Rights of Patients in Addiction Rehabilitation

It is likely that you know or will know a person who enters an addiction rehabilitation center. That person could even be you. Addiction is an illness, and although it is viewed differently in society than other mental and physical illnesses, it is a serious matter. Patients in addiction rehabilitation have many rights, and all patients must be aware of these rights in order to protect their health and best interests.

Confidentiality

• One important right to patients in addiction rehabilitation is the right to privacy. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act reports that alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation programs are forbidden to communicate any information regarding their patients unless a patient has granted permission in writing. Patients are usually required to sign a disclosure form that allows their program to disclose certain information between the program and health care providers for insurance payments or medical treatments, but any other information cannot be shared outside the professional health world. This ensures that the patient's personal life and rehabilitation treatment is kept completely confidential.

No Discrimination

• Rehabilitation centers function with similar admittance rules as most companies, schools and universities within the United States because they are legally unable to discriminate. The Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey states that treatment and services for addiction patients cannot be denied due to their race, age, religion or sexual orientation. Patients also cannot be discriminated against based on their inability to pay for services or the source of their funding.

Refusing Treatment

• The Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital in Massachusetts states that, at any time, patients can refuse treatment or medications. The rehabilitation providers are required to work with patients to discuss all their options, including the benefits and risks surrounding the choice to refuse a particular treatment. Patients can also refuse to be a part of experimental treatments and have the right to complain about treatment and care without fear of repudiation.

Access to Information

• Patients have the right to access their medical, financial and any other personal information records. The Braintree center states that the patient can request an explanation of their bills or charges related to their treatment at any time. All information should be provided to the patient within a reasonable amount of time. All rehabilitation centers are required to inform patients about any experimental research in which the patient may be involved.

Explanation of Rights

• Patients in addiction rehabilitation must be provided with information regarding their rights before beginning treatment. They must prove that they understand the treatment they are about to undergo and the desired results of treatment. The Kessler Institute states that the patient must receive a written copy of all their rights and an explanation of the rehabilitation services before consenting to treatment; if the patient is mentally or physically unable to consent, then a family member or legal representative must consent for them.