Rhode Island General Laws Title 40.1. Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals § 40.1-24.5-12. Duties of the mental health advocate

(1) Review periodically the procedures established by community residences to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(2) Review grievances of residents filed according to the provisions of the resident grievance procedure delineated in § 40.1-24.5-8 of this chapter in order to ensure that grievances have been fairly resolved in a timely fashion.

(3) Investigate and report to the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals and/or the director of the community residence any occurrences, conditions, or practices with respect to procedure, personnel, or policy that reflect inadequacies with reference to provisions of this chapter.

(4) Assist any resident to obtain needed assistance concerning problems not related to the provisions of this chapter by referring residents to appropriate lawyer-referral services, public or private, depending upon the resident's ability to pay, and assist the residents in the preparation and transmission of correspondence, forms, and other communications.

(5) To take action as he or she deems appropriate to protect the rights of residents including, but not limited to, programs of public education, legislative advocacy, and formal legal action.