Patients' rights raises questions for psychology, psychiatry and law.

This paper briefly introduces the issue of patients' rights which has become increasingly recognised in the United States. Resulting from the inter-relationship of law and mental health, the rights issue involves those psychologists and psychiatrists providing treatment as well as civil rights lawyers pressing for protection for their clients. A sample list of patients' rights demands is presented and discussed. It is suggested that resolution will be assisted by the inputs of the client consumer in collaboration with psychologists, psychiatrists, and lawyers. Research on the questions raised will be required.