Mental Health Ombudsman Project

Purpose

To provide information, advice and advocacy to patients voluntarily admitted to inpatient psychiatric facilities or who are held on an involuntary 72-hour hold as part of an Emergency Examination.

Eligibility

Individuals in inpatient psychiatric units either as voluntary patients or as patients undergoing an Emergency Examination.

Priorities

The Mental Health Ombudsman Project priorities for 2008 are as follows:

• Outreach Programs & Advocacy: Outreach to individuals with mental health issues at designated hospitals across the State of Vermont.
  
  
• Provide information, advice, and advocacy.
  
  
• Investigate individual cases of serious abuse, neglect, and rights violations against persons with mental illness who may not otherwise have access to VP&A services and are:
  • Admitted for an emergency examination (EE) or
    
    
  • Are on a 72 hour hold at a designated hospital within the State of Vermont.