Special report: protection and advocacy: what nurses need to know

There is a national system of protection and advocacy programs for people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and other disabilities. These programs investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and pursue legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. Nurses have a critical role in advocating and protecting rights of consumers with psychiatric disabilities and identifying and reporting incidents of abuse and neglect. The unique role of the nurse within practice, research and education regarding protection and advocacy is discussed.