Arkansas Code
Subchapter 2 - Commitment and Treatment
§ 20-47-221. Patient or client advocate

(a)
(1) The Director of the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services shall designate a patient or client advocate for the three (3) state mental health facilities located in Little Rock and Benton.
(2) The designated patient or client advocate in these facilities shall report directly to the deputy director.

(b) The administrator of each receiving facility or program shall designate a patient or client advocate for that receiving facility or program who shall report directly to the administrator.
(c) The patient or client advocate's job duties in this capacity shall consist primarily of:
(1) Ensuring that each patient or client is aware of his or her rights;
(2) Investigating complaints of patients or clients;
(3) Assisting in training staff of the receiving facility or program regarding patient's rights; and
(4) Acting as an advocate on behalf of a patient or client who is unable to register a complaint because of his or her mental or physical condition.

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