The Human
Rights Committee (HRC) is a committee of the Alamance-Caswell LME’s Board
of Directors. Members of the HRC are consumers, family members, and
community advocates.
Responsibilities of HRC members
- Contribute to the protection of the rights of consumers
of the Alamance-Caswell catchment area
- Advocate for consumers and the services they need
- Review complaints/grievances, incidents, rights
violations
- Provide oversight of providers’ HRCs
- Help establish policies and procedures that affect
consumers
- Attend a monthly meeting
To become an HRC member
- An interest in advocating for the rights of consumers
- Complete an application
- Be nominated by the HRC
- Be approved by the Board
Are you interested?
- Contact Consumer Rights Coordinator, AC-LME at
336-513-4010
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The Stakeholder's Council provides an opportunity for
individuals and representatives from community agencies who have a vested
interest in community outcomes to receive updates about the MH/DD/SAS
system, to share their expertise in identifying service gaps, and
collaborating to meet identified needs.
When: 10:00 AM -
Noon, 4th Wednesday of January, April, July, & October
Where: Human
Service Center, 1st Floor Training Room, 319 N. Graham Hopedale
Road
(McKinney
Street Entrance), Burlington NC |
If you are currently receiving Mental Health,
Developmental Disability, or Substance Abuse Services you have certain
rights and responsibilities. A right is something that
you are entitled to by law. A responsibility is
something that you are obligated to do to the best of your ability.
It is important that you know and understand your rights and
responsibilities. By doing so you will be able to make better
decisions about your care, know what is expected of you, get the best
services possible, resolve any problems, and know if your rights are being
violated.
The following are a list of your
rights:
THE RIGHT TO TREATMENT
Services cannot be
denied to you without good cause. Any fees that you are responsible
for should be discussed at your first meeting.
THE RIGHT TO
BE TREATED WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT
The people providing
services to you should be kind and courteous. They should be
attentive to your needs and listen to what you have to
say.
THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS
Although
you may be receiving mental health, developmental disability, or substance
abuse services, you have the same rights as any other
person.
THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE YOUR PROVIDER(S)
You
have the choice of which providers you want to work with and receive
services from.
THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL ASPECTS OF
YOUR TREATMENT
You are an essential member of your treatment
team and should be given the opportunity to participate in all treatment
planning meetings. You should also be an active participant in the
development of your “Person Centered Plan” including specific goals and
interventions best suited to your strengths and needs. You should be
given a copy of your “Person Centered Plan”.
THE RIGHT TO
REFUSE OR ACCEPT SERVICES
You can choose to accept or to refuse
any service, medication, or procedure. The only time that you can be
treated without your permission is during an emergency, if a court has
ordered treatment, or if your parent/legal guardian gives
permission.
THE RIGHT TO INFORMED
CONSENT
“Informed Consent” means that you have been given all
information about the services you will be receiving including benefits
and risks to you so that you can make the best decisions about your
care.
THE RIGHT TO CONFIDENTIALITY
All
information about you and your family must be kept private and
confidential. This information may not be shared with any person or
facility without your permission.
THE RIGHT TO BE PROTECTED
FROM ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION
No employee or volunteer at a
provider agency can knowingly inflict pain or injury to you, take any of
your belongings, or take advantage of you in any way. If a provider
is aware or suspects that you are being abused, neglected, or taking
advantage of it is their responsibility to report it immediately.
You may and should report any incidents or suspicions of abuse or
exploitation to someone you trust or to an officer of the
law.
THE RIGHT TO APPROPRIATE TREATMENT
Services
you receive should be age-appropriate and free from corporal
punishment. Services you receive should be provided in a safe,
comfortable place that suits your needs. Any medication you are
receiving should be medically necessary and should not be used as
punishment, discipline, or for the convenience of staff working with
you. You should understand why you are taking any medication and be
informed about any side effects. Physical restraints and/or
seclusion may not be used unless you pose an immediate risk to yourself,
to another person, or if you are destroying a great deal of property.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
It is very
important that your providers and you work together as a team. It is
the responsibility of your service provider to inform you about your
rights and to protect your rights. You also have the following
responsibilities as a member of your treatment team:
- You are responsible for cooperating with staff by providing
information about you, your symptoms, other providers you are working
with, and your needs.
- You are responsible for participating in all treatment team meetings
and following your Person-Centered Plan.
- You are responsible keeping all appointments and giving a 24-hour
notice when you are unable to attend a scheduled appointment.
- You are responsible for bringing your Medicaid/Medicare/Insurance
card with you to each appointment.
- You are responsible for letting your providers know about changes
with your name, address, phone number, insurance coverage, and
finances.
- You are responsible for treating your providers and other consumers
with dignity and respect.
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