Confidentiality And Consumer Rights

Confidentiality between Friends Connection staff and the program participant is the foundation upon which trust is built. When a consumer feels safe, mental health issues, substance abuse issues, and other health care concerns can be shared openly. Confidentiality is a partnership that all MHASP and Friends Connection employees enter into with consumers. As such, we have an obligation to respect the boundaries of this information.

Confidentiality means that information shared by a consumer (verbal and written record) is revealed only to those service providers or agencies who are involved in the treatment and support of the consumer, and only with specific written authorization from the consumer.

Confidentiality means that respect is shown for the consumer, his or her experiences, feelings, and understanding of what is happening to him/her. Our program philosophy calls us to honor the inherent worth and dignity of all those with whom we work.

Additionally, MHASP and the Friends Connection respects and advocates for the rights of consumers receiving services in the program. These rights encompass disclosure of information, choice of programs and services, participation in treatment decisions, respect and nondiscrimination, confidentiality, complaints and appeals, and consumer responsibilities. All employees will continuously strive to respect and protect these rights. See Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.

In accordance with applicable Federal and State Civil Laws and regulatory requirements MHASP as an agency, the Friends Connection as a program of the agency, and their employees may not directly or indirectly refuse, withhold, or deny services of this organization to any present or prospective consumer because of their race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, life style, sexual or affectional preference.