California Code, Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 5541

(a) A specific authorization by the client or by the guardian ad litem is necessary for a county patients' rights advocate to have access to, copy or otherwise use confidential records or information pertaining to the client. Such an authorization shall be given knowingly and voluntarily by a client or guardian ad litem and shall be in writing or be reduced to writing. The client or the guardian ad litem, whoever has entered into the agreement, may revoke such authorization at any time, either in writing or by oral declaration to the advocate.

(b) When specifically authorized by the client or the guardian ad litem, the county patients' rights advocate may inspect and copy confidential client information and records.