You have the right to be treated in a considerate, safe and respectful manner, without discrimination as to race, ethnicity, color, disability, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, or source of payment. You have the right to ask questions about any aspects of therapy and about my specific training and experience. You may also request that I refer you to another therapist and are free to end therapy at anytime.
The North Carolina General Statutes and Administrative Code outlines rules and regulations about Consumer Rights. It is important that your rights are protected. It is important that your rights are not violated.
Consumer rights include, but are not limited to:
• You have the right to dignity, privacy, and humane care.
• You have the right to be free of mental abuse, physical abuse, neglect and exploitation.
• You have the right to treatment, regardless of your age or disability. The treatment you receive will be age appropriate.
• The right to receive information about the organization, its services, its practitioners/providers and member rights presented in a manner appropriate to the consumer’s ability to understand.
• The right to participate with your provider in making decisions regarding health care, including the right to refuse treatment.
• You have the right to refuse treatment at any time. However, it is strongly encouraged that you discuss this with your provider.
• The right to a candid discussion with your provider of appropriate or medically necessary treatment options for their conditions, regardless of cost or benefit coverage. Clients may need to decide among relevant treatment options, the risks, benefits, and consequences, including their right to refuse treatment and to express their preferences about future treatment decisions regardless of benefit coverage limitation.
• The right to voice complaints or appeals about the organization or the care it provides.
• The right to be free from any form of restraint or seclusion used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation.
• The right to request and receive a copy of his or her medical record, subject to therapeutic privilege, as set forth in NC G.S. 122C-53(d) and to request that the medical record be amended or corrected in accordance with 45 C.F.R. Part 164 and the provisions of NC G.S. 122C-53(d). If the doctor or therapist determines that this would be detrimental to the physical or mental well-being of the person, the person can request that the information be sent to a physician or professional of his/her choice.
• The right to participate in the development of a written person-centered treatment plan that builds on individual needs, strengths, and preferences. A treatment plan must be implemented within thirty (30) days of admission.
• The right to take part in the development and periodic review of a treatment plan and to consent to treatment goals in it.
• The right to freedom of speech and freedom of religious expression.
• The right to treatment in the most normal, age-appropriate and least restrictive environment possible.
• The right to make recommendations regarding the organization’s member rights and responsibilities policy.
• Your care is confidential. Even the fact that you are receiving services is confidential. Information about you can only be shared when:
1. You have given written consent.
2. You have been ordered by a court of law.
3. You become a danger to yourself or others and it is necessary for someone to submit involuntary commitment papers or find hospital placement for you.
4. You are likely to commit a serious crime. Your provider will share the information with the appropriate law enforcement agency.
What do I do if I want to file a complaint or grievance?
We encourage you to discuss your concerns directly with your provider. However, we are aware that there
are times when issues cannot be resolved. Sometimes you may also feel that you are not able to discuss your
concerns with your provider. If you would like to talk about your complaint or grievance with someone
other than your provider, you can call:
• Disability Rights of North Carolina numbers are 1-877-235-4210 and 1-919-856-2195
*additional agreement needed
**this statement may not apply to all individuals.
***please see Electronic Communication Policy