State Mental Health Treatment Facilities

North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center (NFETC)

Rights Of Residents

The residents at NFETC have rights provided under state law. Sometimes we have to limit these rights to make sure we maintain security and safety for us and the community.

1. The Right to Individual Dignity - Residents 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 resident 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 the entire Center and the community at large.
3. The Right to Express and Informed Consent - Before treatment is initiated, each resident 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 resident or others. If a resident 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 resident shall receive treatment that is delivered skillfully, safely, and humanely with full respect for his dignity. Each resident shall receive services designed to expedite his return to the jurisdiction of his commitment.
5. The Right to Communication, Abuse Reporting and Visits - Every resident shall be permitted to communicate freely and privately with people outside the Center through letters, telephone calls, and visits unless it is determined that such communication is harmful to the resident or others. Residents 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 resident 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 resident, others or the safe operation of the Center.
7. The Right to Vote in Public Elections - Every resident 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 resident 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 resident has the right to petition the circuit court to question the cause and legality of his commitment.
10. The Right to Safe and Dignified Transportation - Every resident has the right to be transported to and from the Center in a manner designed to ensure his safety and dignity.
11. The Right to Be Informed - Every resident has the right to be informed of all his rights and have them explained to him in detail, if requested.