Opinion ID: 2370952
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Whether Beauchene has a Liberty Interest in Community Visits

Text: [¶ 10] Beauchene argues that because the Superior Court approved his participation in community visits at the hospital's discretion, and the hospital authorized such visits in the past, the hospital's subsequent decision to withdraw that authorization is a limitation on his liberty that must be addressed in his CSP pursuant to section B(III)(H) of the RRMHS. [¶ 11] When the Superior Court acts in an intermediate capacity to review an administrative agency's decision pursuant to M.R. Civ. P. 80C, we directly review the agency's decision for errors of law, abuse of discretion, or findings not supported by substantial evidence in the record. Nicholson v. Bd. Of Licensure in Med., 2007 ME 141, ¶ 7, 935 A.2d 660, 662 (quotation marks omitted). We give considerable deference to the agency's interpretation of its own rules, regulations, and procedures, and will not set aside the agency's findings unless the rule or regulation plainly compels a contrary result. Downeast Energy Corp. v. Fund Ins. Review Bd., 2000 ME 151, ¶ 13, 756 A.2d 948, 951 (quotation marks omitted). We will not attempt to second-guess the agency on matters falling within its realm of expertise, Imagineering, Inc. v. Superintendent of Ins., 593 A.2d 1050, 1053 (Me.1991), and matters involving the rights of recipients of mental health treatment are within the Commissioner's expertise. Green v. Comm'n of Dep't of Mental Health, Mental Retardation & Substance Abuse Servs., 2001 ME 86, ¶ 9, 776 A.2d 612, 615. [¶ 12] Pursuant to 34-B M.R.S. § 3003(1) (2008), [3] the Department adopted the RRMHS, which applies to any person over age 18 receiving mental health treatment from any mental health facility, agency or program. See 13 C.M.R. 14 193 001-3 § A(II)(M) (2004). The RRMHS provides that [r]ecipients have the same human, civil and legal rights accorded all citizens. 13 C.M.R. 14 193 001-3 § A(III)(A) (2004). As required by the statute, the RRMHS establishes in each patient the right to have treatment in accordance with an individualized treatment plan (CSP) that sets forth the requirements for treatment and discharge plans. 34-B M.R.S. § 3003(2)(B) (2008); 13 C.M.R. 14 193 001-13 to -14 § B(III) (2004). The RRMHS also provides other rights in inpatient and residential settings, including the right to privacy and humane treatment; the right to informed consent to treatment; the right to freedom of association and communication by mail and telephone, and to visitors; and the right to freedom from unnecessary seclusion and restraint. 13 C.M.R. 14 193 001-12 to 13, -15 to -25 §§ B(II), (V), (VI), (VII) (2004). The regulation further provides that: