N.C. Gen. Stat. § 131E-123: Civil action.

Every patient shall have the right to institute a civil action for injunctive relief to enforce the provisions of this Part. The Department, a general guardian, or any person appointed as guardian ad litem pursuant to law, may institute an action pursuant to this section on behalf of the patient or patients. Any agency or person named above may enforce the rights of the patient specified in this Part which the patient is unable to personally enforce. (1977, c. 897, s. 1; 1983, c. 775, s. 1.)