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Client Rights
All clients shall have the following rights:
1. To
be informed in advance about care and treatment and of any changes in care
and treatment
that may affect the client’s well being;
2.
To self-direct activities and participate in decisions regarding care and
treatment;
3.
To
confidentiality of all records, communications, and personal information;
4. To
voice complaints and file grievances without discrimination or reprisal and
to have those
complaints and grievances addressed;
5. To
examine the results of the most recent survey conducted by representatives
of the
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services or any other compliance
organization.
6.
To
be free of restraints except as provided in 175 NAC 18-00006 14A – C2.
7.
To
be free of seclusions in a locked room, except as provided in 175 NAC
18-006-14; NAC
19-006-14 and except in cases of civil protective custody.;
8. To
be free of physical punishment;
9. To
exercise his or her rights as a client of the Medical Center and as a
citizen of the United States;
10. To
be free from arbitrary transfer or discharge;
11. To
be free from involuntary treatment, unless the client has been involuntarily
committed by
appropriate court order and except in cases of civil protective custody;
12. To
be free from abuse and neglect and misappropriation of their money and
personal property; and
13. To
be informed prior to or at a time of admission and during treatment of
charges for care, treatment,
or related charges.
Abuse and Neglect Reporting Procedures
Pursuant to the laws of the State of Nebraska (Neb. Rev.
Stat. Sections 28-732 and 28-711), it is the Coalition’s policy
to report suspected cases of abuse and neglect of behavioral health clients.
When any provider has reasonable cause
to believe that a client or client family member is being subjected to
conditions or circumstances which reasonably
would result in abuse or neglect, the incident shall be reported to the
appropriate agency.
Abuse is generally described as:
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Physical abuse—an unexplainable, non-accidental injury |
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Emotional abuse –continual scapegoating or rejection that
results in disturbed behavior |
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Sexual abuse—any sexually oriented act, practice, contact,
or interaction in which the person has been used for sexual stimulation |
Neglect is generally described as:
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Not providing adequate food, shelter or clothing |
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Not following medical recommendations |
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Lack of supervision that places the adult or child at risk |
The toll free
number is 1-800-652-1999. Incidents should not be reported by email.
If a Coalition staff person is suspected of abusing a client,
the incident is to be reported to the Executive Director and
the appropriate agency immediately. Information should be in writing and
includes details and observations.
Employees found to be engaging in such behavior will be terminated
immediately and may face prosecution.
Complaints/Grievances
Any client or prospective client has the right to file a
grievance if she or he:
a.
Sought services and were refused for any reason; or
b.
Currently receives services and is dissatisfied with the services; or
c.
Was
receiving services that ended, or further help was denied, for reasons with
which the client disagrees.
Before treatment is begun, the provider must inform the
client of his/her rights and how to use the grievance process.
A copy of the Grievance procedure should be available upon request. The
process is as follows:
Informal Discussion (Optional)
The client is encouraged to talk with staff about any
concerns. Ideally the conversation should be with the provider. However,
the client may ask to meet informally with the Clinic Manager.
Grievance Investigation-Formal
The client has 45 calendar days from the time of the incident
within which to file a formal grievance. The
grievance should be filed directly to the following address:
Executive Director
Nebraska Urban Indian
Health Coalition, Inc.
2240 Landon Court
Omaha, NE. 68102
402.346.0902
The Executive Director will respond in writing within 30
calendar days from the date the grievance was filed.
Appeal Process
If the client does not agree with the decision of the
Executive Director, a written appeal may be made to the Chair of
the Personnel Committee at the Landon Court Address in Omaha. The appeal
must be made within 30 calendar days
after the Executive Director’s decision is made. The decision of the
Personnel Chair is final. However, the client has
the right to file a complaint with the Department of regulation and
Licensure at the following address:
Credentialing Division
P.O. Box 94986, Lincoln, NE. 68509-4986, 402.471.2117
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