Clients Rights

Clients Rights

As a client of The Kent Center, I have the right:

To be informed of my rights during orientation to The Kent Center, whenever The Kent Center makes a change in the rights statements, and upon verbal or written request.

To express a concern or complaint about services, staff or the operation of the Center, to have these concerns investigated, and be given a resolution to these concerns.

To be encouraged and assisted in exercising my rights without fear of discrimination, restraint, interference, or retaliation.

To be informed of my rights and to receive services in a language and manner I understand.

To not have services denied due to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, age, disability, source of financial support or any other handicap.

To receive information about services available at the Center, accreditation status, discharge policies, types of treatment, hours of operation, emergency contact procedures, concern and complaint procedures, and the rights of persons served.

To receive a copy of the Center’s statement regarding responsibilities of persons served, including procedures for being asked to leave a program and how to obtain assistance in resolving issues, accessing alternative services, written notification of discharge, and my rights to an appeal.

To be provided information about the cost of services proposed and rendered to myself or my family and to be provided, upon request, information regarding charges billed and payments made.

To be provided, upon request, information about credentials, training, professional experience, and specialization of staff providing services and their supervisors.

To treatment and services that are considerate and respectful of my values and beliefs.

To privacy, security and confidentiality of all information.

To be provided treatment and services in an environment free of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, humiliation, financial exploitation or any other human rights violation.

To be protected from being forced or compelled to do something I do not want to do.

To be informed about what to expect during the treatment process.

To be informed about and participate in decisions regarding treatment and to receive information in a timely manner on diagnoses; proposed treatment, services, and medications, including their benefits, risks, side effects, and any alternatives; limits to confidentiality; the right to refuse treatment, services and medications, to the extent permitted by law; and projected discharge date and plan.

To individualized treatment and services, including: provision for services within the most integrated setting appropriate to my needs, an individualized treatment plan that promotes recovery, ongoing review and mutually agreed upon adjustments to my plan, and competent, qualified, and experienced staff to supervise and carry out my treatment plan.

To be present and actively participate in the development and review of my treatment plan, and to choose people to assist in the development and monitoring of my plan.

To be offered a copy of my treatment plan.

To request a review of my treatment plan at any time during treatment.

To seek an independent opinion from a mental health or substance abuse professional, of my choice, regarding treatment and services.

To request a change of provider, clinician or service. If the request is denied, I will receive a written explanation as to why this request was denied.

To be given reasonable notice of and reasons for any proposed change in staff responsible for my treatment.

To object to any changes in treatment, services, or personnel, and the right to a clear written explanation if such objection cannot be accommodated.

To refuse treatment, services, or medication, except in an emergency situation, and to be advised of the potential risks and impact this may have on my treatment process.

To be referred to an alternative service, program, self-help supports, or other treatment setting if I am better served at a different level of care.

To be present and participate in planning aftercare activities and referrals to other services I may need.

To provide authorization, or refuse to provide authorization, for participation in treatment or for the release of confidential information to family members and/or others.

To access my clinical record unless it is determined clinically inadvisable and to be informed of any reason for denial to access.

To be given information regarding my legal rights in relation to the Representative Payee process, when applicable.

To refuse to participate in any research project without affecting my access to treatment or services.

To be informed of the following before being asked to consent to participate in a research project: treatment proposed, benefits expected, potential discomfort and risks, alternative services that might benefit me, procedures to be followed, and methods of addressing privacy, confidentiality, and safety.

To receive a copy of the Center’s Privacy Notice stating my rights under the Privacy Rule.

To be informed of the Center’s responsibility to report abuse and/or neglect to the appropriate protection agencies.

To provide input into program policies and services through satisfaction surveys.

To exercise citizenship privileges.

To have access to protective and advocacy services, such as the Mental Health or Child Advocate.

The Kent Center CONCERN & COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

I understand that, as a client or former client, I have the right to express a concern or complaint to any Kent Center staff member or may ask for the help of an advocate to do so. The staff member providing assistance shall make every attempt to resolve an expressed concern as quickly as possible without discrimination or recrimination. When a concern is not resolved at this level, it shall be considered a formal complaint. I will be offered a copy of the complaint resolution procedure and given assistance in writing and submitting the complaint to the Human Rights Officer, or other advocate, if requested. The complaint shall be logged by the Human Rights Officer, and within four (4) business days of making a formal complaint, I will receive a written and verbal confirmation of the Human Rights Officer’s receipt of the complaint.

Within five (5) business days or less of the receipt of the complaint, the Human Rights Officer shall make an attempt at early resolution. If the issue is not resolved, the Human Rights Officer shall investigate the complaint by gathering the facts and by speaking with the people involved, and/or those with collateral information.

The investigation shall be completed within fifteen (15) business days or less from the date of the Human Rights Officer’s receipt of the complaint. If the issue is resolved, a report noting the resolutions shall be forwarded to the designated department or staff person. If the issue is not resolved, I will be informed of my right to appeal to the Department and offered assistance to do so. I understand I shall have the option to choose an advocate and assistance with contacting an advocate shall be offered. If the issue is resolved, a written notification of the resolutions shall be forwarded to me and the CEO or designee.

I understand I may access the State Mental Health Advocate, the State Child Advocate/Mental Health Consumer Advocate, the Dept. of Mental Health, Retardation & Hospitals and/or CARF regarding a complaint at any time or if I believe to be in imminent danger or fear retaliation.