Client Rights

As a consumer of Clara Martin Center, you have the right to:

  1. The basic civil and legal rights accorded to all citizens.
  2. Treatment, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, gender, ancestry, place of birth, HIV status, genetic information, gender identity, pregnancy, physical, mental or emotional condition, or disability. 
  3. A humane psychological and physical treatment environment, freedom from emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, punishment, fiduciary abuse, retaliation, humiliation, and neglect.
  4. Ethical treatment that meets the standards of the Agency and of the discipline of the person(s) providing treatment/training.
  5. Receive prompt and adequate treatment, recovery and support services appropriate for your whole person health according to commonly accepted professional standards.
  6. Participate in the development of your treatment plan.  Where appropriate, and with consent, family/significant others shall have the opportunity to participate in your treatment plan development. Discharge planning will be initiated at the earliest point in the treatment planning process.
  7. Freedom of choice on whether you choose to use medication as part of your recovery with the following exception: after a court hearing and final commitment order. If medication is chosen as part of your treatment plan, you have the right to be informed of the intended effects/side effects, and to be free from any unnecessary or excessive medication.
  8. Exercise control over your own actions, decisions, wishes and desires as any other person of comparable age except in certain situations as defined under Vermont law. 
  9. The least restrictive conditions necessary to achieve the purpose of treatment. 
  10. Be informed of your condition and progress.
  11. Have your treatment record and all information about you kept confidential except where state law or court order requires disclosure.  Consents and authorizations for release of information will be in accordance with Clara Martin Center policies on privacy and confidentiality.
  12. The right to request access to your protected health information by alternative means or at alternative locations for the purpose of confidential communications. 
  13. The right to voice complaints or lodge an appeal without retaliation, and the right to the investigation and resolution of alleged infringement of rights.
  14. Refuse to provide authorizations for the use and disclosure of protected health information; except if the treatment is research-related with client consent or if the health information is to be created for the purpose of disclosure to a third party.
  15. The right to all legal protection and due process for status as an outpatient and inpatient, both voluntary and involuntary, as defined under Vermont law, and obtain information for legal services for appropriate representation.
  16. Obtain information on self-help and advocacy support services.
  17. Communication of these rights in a way that is understandable to you. Your signature (or your guardian’s) will serve as acknowledgement of receipt of this information.