Client Rights & Responsibilities

POLICY: Individuals receiving service at the Company have both rights and responsibilities. Clients and participants will be educated about their rights and responsibilities in a variety of ways (e.g., posters in service locations, in written form, by staff through the intake and assessment process).

Limitations

Clients have the right to ask for a change of therapist; however, the request will only be granted when it is reasonable, and an alternative exists. Requests that are discriminatory in nature will not be granted. Clients will then have the right to terminate services if they so desire.

Procedures

• Staff will explain to clients their rights and responsibilities as a regular part of the intake, assessment, and every year at the time of the annual review.
• Program managers will ensure the client rights and responsibilities statement (below) is available in written form to clients and participants and in the client's preferred language.
• Staff will ensure they are familiar with the Company's privacy policies and procedures so that they can answer clients' questions and assist clients in exercising their rights regarding their records.

Sample Client Form (Appendix 8 - Client Rights and Responsibilities)

YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS A CLIENT OF THE COMPANY When you receive services from the Company, you have the right to:

• File a complaint: We will investigate your complaints (See Complaint Section).
• Suggest changes. You are invited to suggest changes in any aspect of the services we provide.
• Have your civil rights protected. Your civil rights are protected by federal and state laws.
• Cultural/spiritual/gender considerations. You may request services from someone with training or experiences from a specific cultural, spiritual, or gender orientation. If these services are not available, we will help you in the referral process.
• Participate in treatment. You have the right to take part in formulating your treatment plan.
• Refuse Services. You may refuse services offered to you and be informed of any potential consequences.
• Request restrictions. You may request restrictions on the use of your protected health information; however, we are not required to agree with the request.
• Inspect and obtain a copy. You have the right to obtain a copy and/or inspect your protected health information; however, we may deny access to certain records, and we will discuss this decision with you.
• Request an amendment of Records. You have the right to request an amendment in your records; however, this request could be denied. If denied, your request will be kept in the records.
• Discuss your treatment. You may discuss your treatment with your doctor or attorney.
• Receive an accounting of disclosures. You have the right to receive an accounting of disclosures of your protected health information that you have not authorized.

Your Rights to Receive Information

• We will provide you with information describing any potential risks of medications prescribed at our facility.
• We will inform you of how much you will pay.
• You will be informed as to what behaviors or violations could lead to termination of services at our clinic.
• You will be informed of the limits of confidentiality and how your protected health information will be used.
• Policy Changes.

Our Ethical Obligations

• We dedicate ourselves to serving the best interest of each client.
• We will not discriminate between clients or professionals based on age, race, creed, disabilities, handicaps, preferences, or other personal concerns.
• We maintain an objective and professional relationship with each client.
• We respect the rights and views of other mental health professionals.
• We will appropriately end services or refer clients to other programs when appropriate.
• We will evaluate our personal limitations, strengths, biases, and effectiveness on an ongoing basis for self-improvement. We will continually attain further education and training.
• We hold respect for various institutional and managerial policies but will help improve such policies if the best interest of the client is served.

Client's Responsibilities

• You are responsible for your financial obligations to the clinic as outlined in the Payment Contract for Services (see Appendix 9).
• You are responsible for following policies of the clinic.
• You are responsible for treating staff and fellow patients in a respectful and cordial way. Their rights are not to be violated.
• You are responsible for providing accurate information about yourself.

What to do if you believe your rights have been violated: If you believe that your patient rights have been violated, contact our office director.

Transportation services provided by the Company, including eligibility, safety standards, and responsibilities of both clients and staff, are detailed in Appendix 27 - Agency-Provided Transportation Services. Clients and guardians will be informed of these procedures as part of their rights and responsibilities.

Criteria and procedures related to termination or discharge from services are outlined in Appendix 24 - Discharge and Transition of Services Policy and Appendix 24.1 - Discharge / Transfer Notification. Clients will be informed of discharge conditions and provided appropriate transition planning when services are concluded.