Notification of Privacy, Human Rights and Informed Consent for Treatment
As a client of NRVCS, you have the following rights:
- To receive services in the least restrictive environment, and to be free from any unnecessary use of seclusion, restriction, or time out. To be treated with dignity and in a professional and courteous manner; to be protected from harm including abuse, harassment, neglect and exploitation.
- To use your preferred or legal name.
- To have your protected health information treated with confidentiality and not released without written consent, except for situations required by law. You have the right to determine what information is disclosed, to whom, and the purposes for which it will be used. You have the right to be provided an accounting of disclosures.
- To read, request amendment to, or obtain a copy of your service record, except in instances as noted in NRVCS privacy and security policies. You have the right to be notified of changes in the regulations regarding privacy of protected health information.
- To receive services that meet your individual needs and abilities according to law and sound therapeutic practice. To be involved in all aspects of services provided to you, and provided information to help you make decisions. To ask questions of your primary service coordinator about services, including treatment and discharge planning and to share any concerns regarding services provided to me. To be provided with general information about program services, policies, and rules in writing and in the manner, format and language easily understood by you. To be provided help in learning about/applying for public services or benefits to which you may be entitled.
- To not be included in any experimental program or research, without your knowledge and written consent.
- To have opportunities to communicate in private with lawyers, judges, legislators, clergy, licensed health care practitioners, legally authorized representatives, advocates, the Inspector General; and have access to an advocate or representative, self-help groups, and legal services.
- To engage or not engage in work or work-related activities consistent with your service needs while receiving services through NRVCS.
- If you have a complaint regarding NRVCS or the services provided by this agency, you have the right to have your complaint resolved without any negative action taken against you for complaining.
- To be afforded the opportunity to have an individual of your choice notified of your general condition, location, and transfer to another facility.
How do I file a complaint?
You have the right to make a complaint if you believe NRVCS has violated your individual rights. You have the right to a timely and fair review of your complaint.
1. Complaints can be reported to the NRVCS Internal Advocate – or – the Commonwealth of VA Regional Human Rights Advocate. *See below for contact information.
2. The Regional Human Rights Advocate is immediately notified if the complaint is made only to the Internal Advocate. The NRVCS Internal Advocate is immediately notified if the complaint is made only to the Regional Human Rights Advocate.
3. The complaint will be discussed with you and the complaint process will be explained.
4. The following steps are followed in all complaint processes:
a. You and any representative you choose will be contacted within 24 hours of the complaint. An impartial investigation of the complaint will be conducted as necessary.
b. We will give you a written decision by the Executive Director and, if necessary, an action plan for resolving the complaint within 10 working days of the complaint being made.
c. If you disagree with the written decision, you can respond in writing to the Chair of the Local Human Rights Committee within 10 working days. If you do not respond within 10 working days, the complaint will be closed. Please contact either the internal advocate or the Human Right’s Advocate below, if you wish to contact the Chair of the Local Human Rights Committee.
*The NRVCS Internal Advocate is Ashley A. Wilson (contact information provided below). The Commonwealth of VA Regional Human Rights Advocate’s information is also below. At any time during the complaint resolution process, you may contact either Advocate for assistance.
Ashley A. Wilson
NRVCS Internal Advocate
700 University City Boulevard
Blacksburg, VA 24060-2706
Email: aawilson@nrvcs.org
Phone: 540-961-8476
FAX: 540-557-4042
Human Rights Advocate
Catawba Hospital
P.O. Box 200
Catawba, VA 24070
Phone: 540-375-4321
Toll-free: 1-877-600-7434
FAX: 540-375-4328