Mid-Ohio Behavior Health, LLC Client Handbook

Philosophy of Treatment

Our Treatment Philosophy is based on our premise that a range of reliable, evidence based, treatment approaches exist which can reduce or remedying most issues identified by an individual referred to our agency. We require our staff to be adequately trained and supervised in those approaches specific to their area of service. It is our policy that all services begin with a thorough evaluation of the problem presented, to determine the most appropriate level and range of care. In cases where the determination is made that all or some of the presenting problem resides outside our discipline or capability, every effort will be made to both clarify this issue to the Clients and arrange a referral to an alternative provider.

We believe that the initial assessment should designate the intent of treatment in expected outcomes which can be measured and clearly defined to the Client. In general, such outcomes will constitute (in order of priority) improvements in safety, functioning and/or behavior. In the event that treatment is compulsory, required by an outside entity such as the court, it is our philosophy that we remain agents of the Client, will provide services only with their agreement and will communicate information to any outside agent only with their permission, except in certain predefined areas required by law. We believe it is of crucial importance that the Client helps develop and agrees with the goals of treatment and that appropriate attention is paid to the process of planning and communication throughout.

Our treatment philosophy is additionally based on our conviction that mental health is relational especially in respect to one’s immediate home environment. The relationship between Client and therapist is professional, but also relational, and we believe treatment is optimized by developing interpersonal security and trust. We recognize that any relationship is potentially subject to intangible processes and misunderstanding. It is our policy therefore that the therapy relationship be protected through stringent confidentiality and that there is recourse for the client if they have a complaint or feel their rights are at any time violated. Clients are informed of these rights and recourse at point of intake.

We believe that our services should be available to all persons in our designated region free of any discrimination. We believe that services should be as minimal as possible to meet the required goals and at all times within the least restrictive setting. We believe in accurate record keeping and lawful protection and disposal of records as required.

Finally, we value and actively seek, utilize and respond to client and community feedback from several sources and venues. We systematically collect and analyze data related to treatment process and outcomes as a means of overseeing and improving services.

Outpatient Services

Outpatient services include the areas of Diagnostic Services, Case Management Services, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Services.

Admission Criteria:

  1. Children, Adolescents and Adults
  2. Manifest emotional, psychological, behavioral, developmental, and/or social problems that are preventing the Client from maximizing their full potential.
  3. Client meets DSM5 diagnostic criteria (for those with Developmental Disability diagnosis must have an additional mental health diagnosis).

Diagnostic Services – This service offers comprehensive Assessments and Testing including recommendations.

Case Management Program – This service offers case coordination through our Case Management Staff. These services may include assisting in developing treatment plans, working on goals, and linking the Client with other available and appropriate community resources.

Psychotherapy Services – Individual Psychotherapy is provided by trained, licensed clinical staff at scheduled times in private, confidential settings. This is an essential service and often includes in-home counseling and specialized group counseling depending on the individual needs of the Client.

Muskingum County 930 Bethesda Drive

Locations

Licking County

2112 Cherry Valley Rd.

Building 4, Suite 4

Zanesville, Ohio 43701

Franklin County

1515 E. Broad Street

Columbus, OH 43205

Newark, Ohio 43055

Coshocton County 1501 Chestnut Street

Coshocton, Ohio 43812

Guernsey County 2090 North Ave

Cambridge, Ohio 43725

For additional information please visit www.midohiobh.com

Client Rights and Grievances

Purpose:

To protect and ensure the rights of persons seeking or receiving mental health services by guaranteeing specific rights of Clients, with procedures for responsive and impartial resolution for all grievances either from the Client themselves or on behalf of the Client by the guardian, next-of-kin, or special representative. The overall purpose is to ensure Clients are free from abuse, financial or other exploitation, humiliation, and neglect and ensure that there is no retaliation for exercising any of the rights or for filing a grievance.

Definitions:

  1. Client – an individual applying for or receiving mental health services from a qualified person from this agency.
  2. Client Advocate – the person designated by Mid-Ohio Behavioral Health, LLC’s with responsibility for assuring compliance with the Client Rights and Grievance Procedure rule as implemented.
  3. Grievance – a written complaint initiated, either verbally or in writing, by the Client or any other person or agency on behalf of the Client regarding denial or abuse of the Client’s rights.
  4. Mental Health Services – any of the services, programs, or activities listed/defined in Rule 5122:2-1-02 of the Administrative Code. Mental health services include both direct Client services and community services. Direct Client services are listed and defined in paragraph (D)(1) to (D) (10) of Rule 5122:2-1-02. Community services are listed and defined in paragraph (D) (11) to (D) (15) of the same rule.

Client Rights:

  1. The right to be treated with kindness, consideration, respect for personal dignity, autonomy, and privacy.
  2. The right to receive service in a humane setting which is the least restrictive possible, as defined in the treatment plan.
  3. The right to be told of one’s own condition, of planned or present services, treatment or therapies, and of the alternative of requesting and evaluation by an independent professional.
  4. The right to agree to or refuse any service, treatment, or therapy upon full explanation of the expected consequences.
  5. The right to a current, written treatment plan that addresses one’s own mental and physical health, social and economic needs, and that specifies the provision of appropriate and adequate services as available, either directly or indirectly.
  6. The right to active, informed participation in the development and periodic review of the treatment plan.
  7. The right to freedom from unnecessary or excessive medication.
  8. The right to freedom from unnecessary restraint or seclusion.
  9. The right to participate in any appropriate and available service regardless of refusal of one or more other services, treatment or therapies, or regardless of relapse from earlier treatment, unless there is a valid and specific necessity which precludes and/or requires the Client’s participation in the other services. This will be explained to the Client and recorded in the Client’s treatment plan.
  10. The right to be informed of, and to refuse, any unusual or hazardous treatment procedure.
  11. The right to be told of and to refuse observation techniques such as one-way mirrors, tape-recording, television, movies, or photographs.
  12. The right to request and can consult with independent treatment specialists or legal counsel at one’s own expense.
  13. The right to confidentiality of communications and of all personally identifying data within the limitations and requirements for disclosure of various and/or certifying sources, State or federal statutes, unless release of information is specifically authorized by the Client, parent, or legal guardian of a minor Client or court appointed guardian of the person of an adult Client.
  14. The right to have access to one’s own psychiatric, medical or other treatment records, unless access to identified items of information is specifically restricted for that individual Client for clear treatment reasons, as cited in the service plan. “Clear Treatment Reasons” shall be understood to mean only severe emotional damage to the Client and/or if dangerous or self-injurious actions are an imminent risk. This action must be explained in detail to the Client and other persons authorized by the Client. The restriction must be renewed at least annually to remain valid. Any person authorized by the Client has unrestricted access to all information. Clients will be informed in writing of Agency policies and procedures for reviewing or obtaining copies of all personal records.
  15. The right to be told in advance of the reason(s) for termination of services and to be involved in planning for the consequences of that event.
  16. The right to receive an explanation of the reason for denial of service.
  17. The right not to be discriminated against in the delivery of services based on religion, race, color, creed, sex, national origin, age, lifestyle, sexual orientation, physical or mental handicap, developmental disability, or inability to pay.
  18. The right to know the cost of the services.
  19. The right to be fully informed of all rights.
  20. The right to exercise all rights without reprisal in any form, including continued, uncompromised access to services.
  21. The right to have oral and written instruction for filing a grievance.

Client Rights Policy:

It is the policy of Mid-Ohio Behavioral Health, LLC’s to ensure that the program participants have the right to file grievances concerning the services they receive while a program participant. It shall further be the policy of Mid-Ohio Behavioral Health, LLC’s Inc. to fully support the appointed Client Advocate to take all necessary steps to assure compliance with the following policy:

  1. All Clients will receive a copy of the Client Rights Grievance procedure at intake and a copy of the policy will be posted in a conspicuous location at each building operated by Mid-Ohio Behavioral Health, LLC’s. The procedure will be explained by a staff member and upon acceptance of the procedure will the sign the form to verify understanding of and receipt of the Client Grievance Procedure. If the Client continues to receive services beyond one year, the Client rights policy will be reviewed with the Client by a staff person on an annual basis.
  2. If a program participant has a grievance, they shall be provided with a formal grievance form on which the nature of the complaint, all individuals involved, and the date(s) of the occurrences shall be documented. This form shall be signed and dated by the participant and submitted to the Client Advocate. This may be done verbally with the Client; it is not mandated that the Client complete a written form to file a grievance. If the Client Advocate is away from the office for more than a one-week period, the Client Advocate will designate another qualified agency staff person to serve in this capacity in their absence.
  3. In a crisis or emergency, the Clients Advocate shall advise the Client of at least the immediate pertinent rights to consent to, or to refuse, the offered treatment and the consequences of that agreement or refusal. Under these circumstances, the written copy and full verbal explanation of the Client’s rights policy may be delayed to a subsequent meeting.
  4. The Client Advocate will provide assistance in filing the grievance, investigate the grievance on behalf of the griever, and will represent the griever at the hearing on the grievance at all levels, if requested to do so by the griever.
  5. Upon receipt of the grievance, the Client Advocate shall collect pertinent information and document the information on the Client Rights Grievance Log. The Client Advocate shall serve as representative for the griever. If resolved at this time, a written statement of results will be given to the Client and the procedure shall end. The Client Advocate will respond to the grievance within five (5) working days.
  6. The Client Advocate will present to the griever the option to initiate a complaint with outside entities, if a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached at the Board level. Specifically, the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, the Ohio Legal Rights Services, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and/or appropriate professional licensing or regulatory associations. The Client’s relevant address, telephone number, copies of the presenting grievances and resolutions to any or all the above agencies, if requested to do so, in writing by the griever.
  7. All Clients or recipients of the type of mental health services specified as “Community Services” (Information and referral, consultation services, mental health education service, training) may have a copy and explanation of the Client rights policy upon request.
  8. All staff persons at the Board, including both administrative and support staff, will be familiarized with all specific Client rights and grievance policies and procedures.

If a grievance is filed against the Client Advocate, the Client will then be assisted through the entire grievance procedure by the CEO or designee. All written documents relating to the grievance itself will remain confidential at the administrative level and the resolution of the grievance will only be shared with the Client Advocate with permission of the Client.

Teresa Norris

930 Bethesda Drive, Suite 4

Zanesville, Ohio 43701

(740) 569-5737

tnorris@midohiobh.com

The Client Advocate can be reached on Monday through Friday by calling the above number, if not available they or their designee will return call within 1 business day. Additional resources include:

  • U.S. Department of Human Services, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. (202) 727-5940
  • Disability Rights Ohio, 50 W. Broad St., Suite 1400, Columbus, OH 43215 (800) 282-9181
  • Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 466-2596
  • Area Mental Health & Recovery Services Board

This agency shall keep records of grievances it receives, the subject of the grievances, the resolution of each and shall ensure the availability of these records for review by the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services upon request. The agency will also summarize annually its records to include the number of grievances received, types of grievances and resolution status for each. The summary will include an analysis of trends, areas needing improvement, and actions to be taken.

At all times, the grievance process shall operate in accordance with Title VI. No person in the agency shall on the grounds of RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR HANDICAP be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination under any program or activity for which the applicant received federal financial assistance.

Code of Ethics

Mid-Ohio Behavioral Health, LLC is dedicated to the individual employee and the organization to adhere to sound ethical practices in all aspects of administration, business, marketing, direct service delivery, and fiscal management. It is the policy of Mid-Ohio Behavioral Health, LLC’s that procedures be in place for reporting any unethical behaviors, including but not limited to, waste, fraud, abuse, and other questionable activities, with no reprisals against staff which may so report. Such reports will be communicated to the CEO or his designee (Chief Compliance Officer) and a timely response and action will be taken regarding such reports with the consent and involvement of the CEO.

The Mid-Ohio Behavioral Health Employees will adhere to the following Code of Ethics:

  1. I will not discriminate against or refuse professional services to anyone based on race, color, creed, age, sex, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation.
  2. I will not use my professional or contractual relationships to further my own interests.
  3. I will evidence a genuine interest in all persons served and do hereby dedicate myself to their best interests and helping them help themselves. I will set appropriate boundaries between myself and my client.
  4. I will respect the privacy of persons served and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of professional service.
  5. I will maintain confidentiality when storing or disposing of client records.
  6. I will maintain a professional attitude which upholds confidentiality toward individuals served, colleagues, applicants and the Mid-Ohio Behavioral Health, LLC’s
  7. I, upon termination, will maintain client and co-worker confidentiality, and I will hold as confidential any information I obtained concerning the Mid-Ohio Behavioral Health, LLC’s
  8. I will respect the rights and views of my colleagues, and treat them with fairness, courtesy, and good faith.
  9. I will not exploit the trust of the public or my co-workers. I will make every effort to avoid relationships that could impair my professional judgment and or be considered a conflict of interest.
  10. I will not engage in or condone any form of harassment or discrimination.
  11. I will not permit fellow employees to present themselves as competent or perform services beyond their training and/or level of experience.
  12. I will respect the confidences of my co-workers.
  13. When I replace a colleague or am replaced, I will act with consideration for the interest, character, and reputation of the other professional.
  14. I will extend respect and cooperation to colleagues of all professions.
  15. I will not assume professional responsibility for the clients of a colleague without appropriate consultation with that colleague.
  16. If I see that the client of a colleague during a temporary absence or emergency, I will serve that client with the same consideration afforded any client.
  17. If I have the responsibility for employing and evaluating staff performance I will do so in a responsible, fair, considerate, and equitable manner.
  18. If I know that a colleague has violated ethical standards, I will bring this to my colleagues’ attention. If this fails, I will report the activity to my supervisor.
  19. I will accurately represent my education, training, experience, and competencies as they relate to my profession.
  20. I will correct, when possible, misleading or inaccurate information and representations made by others concerning my qualifications or services.
  21. If serving as a supervisor I will make certain that the qualifications of persons, I supervise are honestly represented.
  22. I will abide by Mid-Ohio Behavioral Health, LLC’s policies related to public statements.
  23. I have total commitment to provide the highest quality of service to those who seek my professional assistance.
  24. I will continually assess my personal strengths, limitations, biases, and effectiveness.
  25. I will strive to become and remain proficient in professional practice and the performance of professional functions.
  26. I will act in accordance with standards of professional integrity including not witnessing documents for clients.
  27. I will not advise on problems outside the bounds of my competence.
  28. I will seek assistance for any problem that impairs my performance.
  29. I will not perform personal fundraising on company time and my personal property secured at all times.
  30. I will not accept money and gratuities from clients. I can accept gifts from clients in the amount of $5 dollars or less.
  31. I understand that violation of this code may be grounds for dismissal.

The Mid-Ohio Behavioral Health, LLC’s will adhere to the following Code of Ethics:

  1. Will not represent to the public or referring sources services that are not or cannot be provided.
  2. Will handle employees in a fair and consistent manner.
  3. Will use accepted and standard practices of the accrual accounting method in reporting and maintaining fiscal records and budgets.
  4. Will not use deceptive practices in marketing its services.
  5. Will use the guiding principle of “Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you” in conducting its business and marketing strategies.

After Hours Information

If there is an EMERGENCY, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Hospital with an Emergency Room. For non-emergency after-hour care call Genesis Behavior Health at (740) 454-4615.

If there is an urgent need to contact your therapist or during the hours that we are closed, you may call (740) 454-4615 for assistance. If this is not an urgent need, you may also leave a message at our office and we will get back with you on the next business day.

Client Safety

At Mid-Ohio client safety comes first. We have multiple lighted exit signs throughout all buildings along with fire extinguishers in hallways and first aid kits, if the need arises. During an emergency or a drill, please follow the directions of any staff member. If you have question, please ask the front desk or call the office.

Mid-Ohio Behavioral Health, LLC’s offers a tobacco-free work environment to all employees and clients. No tobacco use is allowed inside our offices or agency vehicles. A designated smoking area on the grounds is located at each location.

Licit and illicit drug use policy states that clients and employees must not share any prescription/non- prescription or illegal drugs with other clients or staff. Clients may not receive services if under the influence of mood-altering chemicals. Upon discovery of violations of this policy, the client or employee may be asked to leave the premises and a report given to either the counselor or supervisor depending on whether the violator is a client or is a staff member. If the person refuses to leave when asked, the police may be called to assist. Violations of these may result in involuntary termination for both staff and involuntary discharge for clients.

Clients who violate this policy will be asked to leave the program at the time of occurrence and may be involuntarily terminated from the program. In the case of illegal substances, clients or staff may be reported to the proper law enforcement facility. Clients may be re-admitted to the program at such a time that it is felt that client safety and treatment is no longer jeopardized.

Aggressive client policy states that any clients who threaten, harass, verbally abuse, or become physically aggressive to other clients or staff may be involuntarily discharged.

Weapon control policy states that unless the person is an officer of the law or court, no person shall knowingly possess, have under the person’s control, convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance onto the premises of Mid-Ohio Behavioral Health, LLC’s or when traveling with staff or other clients within the agency. If it is known that a person, client or staff person possess a weapon on the premises, they will be asked to remove the weapon to their vehicle or leave the premises. Refusal to do so may result in law enforcement being called. Staff who are suspected of violating this policy may be placed on immediate administrative leave and may be terminated from the agency.

It is the policy of Mid-Ohio Behavioral Health to not engage in any negative sanctions towards clients other than termination of services as it relates to the cancel/no show policy and or violence and safety concerns.