5768.5. (Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 83, Sec. 200.)

(a) When a mental health patient is being discharged from any facility authorized under Section 5675 or 5768, the patient and the patient’s conservator, guardian, or other legally authorized representative shall be given a written aftercare plan prior to the patient’s discharge from the facility. The written aftercare plan shall include, to the extent known, the following components:

(1) The nature of the illness and followup required.

(2) Medications, including side effects and dosage schedules. If the patient was given an informed consent form with his or her medications, the form shall satisfy the requirement for information on side effects of the medications.

(3) Expected course of recovery.

(4) Recommendations regarding treatment that are relevant to the patient’s care.

(5) Referrals to providers of medical and mental health services.

(6) Other relevant information.

(b) The patient shall be advised by facility personnel that he or she may designate another person to receive a copy of the aftercare plan. A copy of the aftercare plan shall be given to any person designated by the patient.