51.   The effort to change the law has heightened concerns among patient rights advocates and former patients who worry that it could erode the rights of the mentally ill.

52.   The people seeking to return to Carville are former patients who want to receive the federal stipend.

53.   The proposals, some of which must be approved by the state Legislature, also come amid growing pressure from advocacy groups made up of former patients.

54.   The sentence for Vernon Rice drew gasps from former patients who testified that he groped them or worse.

55.   The state provides extensive community support programs for former patients, including halfway houses and treatment.

56.   The suspect, Theresa Mary Ramirez, a former patient of the slain doctor, was in guarded condition.

57.   Thomas contends that he used sterile needles, a claim disputed by former patients and their attorneys.

58.   Those counts were based on incidents investigated by police and prosecutors that involved nine former patients.

59.   Tipper and Al Gore and the first lady took turns interviewing mental health experts and former patients in a talk-show style format.

60.   Those in good repair that are meeting the needs of the former patients could qualify for money to improve the dwellings and the programs they offer.