CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION
Federal and state laws protect your confidential information. We prioritize respecting confidentiality and will use and disclose your health information for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. This includes the necessary sharing of your health information to ensure the treatment and services you receive at the agency may be approved and paid for by third parties, such as insurance companies. Information on alcohol and drug use is protected by 42 CFR Part 2 and requires your written permission for release, except as specified by regulation.
Under certain legal circumstances, information about you or your family may be released without your permission, including mandated reporting of abuse, neglect, or exploitation; if there is a credible threat to yourself, others, or public safety; compliance with legal orders; or as required by law.
RIGHTS OF CLIENTS AND FAMILIES
Howard Center is committed to providing services in the least restrictive environment, tailored to your needs and preferences. Your rights include dignified treatment, non-discrimination, being informed about policies and provider qualifications, involvement in treatment plans, informed consent, privacy, refusal of treatment, access to records, legal protections, and the right to seek legal and self-help services. These rights also outline the ability to have infringements of rights investigated and resolved.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF CLIENTS AND FAMILIES
Effective services require a partnership between clients and providers. We ask for your commitment to treatment goals, regular attendance, fee payment, resolving differences constructively, and maintaining a safe and respectful environment. Non-compliance may lead to service adjustments.
CODE OF ETHICS SUMMARY
Howard Center expects employees to adhere to a comprehensive Code of Ethics, promoting client self-determination, non-discrimination, professional conduct, informed consent, clear boundaries, service continuity, non-abandonment, fairness, transparency in services and billing, professional relationship boundaries, and avoidance of non-professional benefits.
For more information, please visit our Publications page to download this year’s Client Handbook.