What rights do patients have under CMS rules in mental health care?

• A. Right to free medications
• B. Right to ignore privacy
• C. Right to informed consent, access to records, privacy and confidentiality, non-discrimination, grievances and appeal decisions, and participation in treatment planning
• D. Right to select any provider without consent

Answer: (C)

Patients receiving mental health care under CMS rules have a set of rights that safeguard autonomy, information, and involvement in care. Informed consent means you’re given clear information about proposed treatments, including risks, benefits, and alternatives, and you agree to proceed before care starts (with emergency situations as an exception). You also have the right to access your own records and to have your private health information protected, which supports transparency and shared decision-making. Privacy and confidentiality require providers to keep sensitive information secure and to share it only as allowed. Non-discrimination protects you from unfair treatment based on protected characteristics. Grievances and appeal decisions provide a formal process to raise concerns and have decisions reviewed. Participation in treatment planning ensures you’re actively involved in shaping your care and can express preferences and questions.

These rights collectively reflect a commitment to respectful, patient-centered mental health care. The other options don’t fit because they either propose protections that aren’t guaranteed (like free medications), or describe things that CMS rules prohibit (such as ignoring privacy or letting you choose any provider without consent).