Your Right to Patient Meetings

The Department of State Hospital (DSH) Patton and Metropolitan campuses have started hosting monthly meetings for all patients to answer general questions and share about DRC’s California Office of Patients’ Rights (COPR) and Patients' Rights. 

DRC staff shared that the hospital is not a punitive environment, so patients can expect not to be "punished" for behaviors like not participating in their treatment plans or breaking a rule. Staff also emphasized the concept of privacy, dignity, and humane care.

They discussed what types of appropriate interactions patients can expect from staff, as well as shared that staff should be able to expect to be treated humanely and respectfully by patients.

These ongoing meetings will provide a space for staff and patients to get to know each other and speak with COPR staff about general information instead of waiting for a specific complaint.

DRC staff members participated in Patton State Hospital’s “Spooktacular” event where departments decorated information booths and exchanged Halloween treats. The annual gathering provided a time for staff to collaborate across departments in a casual, relaxed setting. 

This year, Aimee Jones and Jelly Betencourt from DRC’s California Office of Patients’ Rights (COPR) hosted a booth decorated with toilet paper and other scary Halloween decor while sharing candy and information about the work of COPR. 

​Participating in these activities give COPR staff the opportunity to interact with other staff at the hospital, feel part of the hospital campus environment, and provide information to people who might not otherwise think to reach out to COPR with questions or concerns.

We value this kind of networking because it establishes COPR as an information source, and not just an oversight group that investigates complaints of wrongdoing. This relationship building helps COPR work better with hospital staff when we are trying to resolve issues amiably.