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HomeWelfare and Institutions CodeDiv. 4Pt. 2Ch. 1§ 4132 Mental Health Patient Terminology

§ 4132 Mental Health Patient Terminology

Welfare and Institutions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 4132 Mental Health Patient Terminology

Key Takeaways

  • •People with mental health problems are patients, not prisoners.
  • •The law says to call them 'patients,' not 'inmates.'
  • •They should get care and help, not be locked away.

Example

A person goes to a hospital for help with anxiety.

The hospital must treat them like a patient, not like someone in jail. The law says to use kind words like 'patient' to show they need help, not punishment.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 4132 Mental Health Patient Terminology

(a) It is hereby declared that the provisions of this code reflect the concern of the Legislature that persons with mental health disorders are to be regarded as patients to be provided care and treatment and not as inmates of institutions for the purposes of secluding them from the rest of the public. (b) Whenever any provision of this code heretofore or hereafter enacted uses the term “inmate,” it shall be construed to mean “patient.” (Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 144, Sec. 69. (AB 1847) Effective January 1, 2015.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

patientinmatetreatmenthealthlegislature

Related Statutes

  • § 4143 Enhanced Treatment Program Pilots
  • § 4145 Enhanced Treatment Program Oversight
  • § 4025 Patient Care Cost Limits
  • § 4107 Patient Security Transfer Plan
  • § 5120 Mental Health Zoning Equality

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Welfare and Institutions Code. Section 4132.
View Official Source