Establishes the "Family Mental Health Advocacy and Patient Rights Act"

HB 2516, the "Family Mental Health Advocacy and Patient Rights Act," updates confidentiality rules for mental health facilities and expands access to patient records under specific circumstances. It directly affects mental health facilities, patients (both voluntary and involuntary), and authorized parties like parents, guardians, legal advocates, and specialized agencies. Key provisions require facilities to keep records confidential but allow disclosure to parents of minors, legal guardians, attorneys for certain cases, and agencies protecting rights for people with developmental disabilities or mental illness - only when necessary for care, safety, or legal compliance. The bill also establishes new patient rights, including dignity, clear treatment explanations, participation in care decisions, and rapid appeals for involuntary detention. These changes aim to balance privacy with necessary access for safety and advocacy while maintaining strict confidentiality requirements.