My son of 19 years has been given a diagnoses of schizophenia.He is currently in a mental health unit for 3 weeks. They want him to go to a county hospital . Will his rights be taken away. If something happens to him am I able to make any decisions on his behalf? I'm scared something could happen to him.Someone told me that he could be an award of the state and they can do whatever they want with him. Our health insurance only covered him for 10 days.Now he is on charity care.I did hire a Lawyer to help with social security and medicaid. His 2 case workers feel that this hopital will be good for him, but he has heard from people that have been there and don't want to go back.If he doesn't like it there does he have a right to leave? Should I have a representative for my son and I? They are giving him prozac, xyprexa ,chlozapan and bachlofen. He isn't showing any improvement .
Concerned mom

I would suggest go to your lawyer and get a power of attorney for him so if he is found mentally incapable of making a decision you will be able to. Good luck to you and your son.

You should most definitley get a POA (power of attorney), you then will be able to make decisions on his behalf. He has only been in the hospital and on meds for a couple of weeks. You need to understand that with a diagnosis such as his it could take up to 6 weeks before you even begin to see any improvement.

Right now, prior to the POA, like tomorrow if possible, you need to have your son sign a consent form, if he hasn't done so already, giving consent for the doctors to discuss treatment with you. Without this consent form his diagnosis and treatment options are privately held between your son and his doctor. The HIPAA laws are much more stringent when it comes to mental health.

Thanks again J -9. I already signed a release form. I don't have any money for a lawyer. The social security lawyer won't charge anything unless he wins the case.

What is the social security lawyer suing for? Is he suing so that your son gets social security and medicaid?

I am not sure you really need a lawyer for this. Have you applied for both and been turned down already?

Yes we have already been denied,so I was told to hire a lawyer for his claim.

Keep your attorney posted and on top of things. Depending on the severity of his condition and how well he responds to treatment or not depends on whether he can voluntarily leave or if the state will attempt to get a court to have him committed.