Client Responsibilities

Every Client is responsible for:

Providing information about past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters related to health status, including a copy of their written advance directive if necessary.
Being respectful to other clients, staff, and clinic property. Any recordings done without written permission, disrespectful communication to staff or other employees or volunteers working in the building, threats or coercion will result in automatic discharge.
Client is responsible for loss or damage to clinic or building property.
If the client is responsible in any way for an injury to staff, patient assumes liability and a worker's compensation. A claim may be pursued.
Telling their providers if they expect problems in following prescribed treatment.
Keeping appointments. A 24-hour cancellation notice is required, or a cancellation charge may be incurred. Attending scheduled appointments consistently as determined between client and providers.
Provider has the right to cancel further sessions if the patient is not attending consistently, with the obligation that other referral options will be provided.
Giving necessary information for insurance claims and for working with Aurora Lake Mental Health to make payment arrangements, when necessary.
Protecting their belongings. Aurora Lake Mental Health is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Communicating any questions or concerns they have to our staff, and it is our staff's responsibility to follow up on these questions or concerns.

*For more information, talk to your provider.

Client Bill of Rights

Every client has the right to:

• Upon admission, be informed of their legal rights for their protection throughout their course of treatment. A copy of these rights will be made available.

• Be treated with courtesy and respect. Aurora Lake Mental Health staff is responsible for considering the patient’s individuality and family as it relates to their ethnic, social, religious, and psychological background and to provide services that will meet these needs.

• Respectfulness and privacy as it relates to their medical and personal care program. No personal health information will be made available to any organization, agency, or individual without the patient’s written consent. This right does not apply to complaint investigations and inspections by the department of health, where required by third party payment contracts, or where otherwise provided by law. For best possible patient care, a case may be discussed with a supervising provider during case consultation or supervision.

• Be informed prior to a photograph or audio/video recording being made of the patient. The patient has the right to refuse these recordings or photographs.

• Be given current information concerning their diagnosis, treatment, alternatives, risks, and prognosis in terms the patient can reasonably understand. The patient can refuse this information. When it is not advisable to give the information to the patient it may be available to the appropriate person on their behalf.

• Know by name and specialty their mental health provider responsible for their care and expect that their provider has met the minimal qualifications required by state law to practice in their specialty. Patients have the right to request and receive information about their program and service. Patients shall be fully informed of the services available and the related charges. • Reasonable regularity and continuity of care as far as policy allows.

• Make decisions about the plan of care before and during treatment, the right to refuse treatment, to participate in experimental research, and to take medications (unless court ordered). This right includes involving a family member or other chosen representative in your treatment.

• Be free from mental, emotional and physical maltreatment and non-therapeutic chemical and physical restraints, except in emergency situations or as authorized in writing after examination by their physician for a specified and limited period of time when necessary to protect the patient from injury to themselves or others.

• A prompt and reasonable response to their questions and requests.

• Request their own medical records and approve or refuse release of medical records to any individual outside the facility.

• Voice grievances and recommended changes in policies and services and be informed of the process to voice these grievances, including the ability to report grievances to the provider’s licensing board. Aurora Lake’s grievance procedure and form can be found online at elliementalhealth.com.

• Reasonable access to any available rights protection services and advocacy services so that the patient may receive assistance in understanding, exercising, and protecting their rights.