| (a) In addition to receiving a rights handbook, each newly admitted individual, the parent or conservator of a minor, and the guardian of the person shall be informed orally of all rights in his or her primary language using plain and simple terms within 24 hours of admission into services. Persons admitted for voluntary services shall be given this information prior to admission to services. The notification will also include an explanation of the circumstances under which those rights may be limited, and an explanation of how a complaint may be filed. This notification also must occur at least annually and upon any changes to this information. The method used to communicate the information should be designed for effective communication, tailored to meet each person's ability to comprehend, and responsive to any visual or hearing impairment. (b) Oral communication of rights shall be documented on a form bearing the date and signatures of the individual and/or the parent, conservator, or guardian, and the staff member who explained the rights. The form should be filed in the individual's chart. Psychiatric hospitals should use the form provided on the Patient's Bill of Rights. Department facilities should use the Receipt of Information Record (MHRS 9-1 Form). Community centers may use the MHRS 9-1 Form or a form of their own design which contains all of the applicable elements, so long as the form is used only for the documentation of communication of rights. (c) When the individual receiving services is unable or unwilling to sign the document which confirms that rights have been orally communicated, a brief explanation of the reason should be entered onto that document along with the signatures of the person who explained the rights and a third-party witness. (d) If the individual does not appear to understand the rights explanation, staff will attempt to provide another explanation periodically until understanding is reached or until discharge. The necessity for repeating the rights communication process will be documented, signed, and dated by staff. |
