Right to Communication and Visitation; Exercise of Civil

Rights.

(a)Except to the extent that a qualified mental health professional determines that it is necessary for the medical welfare of the patient to impose restrictions, every patient shall be entitled:

(1)To communicate by sealed mail or otherwise with persons, including official agencies, inside or outside the facility; and

(2)To receive visitors; and

(3)To exercise all civil rights, including the right to dispose of property, execute instruments, make purchases, enter contractual relationships, and vote, unless he has been adjudicated incompetent and has not been restored to legal capacity.

(b)Notwithstanding any limitations authorized under this Section on the right of communication, every patient shall be entitled to communicate by sealed mail with his attorney and with the Court. Any letter or written message from a patient directed to the court or the patient's attorney shall be promptly forwarded to the addressee by the facility holding the patient.

(c)Any limitations imposed by a qualified mental health professional on the exercise of these rights by the patient and the reasons for such limitation shall be made a part of the clinical record of the patient.