This is a summary of your rights as
a recipient of outpatient services under the Rights of Recipients of
Mental Health Services. You have a right to obtain a full copy of the
Rights from this agency or from the
Department of Mental Health and
Mental Retardation, State House Station 40, Augusta Maine 04333
(207-287-4200) (TTY 207-287-2000). If you are hearing impaired or do not understand
English, an interpreter will be made available to you so you can
understand your rights.
- Basic Rights. You have the same civil,
human and legal rights which all citizens have. You have the right to
be treated with courtesy and full respect for your individuality and
dignity.
- Confidentiality and Access to Records.
You have the right to have your records kept confidential and only
released with your fully informed signed consent. You have the right to
review your record at any reasonable time. You may add written comments
to your record to clarify information you believe is inaccurate or
incomplete. No one else can see your record unless you specifically
authorize them to see it, except in instances described in the complete
Rights book.
- Individualized Treatment or Service Plan.
You have the right to an individualized plan, developed by you and
your worker, based upon your needs and goals. The plan must be in
writing and you have the right to a copy of it. The plan needs to
specifically detail what everyone will do, the time frames in which the
tasks and goals will be accomplished and how success will be
determined. The plan must be based upon your actual needs and, if
needed service is not available, detail how your need will be met.
- Informed Consent. No services or
treatment can be provided to you against your will. If you have a
guardian, he or she may be authorized to make decisions without your
consent. You have the right to be informed of the possible risks and
anticipated benefits of all services and treatment, including
medications, in a manner which you understand. If you have any
questions, you may ask your worker or anyone else you choose before
making decisions about treatment or services. If a guardian has been
authorized to make decisions for you, the guardian has the right to be
fully informed of all risks and benefits of proposed treatment or
services.
- Assistance in the Protections of your Rights.
You have the right to appoint a representative of your choice to help
you understand your rights, protect your rights or help you work out a
treatment or service plan. If you wish a representative, you must
designate this person in writing. You can have access to the
representative at any time you wish and you can change or cancel the
designation at any time.
- Freedom from Seclusion and Restraint.
You cannot be secluded or restrained in an out-patient setting.
- Right to File a Grievance. You have the
right to bring a grievance to challenge any possible violation of your
rights or any questionable practices. You have the right to have your
grievance answered in writing, with reasons for the decision. You may
appeal any decision to the Division of Mental Health. You may not
be punished in any way for filing a grievance. For help with
grievances, you may contact the Office of Advocacy Services, P.O. Box
2007, Augusta, Maine 04333 (telephone: 1-800-452-1948).
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