Client Rights*

You have the right to:

1. Be treated with respect, dignity and privacy;
2. Develop a plan of care and services which meets your unique needs;
3. The services of a certified language or sign language interpreter and written materials and alternate format to accommodate disability consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act;
4. Refuse any proposed treatment, consistent with the requirements in chapter 71.05 and 71.34 RCW;
5. Receive care which does not discriminate against you, and is sensitive to your gender, race, national origin, language, age, disability, and sexual orientation;
6. Be free of any sexual exploitation or harassment;
7. Review your clinical record and be given an opportunity to make amendments or corrections;
8. Receive an explanation of all medications prescribed, including expected effect and possible side effects;
9. Confidentiality, as described in chapters 70.02, 71.05, and 71.34 RCW and regulations;
10. All research concerning consumers whose cost of care is publicly funded must be done in accordance with all applicable laws, including DSHS rules on the protection of human research subjects as specified in chapter 388-04 WAC;
11. Make an advance directive, stating your choices and preferences regarding your physical and mental health treatment if you are unable to make informed decisions;
12. Appeal any denial, termination, suspension, or reduction of services and to continue to receive services at least until your appeal is heard by a fair hearing judge;
13. If you are Medicaid eligible, receive all service which are medically necessary to meet your care needs. In the event that there is a disagreement, you have the right to a second opinion from a provider within the regional support network about what services are medically necessary;
14. Lodge a complaint with the ombuds, regional support network, or provider if you believe your rights have been violated. If you lodge a complaint or grievance, you must be free of any act of retaliation. The ombuds may, at your request, assist you in filing a grievance. The ombuds' phone number is: (360) 416-7008 or toll-free 1-888-336-6164.

* WAC 388-865-0410

Advance Directive

A mental health advance directive is a written document that describes what you want to happen if you become so incapacitated by mental illness that your judgment is impaired and/or you are unable to communicate effectively.  More information about mental health advance directives can be found at:
http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/mentalhealth/advdirectives.shtml

You can complete a mental health advance directive by downloading this form.

Covered Services

If you receive medical coupons, you are entitled to a basic mental health care plan as a member of the North Sound Prepaid Health Plan (PHP).  You may also receive mental health services if you are low income with a chronic or serious mental illness.

Washington State Medicaid Mental Health Benefits

The Washington State DSHS/Mental Health Division website contains information where you can learn about mental health services available to people who receive Medicaid.

Service Providers

If you are a member of the North Sound Prepaid Health Plan and are in need of mental health services, contact the appropriate service provider.

Quality Review Team

The RSN, in an effort to continuously improve services, has a Quality Review Team (QRT) made up of consumers and family members.  The QRT may be contacting you during the course of your treatment.  The purpose of the Quality Review Team is to gather your comments and opinions, and use this information to improve services.

Ombuds Service

The RSN provides independent Ombuds services.  Ombuds advocate for consumers throughout the complaint process.   Ombuds are available to assist consumers, family members, and other interested parties (with consumer's consent) in resolving complaints, grievances, and/or DSHS Fair Hearings.  Attempts will be made to resolve complaints at the lowest possible level.   If you lodge a complaint or grievance, you shall be free of any act of retaliation.