The Advocate Program at Torrance State Hospital

The advocate at Torrance State Hospital is available to:

• assist patients with understanding their human rights under the Mental Health Law, DPW regulations and Torrance State Hospital policies and procedures
• help patients with their issues, concerns or complaints
• help patients get the best services possible
• help patients find assistance with financial problems
• be with patients at their treatment team meetings or involuntary commitment hearings
• assist patients and/or families with problems or concerns they might have regarding their treatment programs
• help patients with complaints about their environment

An advocate is NOT

• a therapist
• a lawyer
• a social worker or member of the treatment team

To report unexpected changes in your condition to your doctor, treatment team and direct treatment staff.

To give your input in treatment planning and to follow your treatment plan recommendations to the best of your ability.

To accept the responsibilities for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow your doctor's instructions.

To respect the rights of other patients and employees. Be considerate with regards to the control of noise, smoking, use of designated visiting hours and appropriate language and conduct.

To be respectful of the property of other persons and of the hospital.

To be responsible for your own personal belongings.

Not to leave the hospital grounds without your treatment team's knowledge and approval.

To come to the Nursing Office at scheduled times for medications.

The possission or drinking of alcoholic beverages by anyone on hospital grounds is prohibited.

If you are currently hospitalized under a court order for involuntary treatment and a petition is filed requesting additional involuntary treatment, then it shall be sufficient to only represent to the court that the conduct stated above in fact occurred and the condition continues to present a clear and present danger to yourself or others. In such anevent, it shall not be necessary to show the reoccurrence of dangerous conduct, either harmful or debilitiating, within the past 30 days. (Mental Health Procedures Act 143, Sections 304(2), 305(b)

According to the Mental Health Procedures Act, you have the right to talk privately with persons whom you feel will be helpful to you. Even though your treating doctor may suspend or restrict this right for a limited time, if it is believed that certain communications may pose a risk to yourself or others, when an involuntary commitment is being planned, NO ONE CAN FORBID YOU FROM SEEKING HELP.

You may request to speak to the External Advocate. You have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford a private attorney, a County Public Defender will be appointed to represent you. You can also seek aid from friends, family members or professionals that you trust.

1. You have the right to unrestricted and private communication inside and outside this facility.
2. You have the right to practice the religion of your choice or to abstain from religious practices.
3. You have the right to keep and use personal possessions, unless it has been determined that specific personal property is contraband.
4. You have the right to handle your personal affairs.
5. You have the right to participate in the development and review of your treatment plans.
6. You have the right to receive treatment in the least restrictive setting.
7. You have the right to be discharged from the facility as soon as you no longer need care and treatment.
8. You have the right not to be subjected to any harsh or unusual treatment.
9. If you have been involuntarily committed in accordance with civil court proceedings, and you are not receiving treatment, and you are not dangerous to yourself or others, and you can survive safely in the community, you have the right to be discharged from the facility.
10. You have the right to be paid for any work you do