State Mental Health Treatment Facilities

North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center (NFETC)

Rights Of Patients

The Patients at NFETC have rights provided by law.

1. The Right to Individual Dignity - Patients shall, at all times, receive appropriate treatment, be treated with respect, be free from abuse or neglect, and live in a safe, secure and humane environment.
2. The Right to Treatment - Every Patient shall receive mental health services that are best suited to his needs. These services shall be accomplished in the least restrictive manner consistent with the safety and security of NFETC and the community at large.
3. The Right to Express and Informed Consent - Before treatment is initiated, each Patient shall be asked to give express and informed consent for treatment. in an emergency, treatment may be ordered when a physician has determined it is necessary for the safety of the Patient or others. If a Patient will not consent to treatment deemed essential to his care, a judge may authorize treatment by court order.
4. The Right to Quality Treatment - Every Patient shall receive treatment that is delivered skillfully, safely, and humanely with full respect for his dignity. Each Patient shall receive services designed to expedite his return to the jurisdiction of his commitment.
5. The Right to Communication, Abuse Reporting and Visits - Every Patient shall be permitted to communicate freely and privately with people outside NFETC through letters, telephone calls, and visits unless it is determined that such communication is harmful to the Patient or others. Patients have ready access to a telephone in order to report an alleged abuse through the abuse registry.
6. The Right to Care and Custody of Personal Effects - Every Patient may wear his own clothing, and have and maintain other personal effects. The availability of these items may be limited if they are hazardous to the welfare of the Patient, others or the safe operation of NFETC.
7. The Right to Vote in Public Elections - Every Patient who is otherwise qualified to vote in primary or general elections shall be assisted in registering to vote and voting if he so requests.
8. The Right to Confidentiality of the Clinical Record - Every Patient can expect his clinical record to be kept confidential and, except as provided by law, not released or shown to others without his written permission.
9. The Right to Petition for writ of Habeas Corpus - Every Patient has the right to petition the Court to question the cause and legality of his commitment.
10. The Right to Safe and Dignified Transportation - Every Patient has the right to be transported to and from NFETC in a manner designed to ensure his safety and dignity.
11. The Right to Be Informed - Every Patient has the right to be informed of all his rights and have them explained to him in detail, if requested.