Your rights concerning
medication:
The landscape of mental health treatment has changed
drastically as more and better
medications are developed.
You have the right to dialogue with your doctor. If
your doctor prescribes
medication(s), you have the right to know what it is
for, the expected benefits and
the possible side effects, both short-term and
long-term.
You have the right to take some prescribed meds but
not others. (Note that
bouncing on and off psychotropic medications is a risky
business.) Other services
cannot be linked to meds.
If you experience side effects or if there are some
medications you choose not
to take, you have the right to inform your doctor
without fear of anger.
You may choose not to take medications unless there
is a court-order otherwise.
This is true even if you are in the hospital
(except for certain emergency situations)
or on community probate.
You have the right to consent to or refuse any
procedures such as psychosurgery,
electro-convulsive therapy (ECT or shock
treatment) or similar procedures.
You have the right to consent to or refuse to be
involved in a research project.
Before you can consent, you must be informed
of the nature of the research and
the possible consequences. You have the
right to pull out of the project at any time.
Your rights (OAC 5122:2-1-02)
7. The right to freedom from unnecessary or excessive
medication;
10. The right to be informed of and refuse any unusual
or hazardous treatment
procedures. (Also see such rights as #4, the right to consent or
refuse.)