Client Rights and Grievance Procedures

EVOLVE HEALTH & WELLNESS

Your Rights as a Client

A quick guide to your rights and how to speak up

You deserve respectful, safe, individualized care. Evolve will explain your rights when services begin, answer questions at any time, and review them at least annually if you receive services longer than one year.

You have the right to:

1. Treated with dignity, respect, privacy, and consideration for your choices.

2. Be safe from abuse, neglect, exploitation, humiliation, and retaliation.

3. Receive services in the least restrictive setting that is appropriate.

4. Participate in available, appropriate services without being required to accept unrelated services.

5. Understand services and give or refuse informed consent, as permitted by law.

6. Help develop and review your treatment plan and receive a copy.

7. Be free from unnecessary medication, restraint, or seclusion.

8. Be informed about and refuse unusual or hazardous procedures.

9. Know about and refuse observation or recording, subject to applicable law.

10. Have your personal information and communications kept confidential.

11. Access your records, subject to applicable legal restrictions.

12. Know why services are ending and receive appropriate referral information.

13. Know why a requested service has been denied.

14. Receive services without unlawful discrimination.

15. Know the cost of services.

16. Have your rights explained and receive a written copy on request.

17. Exercise your rights without reprisal.

18. File a grievance about denial or violation of your rights.

19. Get instructions and help with the grievance process.

20. Receive understandable information about your condition.

21. Consult independent treatment specialists or legal counsel at your expense.

Questions or need help?

Ask any Evolve staff member for an explanation, a copy of the complete Client Rights Policy (CS100), or help understanding your options. Parents, guardians, and representatives may have additional rights or responsibilities under applicable law.

How to File a Grievance

You can raise concerns without fear of retaliation

You may tell us about problems with your care, staff conduct, or a possible violation of your rights. You do not have to solve the problem informally before filing a grievance, and filing will not improperly affect your services.

How do I file?

• Tell any staff member or contact Evolve’s client advocate, in person, by phone, or in writing.

• Use the Grievance / Complaint Form if you wish. It is not required. Staff can help put a verbal grievance into writing.

• You may ask a representative or advocate to help you. You do not need to identify a policy that was violated.

What happens after I file?

1. Evolve documents your grievance and sends a written acknowledgment within 3 business days.

2. The client advocate coordinates a fair review, which may include talking with people involved and reviewing relevant information.

3. Evolve provides a written decision within 20 business days after receiving the grievance. If extra time is necessary, you will receive written notice explaining the extension.

4. You may ask for additional internal review or contact an outside organization at any time.

Your Evolve client advocate:

Loryn Bare, Administrative Director

Available 8am - 4pm at our main office located at 220 S. 6th Street, Ironton Ohio 45638

740-901-0838 | lbare@evolvehw.org

Outside organizations you may contact directly

Adams, Lawrence & Scioto ADAMHS Board: 740-354-5648 | 919 Seventh St., Portsmouth, OH 45662

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health: 614-466-2596 | 30 E. Broad St., 36th Fl., Columbus, OH 43215

Disability Rights Ohio: 800-282-9181 | 200 Civic Center Dr., Ste. 300, Columbus, OH 43215

U.S. HHS Office for Civil Rights: 800-368-1019 | 230 S. Dearborn St., Rm. 3346, Chicago, IL 60604

Need more information?

Ask for the full Client Complaints & Grievance Resolution Policy (CS110), the grievance form, or the complete contact directory. We can explain the process in a way that works for your communication needs.