Confidentiality - §130. Confidentiality of records; §870. Written records management policy.
• The right to confidential maintenance of information about yourself and treatment received. We may not tell a person outside this agency that you attend our programs or discuss any information identifying you as a client within our services without your written authorization, unless compelled by law (including court orders, medical emergency, insurance inquiry or requests for subsequent authorization of services, suspected abuse or neglect, to report a crime, or a threat to harm someone, etc.). • The right to have your records kept in a locked file in a locked room and/or maintained electronically in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Access to Information and Records
- representative and, under most conditions, the right to have a copy of your own record at your expense.
- The right to access information in sufficient time to facilitate your decision-making.
- The right to ask your healthcare provider for current information in understandable terms regarding your diagnosis, treatment, and anticipated outcome.
The right to exercise constitutional, statutory, and civil rights, except those denied or limited by court action. No person shall, on the grounds of race, religion, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, age, handicap, or sexual preference, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the River City in the provision of its services.
The right to humane care and protection from harm. Staff members are prohibited from any use of psychological abuse, including humiliating, threatening, and exploiting actions. All instances of abuse, neglect or exploitation should be reported to River City staff immediately.
The right to waive your rights. At no time will admission to services be conditional upon a person's waiver of their rights. However, you retain the option to waive any of your rights. Such a waiver must be given voluntarily, knowingly, and in writing and can be withdrawn at any time.
• The right to have informed consent, refusal, or expression of choice regarding: 1) the delivery of services; 2) release of confidential information; 3) any concurrent services; or 4) the composition of your treatment team. • The right to have your guardian, next of kin, or legally authorized responsible person be granted the right to exercise, to the extent permitted by law, your rights if you have been declared incompetent in accordance with the law; are found by your health care provider to be medically incapable of understanding the proposed treatment or procedure; are unable to communicate your wishes regarding treatment; or are a minor.
The right to contact or consult with legal counsel of your choice at your own expense.
Consumer Advocate: Questions, Concerns, Complaints, or Grievances (see page 8 for explanation of these terms)
• The right to have your questions answered, to make complaints about services you receive, violations of these rights, and to have those complaints heard and addressed promptly. • If you have a grievance or complaint, River City staff will contact you within 3 days to discuss the complaint and update you as to the status of the investigation.
Financial: Explanation of Treatment Fees and your Bill
• The right to information regarding fees for services and programs. This includes being notified of what services may be involved, additional charges, the nature of the charges and methods of payment. • The right to information about your bill*. (*Medicaid does not allow providers to furnish a copy of the bill to the client.) • The right to inquire about financial assistance in paying your bill. • If a client meets the criteria for “failed services” (as set forth by DMAS and defined as the services not effectively treating or resolving the client’s mental health and/or behavioral issues within a certain timeframe), they have the right to be referred to an appropriate or alternative level of service.