R432-725-12. Clients' Rights

(1) Written clients' rights shall be established and made available to the client, guardian, next of kin, sponsoring agency, representative payee, and the public.

(2) Agency policy may determine how clients' rights information is distributed.

(3) The agency shall insure that each client receiving services has the following rights:

(a) To be fully informed of these rights and all rules governing client conduct, as evidenced by documentation in the clinical record;

(b) To be fully informed of services and related charges for which the client or a private insurer may be responsible, and to be informed of all changes in charges;

(c) To be free of mental abuse, physical abuse and/or exploitation;

(d) To be afforded the opportunity to participate in the planning of personal care services, including referral to health care institutions or other agencies, and to refuse to participate in experimental research;

(e) To be assured confidential treatment of personal records, and to approve or refuse their release to any individual outside the agency, except in the case of transfer to another agency or health facility, or as required by law or third-party payment contract;

(f) To be treated with consideration, respect, and full recognition of dignity and individuality, including privacy in treatment and in care for personal needs;

(g) To be assured that personnel who provide care demonstrate competency through education and experience to carry out the services for which they are responsible;

(h) To receive proper identification from the individual providing personal care services;

(i) To receive information concerning the procedures to follow to voice complaints about services being performed.