if authorized by a court order.
Patients have a right to refuse psychosurgery.
Psychosurgery may be performed on an individual who has been found to be incompetent by the court only if authorized by a court order. Patients have a right to be free from restraint and seclusion unless such measures are necessary to protect themselves or others. Restraint and seclusion are not to be used as a punishment and are not to be used in place of available measures which are less restrictive. The laws of the State of Missouri allow for the hospitalization of mentally ill persons. This information is designed to help you understand the law and your legal rights as a psychiatric patient.