Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 40.1-5 - Mental Health Law
Section 40.1-5-14. - Appointment and term of office of mental health advocate.

§ 40.1-5-14. Appointment and term of office of mental health advocate.
The governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint a member of the bar of this state who has been practicing law for at least five (5) years to fill the office of the mental health advocate. The appointment shall be made from a list of at least three (3) persons prepared and submitted by a committee consisting of one attorney appointed by the Rhode Island Disability Law Center; one person appointed by the Rhode Island Association for Mental Health; one person appointed by the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Rhode Island; three (3) persons appointed by the Coalition of Consumer Self Advocates; one psychiatrist, appointed by the Rhode Island district branch of the American Psychiatric Association; one psychologist appointed by the Rhode Island Psychological Association; one social worker appointed by the Rhode Island chapter of the National Association of Social Workers; and two (2) members of the general public appointed by the governor. The person appointed mental health advocate shall hold office for a term of five (5) years and shall continue to hold office until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.
History of Section.P.L. 1974, ch. 119, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 226, § 12; P.L. 1991, ch. 146, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 228, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 106; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 106.

Structure Rhode Island General Laws

Rhode Island General Laws

Title 40.1 - Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals

Chapter 40.1-5 - Mental Health Law

Section 40.1-5-1. - Short title.

Section 40.1-5-2. - Definitions.

Section 40.1-5-3. - General powers and duties of state department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

Section 40.1-5-4. - Delegation of authority by director.

Section 40.1-5-5. - Admission of patients generally — Rights of patients — Patients’ records — Competence of patients.

Section 40.1-5-6. - Voluntary admission.

Section 40.1-5-7. - Emergency certification.

Section 40.1-5-7.1. - Emergency transportation by police.

Section 40.1-5-8. - Civil court certification.

Section 40.1-5-9. - Right to treatment — Treatment plan.

Section 40.1-5-10. - Periodic institutional review proceedings.

Section 40.1-5-11. - Discharge — Recertification.

Section 40.1-5-12. - Habeas corpus and other remedies.

Section 40.1-5-13. - Mental health advocate.

Section 40.1-5-14. - Appointment and term of office of mental health advocate.

Section 40.1-5-15. - Staff of mental health advocate.

Section 40.1-5-16. - Appropriations.

Section 40.1-5-17. - Assistance of indigent persons.

Section 40.1-5-18. - Confidentiality of information received.

Section 40.1-5-19. - False statements and representations.

Section 40.1-5-20. - Exemption from court fees or charges.

Section 40.1-5-21. - Annual report.

Section 40.1-5-22. - Duties of the mental health advocate.

Section 40.1-5-23. - Access to information.

Section 40.1-5-24. - Rights and powers of mental health advocate.

Section 40.1-5-24.1. - Powers to accept grants and bequests.

Section 40.1-5-25. - Use of confidential information.

Section 40.1-5-26. - Disclosure of confidential information and records.

Section 40.1-5-27. - Release of information to patient’s family.

Section 40.1-5-27.1. - Disclosure by mental health professional.

Section 40.1-5-28. - Notice of disappearance of patient.

Section 40.1-5-29. - Record of disclosure.

Section 40.1-5-30. - Statistical data.

Section 40.1-5-31. - Maintenance of facilities.

Section 40.1-5-32. - Transfer of patients.

Section 40.1-5-33. - Payment for care and treatment.

Section 40.1-5-34. - Exclusiveness of this chapter.

Section 40.1-5-35. - Support of poor or indigent patients.

Section 40.1-5-36. - Guardians ad litem.

Section 40.1-5-37. - Service of process on patients.

Section 40.1-5-38. - Conspiracy to admit person improperly.

Section 40.1-5-39. - Deprivation of rights of persons admitted to facilities.

Section 40.1-5-40. - Disciplinary action against employees of facilities.

Section 40.1-5-40.1. - Duty to report.

Section 40.1-5-40.2. - Immunity from liability for reporting patient abuse.

Section 40.1-5-41. - Immunity of physicians and surgeons from liability.

Section 40.1-5-42. - Severability.

Section 40.1-5-43. - Applicability to acts done, rights accruing, orders, or admissions prior to January 1, 1975.