Patient Rights  

The patients have the following protection and rights:

1. To privacy.

2. To confidentiality of and access of records including:

a. Written authorization for the release of information;

b. Emergency authorization release;

c.  Internal access to records;

d. External access to records; and

e. Conditions for access to records

3.  To confidentiality in treatment and counseling; information regarding child abuse or neglect is not protected information and must be reported to the  authorities.

4.  To complaint/grievance procedures, including appeal proceedings.

5.  To be informed of the financial aspects of treatment.

6.  To consent to treatment or to be informed of the need for parental or guardian consent for treatment, if appropriate.

7.  To be informed of the nature of possible significant adverse affects of the recommended treatment, including any appropriate and available alternative treatments, services and types of providers of substance abuse services.

8.  To give prior consent before being involved in research projects.  Counselors, at times, may plan, design, conduct and report research in a manner consistent with pertinent ethical principals, federal and state laws and host institutional regulations.  Any research will have the consent of the patient.

9.   To manage personal financial affairs, unless legally determined otherwise.

10.   To actively participate in treatment, including discharge planning, if appropriate.

11.   To actively participate in all counseling modes offered by the center.

12.   To be protected from harm, including any form of abuse, neglect or mistreatment.

13.   To receive treatment and care in a safe and humane environment.

14.   To receive the least restrictive treatment appropriate and available.

15.   T o expect that any search and seizure will be conducted according with program standards.

16.   To request increases/decreases in daily methadone dosages.

17.   To request detoxification when ready for drug-free living.

18.   To request special take-home privileges if reasons can be supported and verified.

19.   To have a primary counselor appointed; may also request a change in primary counselor.

20.   To be treated by staff with respect. 

21.   To transfer to another methadone treatment program; and receive assistance with the request if notification is received in advance of transfer.

22.   To report any allegations of abuse.

23.   To be informed of the means of accessing a DMH advocacy representative.