Individual Rights Overview

Individuals receiving services at Clayton Center have their rights protected by the Rules and Regulations of the Department of Human Resources Division of Mental Health as contained in Chapter 290-4-9.  Clayton Center has an Individual Rights Committee in place to safeguard the rights of the persons served and to ensure that we are in compliance with the Georgia Rules and Regulations.

The following is a summary of Individual Rights:

You have the right to:

• Privacy with respect to your past, present and future mental health and substance abuse treatment and medical information.
• Know the limitations of confidentiality.
• Understand how to give permission to release or obtain information about your treatment, as well as how to revoke the permission.
• Review and obtain copies of your service record unless it is determined by the physician or other authorized staff not to be in your best interest.
• Converse privately.

You have the right to:

• Be involved in, to the extent possible, planning your treatment and to agree to and approve your treatment.
• Coordination to any concurrent services you receive.
• Have services provided in a way that fits your individual characteristics, needs, and abilities.
• A written Individualized Service Recovery/Resiliency Plan (ISRP) and be promptly and fully informed of any changes in the plan.
• Be provided with information in a timely manner to help you make the best decisions about your care.
• Refuse service, unless it is determined by a physician, APRN, LCSW, or licensed psychologist that you are unable to care for self, are dangerous to yourself or others, or a court mandates service.
• Be informed of how to get other help you may need through referral to:  a) guardians or conservators, b) self-help groups, c) advocacy services, and d) legal services.
• Know how to use services when you are in a crisis.
• Express your preferences regarding the composition of your service delivery team, including whom you want for a case manager, therapist, or other service provider.
• Give informed consent prior to involvement in any research project and adherence to research guidelines and ethics when involved.

You have the right to:

• Be treated with respect, dignity and kindness; free of mental abuse, such as humiliation, being threatened or taken advantage of.
• Receive treatment in the least restrictive environment available.
• Be free of physical abuse, verbal abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, harassment, humiliation, or physical punishment.
• Be free of any physical restraint or time-out procedure except for the purpose of providing effective treatment and protecting your safety and other persons.
• Have and retain personal property, which does not jeopardize your safety or the safety of other consumers and have such property treated with respect.
• Written information that explains when the use of special treatment interventions and restriction of rights would occur.
• Report violations of your rights and request an investigation without fear of retaliation.

You have the right to:

• Receive clinically appropriate treatment even if it is determined you are unable to pay.
• Know funds are used for providing treatment instead of financial gain.
• Be fully informed of the charges for treatment.
• Obtain a copy of the program’s most recently completed report of licensing inspections forms and have written notice or the address and telephone number.

You have the right to request clarification if you have any questions regarding these rights.

SUMMARY OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS COMPLAINT PROCESS

Services at Clayton Center will be given without discrimination based on political affiliation, religion, race, color, sex, mental or physical handicap, national origin, age, or sexual orientation.

Any person served, or person on behalf of the Individual, may file a complaint alleging that a client’s rights have been violated.  Once a complaint is received, the procedures outlined in the informal complaint process of Chapter 290-4-0 will be implemented.  A complaint form is available upon request and you may also make your complaint by phone or in person. 

An outline of the “Informal Complaint Process” is provided below.

INFORMAL COMPLAINT PROCESS

1. Talk with program staff to see if you can work out a solution.

2. If you cannot reach a solution working with the program staff, they will direct you to the appropriate supervisor or program manager.  This is another opportunity to find a solution.

3. If you cannot reach a solution working with that supervisor, talk with the Clayton Center Compliance Officer.  This is another opportunity to resolve your concern.

4. If you cannot reach a solution with the Compliance Officer, Staff will assist you in beginning the formal process of appeal to the Individual Rights Committee.

5. Your informal complaint will be addressed in a timely manner (generally 3-5 working days).  A complaint filed with the Individual Rights Committee is generally processed within 2 weeks.  You have the right to receive written notification of the findings of the committee.

Persons Served or persons acting on behalf of Individuals will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.

You may also contact: