Client Rights and Responsibilities: Substance Use Disorder Services

In addition to your Client Rights and Responsibilities, specific rights exist for clients seeking substance use treatment.

Your Rights:

  • To be fully informed, as evidenced by a client’s written acknowledgment, of the rights, responsibilities, rules and regulations that apply to the client's conduct and the consequences of non-compliance;
  • To the receipt of adequate and humane services, regardless of sources of financial support
  • To the receipt of services within the least restrictive environment possible
  • To receive an assessment that is used to develop an individual comprehensive treatment plan;
  • To participate in the planning of his/her treatment plan and to treatment based on same
  • To a periodic staff review of the your treatment plan;
  • To access or amend their individual client record in accordance with the HIPAA laws
  • To an adequate number of competent, qualified and experienced professional clinical staff to implement and supervise the treatment plan;
  • To be informed of treatment alternatives or alternative modalities;
  • To be encouraged and assisted throughout treatment to understand and exercise his/her rights as a client and a citizen, including
    • The right to report any cases of suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation of clients being served in the program, in accordance with applicable State law and abuse reporting procedures;
    • The right to a grievance and appeal process;
    • The right to recommend changes in policies and services;
  • To be informed regarding the financial aspects of treatment, including the consequences of nonpayment of required fees
  • To be informed of the extent to and limits of confidentiality, including the use of identifying information for central registry and/or program evaluation purposes
  • To receive a copy of consent for a release of confidential information after the form is signed by you.
  • To not be used for the solicitation of funds or other contributions by the program
  • To communicate with family and significant others outside the program including:
    • To conduct private telephone conversations with family and significant others, unless otherwise justified in the client’s case record and explained to the client;
    • To send and receive mail in uncensored condition. Mail may be inspected in the presence of a staff member.
  • To be informed if visitors are expected at the program;
  • To appeal treatment decisions made by staff in accordance with the programs grievance policy