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Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI)
The Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act was enacted in 1986. The governing authority for P&A, with input from the PAIMI Advisory Council, is responsible for establishing priorities and the scope of activities conducted with PAIMI funds. With our PAIMI funding, P&A can serve individuals with a diagnosis of a significant mental illness or emotional impairment. The PAIMI act authorizes P&A to "investigate incidents of abuse and neglect of mentally ill individuals if the incidents are reported to the system or if there is probable cause to believe that the incidents occurred". Any event deemed abusive or neglectful may be brought to the attention of P&A from any source. Once the alleged incident has been reported, P&A decides whether or not to investigate further according to its established policies, procedures, and priorities. See 42 USC 10805 for our system requirements including access authority.
Cases funded by PAIMI include people with mental illness who are currently institutionalized in a psychiatric facility/hospital and have complaints or questions concerning treatment by staff, rules, and release or transfer requests. In 2000, PAIMI expanded its mandate to include individuals with a serious mental illness residing in the community as well as those who are residents in institutions. PAIMI cases are handled by each issue team, contingent upon the priorities established for the teams.
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Eligibility |
You could be eligible for P&A assistance under the PAIMI program if a mental health professional says you have a significant psychiatric disability or emotional impairment and you meet one of P&A's annual priorities for cases. Click here for a list of P&A's 2007-2008 Priorities. Priorities in PDF format specific to PAIMI clients are indicated with a "PAIMI" after each criteria.
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PAIMI Advisory Council |
As part of PAIMI's legislation, P&A is required to have an Advisory Council that meets at least three times a year to provide and receive information on this particular disability community. The Advisory Council is comprised of attorneys, mental health professionals, and individuals from the public who are knowledgeable about mental illness. At least 60% of the membership shall be individuals who have received or are receiving mental health services or are family members of such individuals.
The primary purpose of the PAIMI Advisory Council is to make recommendations for the annual priorities of the PAIMI funding. Additionally, the PAIMI Council recommends to the P&A Board of Directors issues of concern and makes suggestions on areas that may need to be addressed systemically.
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Additional Web Resources for PAIMI |
The Mental Health Association in South Carolina
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health
South Carolina Department of Mental Health facilities' patient advocates
Olmstead Decision - Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law