POLICY TITLE:
Clients Rights / POLICY #:
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CATEGORY:
Rights of Persons Served / POLICY #:
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POLICY TITLE:
Clients Rights / ISSUED:
July 1, 2002 / LAST REVISED:
January 11, 2010
WRITTEN BY:
Norma Zuniga-Cardoza, COO / APPROVED BY:
Pierluigi Mancini, Ph.D., NCAC II, CEO

Policy:

It is the policy of the Clinic for Education, Treatment and Prevention of Addiction, Inc. (CETPA) to support and protect the fundamental human, constitutional, and statutory rights of clients served by CETPA programs.

Procedures:

  1. All clients are to be treated with dignity and respect at all times. The clients’ right to privacy is protected.
  2. CETPA protects the rights of clients in accordance with Georgia Rules and Regulations Chapter 290-4-9, Client Rights and Federal statutes related to rights of substance abusers (42CFR, Part 21).
  3. Program rules governing client participation in a specific program, where such rules are in place, is conveyed to the client in a means understandable to him/her. This is documented either by a signed form placed in the client’s clinical record or by the posting of “program rules” at service sites.
  4. Consent for services are obtained from voluntary clients and are included in the clinical record. If the client is a minor (except for minors with a drug related primary diagnosis) or is not legally competent to give informed consent, the person legally able to give consent does so, and it is documented in the clinical record.
  5. Prior to the beginning of service delivery and/or at initiation of service delivery, each client is informed of his/her rights and the procedures necessary to access information in the client’s clinical record. This explanation of rights and procedures is documented in the client’s clinical record. Clients who are served in a program longer than one year will have his/her rights reviewed annually and documented in the clinical record. In addition, each client will be given a copy of the CETPA Client Rights and Responsibilities in the Client Orientation Book. If the client is in extreme or urgent emotional despair at the time of admission, he/she will be informed of his/her rights at an appropriate time during treatment. Copies of Client Rights are available at all times for review and clarification.
  6. Each client served will be given a copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices and asked to sign an acknowledgement of the receipt of the Notice, which will be filed in the client’s clinical record.
  7. These documents will be available in English and Spanish. Should the client not be able to read, the documents will be read to the client.
  8. It is the responsibility of each Program Director to implement procedures to safeguard the rights of clients served at CETPA by:
  9. Providing clients and families a written summary of rights, which is expressed in a way they can understand.
  10. Reporting alleged violations of client rights to the Compliance Officer/COO.
  11. Ensuring that the client’s health information is maintained in a private manner and is disclosed in accordance with policy and procedures.
  12. Ensuring that clients served by the programs of CETPA are aware of the Complaint/Grievance Procedures and provides assistance to the client who desires to file a complaint/grievance if an additional discussion cannot resolve the problem.
  13. CETPA prohibits abuse, financial exploitation, retaliation, humiliation and neglect of clients as outlined in the CETPA Code of Conduct. Disciplinary and appropriate legal action will be taken against staff, contractors and volunteers (including student volunteers) who have engaged in such behavior.
  14. All alleged instances of abuse, exploitation, retaliation, humiliation, and neglect of a client will be reported immediately to the immediate supervisor, Program Director, Compliance/COO Officer and Chief Executive Officer.
  15. All alleged instances of abuse or neglect will be thoroughly investigated and the findings documented as required by the Administrative Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia.
  16. Results of the investigation will be summarized with recommendations and presented to the Board and Management Team
  17. Staff who suspect or have evidence of abuse or neglect of clients, either children or adults who are served by CETPA are required by law to report the information to the local Department of Family and Children Services.
  18. Any wages paid to clients engaged in supported work, prevocational and/or vocational training or working within any of CETPA programs should be in accordance with applicable local, state and Federal requirements. It is the responsibility of all CETPA staff to protect clients from exploitation when they are engaged in pre-vocational and/or vocational training or productive work.
  19. Financial interest of clients in CETPA community programs will be protected to include but not limited to the following:
  20. Assisting the client in applying for financial benefits for which he/she is eligible.
  21. Assuring that the client receives funds for incidentals and for special needs that are due them under public and private support programs.
  22. Providing assistance to the client and assuring appropriate protection of his/her Funds.
  23. Each program of CETPA is encouraged to advocate for clients served by supporting, representing (as appropriate) and safeguarding client interest.
  24. Client Grievance Procedure posters are displayed in client service areas in the lobby area.
  25. Clients will be informed of the risks, side effects and benefits of all recommended medication(s) and treatment procedures. A signed consent will be obtained and filed in the client record.
  26. It is the responsibility of all staff that suspects or has knowledge of violations of client rights to report it in writing to their supervisor.

Attachments:

Client Informed Consent Form

Client Orientation Book

Notice of Privacy Practice

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