MO HB2516

Creates new rights for individuals detained or evaluated at mental health facilities, including dignity and humane treatment, clear explanation of diagnosis and treatment, participation in care decisions, and a rapid appeal process for involuntary detention

Establishes a "qualified family advocate" designation for adults who are related within the first degree to a detained patient, have lived in the same household for at least 30 consecutive days prior to detention, and have no active protection orders or substantiated abuse findings

Automatically presumes incapacity upon detention for mental health evaluation, entitling the qualified family advocate to access treatment information and participate in treatment team meetings including care plans, medication changes, and discharge decisions

Prohibits mental health facilities from implementing blanket policies against family participation or citing confidentiality laws to deny access when qualified family advocate conditions are met

Requires the Department of Mental Health to investigate complaints, issue corrective orders, and impose administrative sanctions for violations of the new patient rights and family advocate provisions