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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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