Rights of Persons Served

• You have the right to receive the best care that we can offer without regard to race, gender, age, religious beliefs, sexual preference, national origin(s), or disability.

• You have the right to be treated courteously and with respect at all times. BGHS expressly prohibits the use of physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, or harassment and physical punishment. Behaviors that are disrespectful, humiliating, retaliatory, threatening, or exploitive will not be tolerated. Persons served will not be exploited for financial gain.

• You are entitled to receive services in accordance with a treatment/recovery plan that you were involved in designing. This plan deals with your special needs and states your goals and objectives, and the methods that you and the staff will use to meet them.

• You are entitled to receive information regarding your diagnosis and progress in terms that you can understand. All services at BGHS are voluntary and your consent is necessary regarding any decisions affecting your services.

• Because services are voluntary, you may expect to be the person most involved in any decision to withdraw from services. A temporary or permanent withdrawal of some or all of your services or a restriction of rights may occur only under the following circumstances: (1) you are participating in criminal activity; or (2) your behavior towards others is abusive, threatening, harassing, or assaultive.

• You may expect that your clinical record will be kept confidential and that access to information about you will be limited to those legitimately involved in your care. Your protected health information will not be released without your express consent except in cases of a medical emergency, in response to a court order, or as allowed by law.

• You may review your clinical record, except when restricted by law, and have the information explained or interpreted as necessary.

• You will be informed, in advance, of any research aspect of your care and be able to decline participation without jeopardizing your access to care and treatment.

• You have the right to receive information about fees and payments for the services you receive, as well as an explanation of any bill for those services, regardless of how it is to be paid.

• You have the right to know the identity and professional status of your service providers and to express your preferences regarding the choice of case managers, therapists, or other service providers.

• You have the right to express concerns about the services you have received, any program policies, and/or the conduct of a staff person without fear of retaliation. If you experience a problem, have a complaint, or feel that your rights have been violated, you can have these issues responded to by contacting BGHS' Director of Quality Management at (203) 736-2601, or by using our on-line contact form.