No, they have the right to receive and send, without interference, uncensored, unopened mail or electronic correspondence. You may not open the items unless they have given you permission.
Be free from Maltreatment
Protection-related
Is it okay to share privileged medical or personal information about one person served to another person served or other support teams?
No, they have the right to have personal, financial, service, health, and medical information kept private.
Jane hasn't completed her program/outcome for the evening and would like to watch a movie. Staff tell Jane that she has to finish her program before she can watch the movie.
All persons served have the right to engage in chosen activities. Staff are violating their rights in this situation, telling the person served they have to complete their program before partipating in a activity of their choice.
How often do we review the Individual Rights with the person served and their support team?
Upon Admission, 45-Day Meeting, and Annually thereafter, unless a Rights Restriction is being implemented after these meetings.
Can a person served have visitors at their home?
Yes, they have the right to choose the visitors and the times of visits and have privacy for these visits.
Refuse or terminate services and be informed of the consequences of refusing or terminating services
Service-related
Can you remove or take objects away from a person served? Is there an exception?
No, they have the right to have access to their personal possessions at any time, the exception to this is if they are using the item as a weapon. You may remove the item and return it to the person served when they are calm.
John went to see his primary physician for his Annual Wellness Exam, his physician shared a new research study to help prevent hearing voices in his head. John was interested and wanted to sign up for the study. Staff told John he could not sign up for the study because there was not enough research completed for the study.
All persons served have the right to give or withhold informed consent to participate in any research or experimental treatment. The Staff can suggest to have John speak with his Legal Representative to ensure he knows all of the information regarding the experimental treatment before giving consent.
When can a Rights Restriction be implemented?
When their health, safety, and well-being are at risk.
How many nutritionally balanced meals and nutritious snacks are we required to provide to each person served?
Three nutritionally balanced meals with snacks between meals each day. Note: Personal items purchased can be eaten as they desire.
Receive services in a clean and safe environment
Protection-related
Can a person served look through or read their Program and Permanent Books?
Yes, they have the right to access records and recorded information about the person at anytime. They do not have access to look at their housemates information.
Julie requested a copy of her invoice that lists her Room & Board charges. Her staff told her don't worry about seeing the invoice, your Representative Payee makes sure your bills are paid.
A person served has the right to know what the charges are for services, regardless of who will be paying for the services, and be notified of changes in those charges. If Julie requests a copy of her invoice, she has the right to receive a copy.
Do we have to explain these rights to the person served in a manner in which they understand?
Yes
If a person served wants to attend a religious service, are staff required to take them?
Yes, they have the right to observe their cultural and ethnic practice, religion and to participate in activities of cultural and religion of your choice. Note: It's okay if the staff do not practice the same religion, but they still need to bring them to the service or activity of the person served choice.
Associate with other persons of the person's choice, in the community
Protection-related
Can a person served lock their bedroom door?
Yes, they have the right to privacy to the level they choose, including using a lock on their bedroom door. If there is a safety risk, you may enter their room if the door is locked.
Dave wants to use the house phone to call his sister. Another one of his roommates was on the phone with a family member. The staff responded to Dave, that he needs to be patient and wait for his roommate's phone call to end and then he can use the phone.
A person served has the right to have daily, private access to and use of a non-coin operated telephone for local calls and long distance calls. In this scenario, Staff did not restrict Dave as the phone was not available. If the phone was available and the staff told Dave he couldn't use the phone, that would be restricting Dave's rights.
How often does a Rights Restriction have to be reviewed and signed by the Legal Representative?
Semi-Annually, or every 6 months.
Can a person served decorate and furnish their bedroom?
Yes, they have the right to have a space that suits their preference, wants, and needs. The company will help support the person served in decorating their bedroom as they choose.
Participate in the development and evaluation of the services provided to the person
Service-related
Should a person served and their property be treated with courtesy and respect?
Yes, they have the right for their staff to respect the person served as an individual and other aspects of their life including their property.
All persons served have the right to have use of and free access to common areas in the residence that is physically accessible to the person. Staff cannot tell any person served that they cannot be in one of the common areas of the home. In the event of a behavior, they can suggest they go to their room for safety.
Along with the Rights Restriction form, what needs to be implemented to help support the person served to have their rights returned to them as soon as possible?
An outcome will be created to help support the individual with the challenges that led to implementing a Rights Restriction.