MS HB1349

Establishes a comprehensive bill of rights for patients in acute care facilities, residents in nursing homes, and individuals receiving mental health services, which cannot be waived as a condition of admission.

Requires health care facilities to provide patients and residents with written information about their rights at admission, including courteous treatment, appropriate care, physician identity, treatment information, and privacy protections.

Grants patients and residents the right to participate in treatment planning, refuse care, access medical records confidentially, voice grievances through written procedures, associate freely, and receive information about available services and costs.

Mandates specific protections for minor patients in residential mental health programs, including freedom from isolation and restraints except in emergencies, written treatment plans with behavioral goals, and advocacy service access.

Establishes procedures for nursing home residents to request and consent to physical restraints only with physician orders and informed consent, with periodic reevaluation and documentation requirements; facilities cannot be penalized solely for authorizing restraints under these provisions.