Patients Rights

Reviewed 02/05

ADMISSION INTO A TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE SURRENDER OF YOUR RIGHTS AS A HUMAN BEING. NEW DIRECTIONS FOR WOMEN SUPPORTS AND PROTECTS THE FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN, CIVIL, CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUATORY RIGHTS OF EACH PATIENT. WE WANT YOU TO BE INVOLVED IN YOUR CARE, AND AS SUCH, YOU, AS THE PATIENT, AND/OR YOUR FAMILY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 9, CHAPTER 4 OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

1. Reasonable access to treatment, adequate and humane services regardless of your race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, handicap, or financial status. NDFW does not discriminate and accords equal treatment and services regardless of race, ethnic group, identification, religion or national origin. Organizational policies are maintained in our Administrative Offices and may be examined upon request during normal business hours.
2. Provision of services within the least restrictive environment possible that preserve personal dignity.
3. Be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations (e.g. furnishings and equipment) to meet his/her needs.
4. Be free from intellectual, emotional and/or physical abuse, retaliation, humiliation, and neglect.
5. Communication regarding your assessment, diagnoses and treatment options.
6. Participate in the development of an individualized treatment plan, which is reviewed regularly by the treatment team, as well as communication regarding changes to your plan or the staff that work with you, regardless of your source of financial support.
7. Care that is considerate respects your personal value/belief system, by an adequate number of competent, qualified, and experienced professional clinical staff.
8. Freedom from censorship of mail or phone calls, unless therapeutically contraindicated.
9. Assurance of your health and safety. Emergency medical treatment is arranged for and transportation provided, but New Directions for Women is not responsible for patient’s medical bills if they are hurt or require medical attention while in treatment.
10. Information/participation regarding the nature of your care, procedures and treatments you will receive, including any side-effects, risks, and benefits of all medications and treatments, alternative treatments available (transfers), and your right to refuse medications and treatments.
11. Freedom from requirement to perform tasks that may cause injury or emotional trauma. A part of treatment is personal care, which includes making your bed, dusting your area and community chores.
12. Request the opinion of a consultant, at your own expense, seek concurrent services, or an in-house review of your treatment plan. Access information pertinent to your treatment in sufficient time to facilitate your decision making.
13. Access self help advocacy support services as well as legal entities for appropriate representation if necessary.
14. Visits from family and significant others, regardless of age, unless contraindicated.
15. Obtain the costs, as appropriate, itemized whenever possible, of services rendered, the source of our reimbursement and any limitations placed on the duration of services and be free from financial or other exploitation.
16. Rules and regulations of NDFW that govern your conduct during your stay with us. Please refer to the statement of “Patient Standards.”
17. Confidentiality and privacy as outlined in your “Patient Standards” and in accordance with federal regulations (Title 42, Section 2.1 thought 2.67-1).
18. Plans for meeting and continuing mental and physical health requirements following discharge.
19. To express your personal values, belief systems, and cultural practices. You are encouraged to discuss it with clinical/medical staff. However, these beliefs and practices may not harm others or interfere with the planned course of action.
20. To be free to attend religious services or activities of his/her choices and to have visits from advisors of his/her choice. Attendance at religious services, either outside or at the facility, shall be on a completely voluntary basis; and NDFW Staff will determine time, transportation and appropriate accompaniment to services.
21. Leave treatment at your own responsibility. If at any time you desire to leave, please discuss this decision with staff so that appropriate procedures can be followed and we can arrange for safe transportation to your home.
22. If during your stay, staff makes a judgment that you pose as a threat to yourself or others, it is our
    responsibility to seek appropriate legal action. This will include the involvement of the police or orders for
    involuntary treatment at another facility.
23. You have the right to participate in consideration of ethical issues, including patient grievance, surrogate
    decision-makers, withholding resuscitation and life preserving treatments (advance directives), and
    investigational studies or clinical trials.
24. The right to file a complaint or grievance either orally, written or through established NDFW procedure. If complaint or grievance is not satisfied through NDFW procedures, you may, in accordance with Title 9, chapter 4 Section 10544 (c), of the California Code of Regulations, file a complaint with the State of California at: Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, Quality Assurance Branch, Licensing and Certification Section, 1700 K street, Sacramento, Ca 92814-3279, Attention: Complaint Coordinator, (916) 322-2911.

The Medical Director (Addiction Specialist and Licensed Psychiatrist), Clinical Supervisor (Licensed MFT) and Clinical Director (MFTI) are primarily responsible for all care and services provided at all locations. This includes authorizing procedures and treatments to be used by professional staff during your treatment at NDFW.

Members of NDFW’s professional staff provide clinical procedures and treatments. If you are being admitted to an inpatient program, the identity of the professional staff member who will be primarily responsible for performing/directing these procedures/treatments will be given to you upon admission.

Anyone in our care, who experiences an after-hour emergency of a clinical or medical nature can receive assistance. The NDFW staff member on duty will assess the situation, and, as appropriate, take action or contact appropriate clinical and/or medical staff available on beeper/cell phone.