Section 20. Client’s Rights and Procedures
Effective August 31, 2021
(a) A program must have written policies and procedures that ensure that all clients are informed of their rights during the orientation process. The program shall ensure that all individuals participating in the program are given a written statement of client rights and an explanation of those rights.
(b) Each client has the following rights:
(1) the right to confidentiality under federal and state laws relating to the receipt of services;
(2) the right to be informed of the various steps and activities involved in receiving services;
(3) the right to humane care and protection from harm, abuse and neglect;
(4) the right to contact and consult with an attorney of the client's choice at the client's expense; and
(5) the right to make an informed decision whether to participate in the program or refuse participation and be sent back to the referring court. The client’s consent to receive program services must be in writing and included in the client's record.
(c) A program must have a procedure for the review, determination, and amelioration of alleged violations of a client's rights. The procedure must be established by policy in accordance with the following:
(1) Alleged violations of a client's rights are investigated using an established grievance procedure.
(2) The results of the investigation are:
(A) entered in the client's record; and
(B) if substantiated, entered into the personnel file of the staff member(s) involved.
(d) A program must have a form to inform each client in writing of the client’s rights described in subsection (b). The form must contain a signature line or a signature page for the client to indicate that the client has been provided a copy of the form and understands the information described in the form. The program must place the signed form or signature page in the client’s record.