Rule 111-8-53-.18 - Patient Rights, Responsibilities, and Complaints(1) Programs shall develop and implement written policies and procedures regarding the rights and responsibilities of patients and the handling and resolution of complaints. These policies and procedures must include a written notice of rights and responsibilities provided to each patient at orientation. The required notice must contain the following items: (a) Right to humane treatment that affords reasonable protection from harm, exploitation, and coercion;(b) Right to be free from physical and verbal abuse;(c) Right to be informed about the individual treatment plan and to participate in the planning, as able;(d) Right to be promptly and fully informed of any changes in the plan of treatment;(e) Right to accept or refuse treatment;(f) Right to confidentiality of patient records;(g) Right to be informed of the program's complaint policy and procedures and the right to submit complaints without fear of discrimination or retaliation and to have them investigated by the program within a reasonable period of time;(h) Right to receive a written notice of the address and telephone number of the state licensing authority, i.e. the Department, and the right to file a complaint with the Department;(i) Right to obtain a copy of the program's most recent completed report of licensing inspection from the program upon written request. The program is not required to release a report until the program has had the opportunity to file a written plan of correction for the violations as provided for in these rules; and(j) Right to an informal review and appeal of any involuntary discharge.(2) These policies and procedures shall also include provisions for patients and others to present complaints to the program, either orally or in writing, and to have their complaints addressed and resolved as appropriate in a timely manner.(3) The program shall provide services in a manner that respects the rights and responsibilities of patients.(4) The program shall post the name and phone number of the Complaint Intake Line for the Department of Community Health and the most recent inspection report issued by the Department in an area visible to the patients.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 111-8-53-.18
O.C.G.A. §§ 26-5-2et seq., 31-2-5 and 31-2-7.
Original Rule entitled "Patient Rights, Responsibilities, and Complaints" adopted. F. Sep. 9, 2013; eff. Sept. 29, 2013.