Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records:

The confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse Client records maintained by this program is protected by Federal law and regulations.  Generally, the program may not say to a person outside the program that Client attends the program or disclose any information identifying a Client as an alcohol or drug abuser unless:

1. The Client consents in writing
2. The disclosure is allowed by a court order; or
3. The disclosure is made to medical personnel or to a qualified person for research; or
4. The disclosure is made to protect by any threats to self or others (Duty to Warn)
5. The disclosure allowed if a crime has been committed.
6. The disclosure is made for audit or program evaluation; or
7. The disclosure is made of suspected child or elderly abuse or neglect from being reported under State law to appropriate State of local authorities.
8. The disclosure is made if any information about a crime committed by a Client either at the program or against any person who works for the program or about any threat to commit such a crime.

Violation of the Federal law and regulations by a program is a crime.  Suspected violation may be reported appropriate authorities in accordance with Federal regulations. 

Federal law and regulations do not protect any information about a crime committed by Client either at the program or against any person who works for the program or about any threat to commit such a crime.

Federal laws and regulations do not protect any information about elderly abuse, suspected child abuse or neglect, threats to harm to self or others from being protected. These may be released under State law to appropriate State or local authorities beyond Federal CFR42-Regulations.  

(See 42 U.S.C. 290dd-3 and 42 U.S.C. 290ee-3 for Federal laws and 42 CFR Part 2 for Federal regulations,) 

                                         Grievance Procedure:

1. Any person(s) who believes that their rights have been violated or has a complaint or grievance may file a complaint pursuant to the procedures set forth below, on their behalf or on the behalf of another person. All persons are encouraged to file a grievance. By filing a complaint, the individual will not subject themselves to any form of adverse action, reprimand, retaliation, or otherwise negative treatment by Florida Addiction and Recovery Center. Client shall have immediate access to the grievance form; a posting of the grievance procedure will be in the group room with the levels of appeals, and in the Client Handbook.
2. The processing procedures for grievances and complaints are as follows:

1. The Client is encouraged to discuss any problems with their therapist. The Client and therapist will try to find a resolution. The therapist will correspond with the Clinical Director on the grievance and/or complaint and any resolution.
2. All grievances shall first be filed with the Clinical Director by completing a “Client Grievance” form. The Human Resources Director and/or Designee shall give the Client a receipt of the filed grievance and log the grievance. The Human Resources Director will conduct an internal investigation and render an initial determination and resolution within 3 business days of receipt of the complaint in writing.
3. If the complainant is not satisfied or if the complaint is not resolved with the results achieved in Step 2, the complainant may file an appeal and/or the grievance will be forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer and this meeting will be held within 5 business working days of the date it is requested.

3. The Chief Executive Officer shall take steps to ensure an appropriate investigation of each complaint to determine its validity. These rules contemplate informally, but thorough, investigations affording all interested persons and their representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint. The Client shall be presented a resolution and response to their grievance in writing.

4. If the Client is dissatisfied at any point, the Client has the right to voice complaints, questions, or concerns about service, treatment, procedures, rights, and policies by calling any one of the following agencies:

1. Abuse Registry Hot Line, 1-800-96ABUSE (1-800-962-2873),
2. Florida Disability Rights Hotline 1-800-342-0823,
3. Department of Children & Family Services, Southeast Region, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program Office: 954-762-3700, and 561-227-6680.
4. Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR) (561) 299-0405
5. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at “for privacy or breach of confidentiality” (HIPAA):

1. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations: 630-792-5800
2. Any allegations of physical or sexual abuse by a therapist shall immediately be brought to the attention of the Clinical Director and the police shall be notified. The Client will be afforded the opportunity to contact the Police, Florida Abuse Hotline, Department of Children and Family Services and the Florida Disability Rights. The telephone numbers of the hotlines are posted throughout the facility.