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Patients Rights
Patient care activities must be conducted with an overriding concern for the patient and above all the recognition of his or her dignity as a human being.
Although no catalog of rights can provide a guarantee that the patient will receive the kind of treatment he or she has a right to expect, these patient rights are affirmed and actively incorporated into the care provided by us.
1. The patient has the right to receive considerate and respectful care.
For patient safety reasons, Access Psych Meds will only prescribe non-stimulant/non-controlled substances for ADHD. When medically necessary, Access Psych Meds may provide education about the benefits of stimulants for patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD, however, it is best to find a different provider who will prescribe this medication.
Even though all Nurse Practitioners are allowed to prescribe medications, Access Psych Meds will not prescribe opioids for chronic pain issues, nor benzodiazepines for severe panic disorder.
Note: Please find a different provider who will prescribe these medications.
2. The patient has the right to know the name of the provider responsible for coordinating his or her care.
3. The patient has the right to obtain information from his or her provider in terms that can be reasonably understood.
Information may include but is not limited to his or her diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and medically significant alternatives for care or treatment that may be available.
When it is not medically advisable to share specific information with the patient, the information should be made available to an appropriate person on his or her behalf.
When medical alternatives are to be incorporated into the plan of care, the patient has the right to know the name and qualifications of the person responsible for the treatments.
4. The patient has the right to obtain the necessary information from his or her provider to give informed consent before the start of any treatment.
Necessary information includes but is not limited to the specific medication, side effect, mechanism of action and the probable risks involved in any psychiatric treatment.
5. When medically necessary, the patient or designated support person(s) will receive complete information and explanation about the alternatives to Access Psych Meds out-patient psychiatry care.
The mental health acuity level of the patient seeking out-patient psychiatry care from Access Psych Meds must be within the mild to moderate range.
Transfer to a higher level of care may be necessary for severe manic episodes, active psychosis, moderate to severe substance use disorders, active withdrawal from substances and suicidal ideation with an active plan and intent.
6. The patient has the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the medical consequences of his or her action.
7. The patient has the right to obtain information about any financial responsibility insofar as his or her care is concerned.
8. The patient has the right to every consideration for privacy throughout his or her medical care experience, including but not limited to the following:
- Confidentiality and discreet conduct during case discussions
- Consultations
- Examinations
- Treatments
Those not directly involved in his or her care must have the permission of the patient to be present. All communications and records pertaining to the patient’s care will be treated as confidential.
9. The patient has the right to expect reasonable continuity of care, including but not limited to the following:
- The right to know in advance what appointment times are available and when.
- The right to know in advance that Access Psych Meds does not prescribe controlled substances and for this reason, if medically necessary, your primary care provider will have to prescribe the controlled substances for you.
- The right to access information from his or her provider, regarding continuing health care requirements following discharge.
- The number to call for questions or emergency care.
- National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255
- Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255, press 1
- SAMHSA National Hotline 1-800-662-4357
- Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222