Management of sexual relationships between adults with serious and persistent mental illness in residential care is a complex issue. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 is afederal law that defines the needfor long-term care facilities to protect the privacy and visitation rights of residents. State interpretations of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 and patient advocacy groups may exert pressure on administrators to consider the need to allow consensual sexual activity between residents. This research review of sexual behavior of people with serious and persistent mental illness provides evidence to guide decision making for policy formation, clinical practice, and research.
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