| Acknowledgement The content of this page is based substantially on the OAC Guide for Consumers and Families. This content has been reproduced with the permission of the Oregon Advocacy Center.
Mental Health Law in Oregon By: The Oregon Advocacy Center. Jonna Schuder, Attorney at Law
Copyright, 1995 The Oregon Advocacy Center. The original booklet was written by Jonna Schuder, staff attorney with the Oregon Advocacy Center (OAC), to provide information about the mental health system in Oregon. OAC is a non-profit office that provides advocacy and representation for persons with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities and other disabilities. Congress created and funded "protection and advocacy systems" in each state and OAC is the designated protection and advocacy system for Oregon. OAC is located in Portland and serves all Oregonians. OAC represents persons with disabilities and works for what the individual wants. Family members and other interested persons are welcome to contact OAC for information but actual representation is for the person with a disability only. OAC staff are also available to give presentations on disability related topics. In 1990, the OAC published four booklets regarding the rights of persons in different mental health settings:
Since these booklets were published, many changes have occurred in the law and in the ways mental health services are provided. Because of these many changes, OAC has updated, revised and rewritten the four pamphlets into a single, larger booklet. This new booklet contains information about rights in the hospital and in community settings. Since persons move in and out of services and facilities more frequently under the current systems, this booklet will provide a single source of information that can be used throughout these changes. The content includes citations to Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR). ORS are the laws that have been passed by the legislature and approved by the governor or have been approved by the voters through the initiative process. OAR are the rules which have been approved by state agencies. ORS and OAR are available at the law library in each county. They will also be available on-line in June, 1998. This OAC Guide contains general information about legal issues and legal rights and is not a substitute for legal advice. For specific information about how these laws affect an individual, contact OAC or your attorney. |