Program Member Rights
Program members may refuse services except when they are court ordered. If the agency refuses services a written explanation may be requested.
Fees are based on ability to pay. No one is denied services because of lack of funds. The fee schedule will be made clear to the Program Member upon entering the program. Third party sources, including food stamps, will be sought.
Program Members will have an orientation to the program and to their treatment. Duties and expectations will be discussed. A listing of all-existing rules and regulations will be provided in writing to the member during orientation.
Program Members or persons acting in their behalf (parents, relatives, guardians, etc.) may appeal any action taken by NOVA through the grievance procedure. (See attached policy.)
The purpose of clinical records is to document and evaluate the progress and treatment of the Program Members. Clinical records are the property of the agency. Program Members have the right to examine their records and to refute any information in their records by inserting a counter-statement of clarification. All information is confidential and will not be released without proper authorization as detailed by federal confidentiality regulations.
NOVA Therapeutic Community is an intensive treatment program set in a highly structured environment. Treatment emphasizes personal responsibility for individual behavior. The goal is to restructure each person’s lifestyle so s/he can deal with stress and anxiety without the need for drugs and alcohol.
Program Members have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Program Members have the right to help in the development of their treatment plan and determine their course of treatment without approval of a spouse or significant other.
Program Members will not be deprived of any civil, political, personal, or property rights without due process of law.
Program Members shall be served without discrimination as to race, color, religion, natural origin, economic status, disability, marital status, sex, or age.
Citizens have the right to receive services when they are needed. In non-emergency situations NOVA will respond to an initial contact within 24 hours. In an emergency situation, staff will be available for crisis intervention through referral to an appropriate agency.
The facility adheres to state licensing and certification guidelines as they pertain to health and safety regulations. Meals provided meet the Recommended Daily Allowances for nutrition as set by the USDA.
Physical/Psychological Intervention
Program Members have the right to be free from corporal punishment, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse including humiliating, threatening, and exploiting actions, and involuntary physical confinement. When a Program Member is out of control, (i.e.: acting in a way that is harmful to self or others and will not respond to verbal statements), physical restraint and/or the authorities may be used.
Program Members may attend religious services of their choice provided that a written pass was submitted and then approved by staff.
Program Members can have private, uncensored telephone calls at such a time as that privilege has been earned. Other phone calls can be made in the presence of a phone monitor. Details of this procedure are explained during orientation.
Program Members’ mail may be withheld and/or opened in the presence of staff.
Program Members are encouraged to maintain relationships with their families, guardians, and advocates. Visitors will be interviewed by staff prior to being placed on the Program Member’s visitor list. Visits will be part of planned treatment and may at times be limited.
Program Members will be allowed to communicate freely with their physician/attorney/caseworker in compliance with program rules and to have records available upon written request.
Research projects must be approved by the agency and must protect the integrity, privacy, and rights of the Program Members.
Program Members may have personal possessions and are encouraged to decorate and arrange their rooms. Program Members may be asked to remove from the facility any possessions that are inappropriate to the therapeutic environment. Alcohol, illegally obtained drugs, and paraphernalia, and weapons are prohibited.
This Bill of Rights statement will be formally reviewed annually and will be revised when necessary. Program Members are urged to participate in the review and/or make suggestions or comments concerning this statement.
Each Program Member will be assigned a therapist who is responsible for providing clinical services and who meet the required level of credentialing/licensing as required. In the residential program, each Program Member will also be assigned a staff coordinator who works with the therapist to provide a team approach to treatment. All staff is directly supervised by a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP) or Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADC).
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