Requirements for Treatment Plans for Patients in In-Patient Facilities – N.Y. Mental Hyg. Law § 29.13

In-patient facility directors must develop a written treatment plan for each patient. The plan must identify the goals of treatment, the programs, treatments and services necessary to meet the goals, and a timetable for conducting assessments and evaluations. Patients and their representatives must have a chance to participate in creating and revising their treatment plan. Authorized representative includes the parents of a minor patient. However, the parents of a patient over the age of 16 may not participate if their child objects and a physician determines that the parent’s participation is inappropriate. A patient over the age of 16 may request another individual (e.g. relative, close friend) to serve as their authorized representative so long as the individual is not employed by the facility.