RESIDENT PERSONAL RIGHTS
In accordance with Title 9, Chapter 4, Section 10569, of the California Code of Regulations, each person
receiving services from a residential alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility shall have
rights which include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The right to confidentiality as provided for in HIPAA and Title 42, Section 2.1 through 2.67-1,
Code of Federal Regulations. - To be accorded dignity in personal relationships and contact with staff, volunteers, board
members, other persons, and other individuals. - To be accorded safe, healthful, and comfortable accommodations to meet his or her needs.
- To be free from verbal, intellectual, emotional and/or physical abuse and/or inappropriate sexual
behavior. - Unlawful Discrimination – Staff shall not discriminate in the provision of services on the basis
of ethnic group identification, religion, age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or disability,
pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Section 2000d, Title 42, United States
Code), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 794, Title 29, United States Code); the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Section 12132, Title 42, United States Code); Section
11135 of the California Government Code; and Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 10800),
Division 4, Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations. - To be informed by the program of the procedures to file a grievance or appeal discharge.
- To be informed by the licensee of the provisions of law regarding complaints including, but not
limited to, the address and telephone number of DHCS. - To be free to attend religious services or activities of his or her choice and to have visits from a
spiritual advisor provided that these services or activities do not conflict with facility program
requirements. Participation in religious services will be voluntary only. - To be accorded access to his or her file.
- The right to take medications prescribed by a licensed medical professional for medical, mental
health, or substance use disorders.
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- To be treated for the life-threatening, chronic disease of substance use disorder with honesty,
respect, and dignity, including privacy in treatment and in care of personal needs - To be informed by the treatment provider of all the aspects of treatment recommended to the
client, including the option of no treatment, risks of treatment, and expected result or results. - To be treated by treatment providers with qualified staff.
- To receive evidence-based treatment.
- To be treated simultaneously for co-occurring behavioral health conditions, when medically
appropriate and only when the treatment provider is authorized to treat co-occurring conditions. - To receive an individualized, outcome-driven treatment plan.
- To remain in treatment for as long as the treatment provider is authorized to treat the client.
- To receive support, education, and treatment for their families and loved ones if the treatment
provider is authorized to provide these services. - To receive care in a treatment setting that is safe and ethical.
- To be free from mental and physical abuse, exploitation, coercion, and physical restraint.
- To be informed of these rights once enrolled to receive treatment, as evidenced by written
acknowledgment or by documentation by staff in the clinical record that a written copy of these
rights were given. - To be informed by the treatment provider of the law regarding complaints, including, but not
limited to, to be informed of the address and telephone number of DHCS. - To receive ethical care that covers and ensures full compliance with the requirements set forth
in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 10500) of Division 4 of Title 9 of the California Code
of Regulations and the alcohol and other drug program certification standards adopted in
accordance with Section 11830.1, if applicable
Complaints
DHCS ensures the provision of quality treatment through the enforcement of standards for professional
and safe treatment.
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The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Compliance Division investigates complaints again California’s
alcohol and other drug (AOD) recovery and treatment programs. SUD also investigates violations of
the code of conduct of registered or certified AOD counselors. Licensed facilities are required to report
counselor misconduct to DHCS within 24 hours of the violation.
If you wish to file a complaint about a licensed, certified AOD drug service provider or a registered or
certified counselor, you can do so via mail, fax, or by using the online complaint form.
In accordance with Title 9, Division 4, Chapter 5, Section 10543(a), of the California Code of
Regulations, any individual may request an inspection of an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or
treatment facility. Complaints should be directed to:
Department of Health Care Services
Complaints and Counselor Certification Section
Attention: Complaint Coordinator MS 2601
PO Box 997413
Sacramento, CA 95899-7413 Toll-Free (877) 685-8333
FAX (916) 440-5094