PATIENT BILL OF RIGHTS

Empathy, communication, mutual respect, understanding, confidentiality, and privacy are critical to services provided by Oak Bluffs Therapy Group. To these ends, Oak Bluffs Therapy Group strives to ensure that its providers uphold these patient rights:

1.   Patients and their guardians (if any) have the right to understand these rights. If, for any reason, patients and/or their guardians do not understand these rights or require assistance, Oak Bluff’s team will be happy to provide assistance. Patients and/or guardians, including the hearing and speech impaired and those who are not native speakers of English, have the right to receive communications in a language and manner that is understood by the patient and their guardian (if any).

2.   Patients have the right to receive professional, expert treatment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender and gender identity, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or source of Our clinicians and team will do everything possible to provide services taking into account each patient’s unique identity.

3.   Patients and their guardians (if any) have the right to receive materials that clearly explain the scope of services provided by Oak Bluffs Therapy Group.

4.   Patients and their guardians (if any) have the right to expect continuity of care and to know in advance what appointment times and services are available.

5.   Patients and their guardians have the right to know all options, therapies, treatments and services available to them. Clinicians should not be deterred or constrained from presenting these options to the patient. This right also entitles the patient access to information on services outside of the scope of services provided by Oak Bluffs Therapy Group.

6.   Patients have the right to receive considerate and respectful care delivered by a professional clinician in a place that fully protects patient privacy.

7.   Patients and their guardians (if any) have the right to know the name and position of any office staff involved in the patient’s care and may request that a different staff member handle the administrative tasks associated with their care (including, but not limited to, subscription billing and scheduling, as well as assignment to and coordination with a therapist).

8.   Patients and their guardians (if any) have the right to know the names, qualifications and licenses of all clinicians involved with their care.

9.   Patients and their guardians (if any) have the right to receive complete information about their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Patients and their guardians (if any) have the right to receive all the information needed to give informed consent for proposed treatment. This information shall include the possible risks and benefits of the treatment. Patients and their guardians (if any) are expected to provide all necessary information to providers to facilitate effective treatment. Patients and their guardians (if any) are responsible for providing, to the best of their knowledge, accurate and complete information about their complaints, medical and family history, mental health history and any other pertinent information.

10. Patients and guardians (if any) have the right to refuse treatment and to be told what effect this may have on their health.

11. Patients and their guardians (if any) have the right to privacy while in behavioral health (including via telehealth) sessions and confidentiality of information and records regarding their care. Patients and guardians (if any) have the right to know the safeguards that Oak Bluffs Therapy Group has adopted to protect their privacy and the confidentiality of all patient data gathered by Oak Bluffs Therapy Group and its clinicians. The release of protected information will be provided only to authorized agents and appropriate regulatory authorities.

12. Patients and their guardians (if any) have the right to review, comment upon and request correction of health information on their medical record and obtain a copy of the medical record, for which the office may charge a reasonable fee.

13. Patients and guardians (if any) have the right to receive the Oak Bluffs Privacy Policy.

14. Patients have the right to be satisfied with the care and treatment provided. Patients have the right to voice their grievances, objections and dissatisfaction regarding the care and/or the cost of treatment of care received without the fear of reprisal. Patients have the right to appeal decisions initially unfavorable to their position. Patients have the right to a system that provides for the receipt and resolution of complaints and grievances in a timely manner.

PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

All patients and their guardians (if any) are expected to provide information requested by practitioners providing their care. Patients and their guardians (if any) will be informed of their responsibilities as described under the Patient Bill of Rights.

Oak Bluffs Therapy Group patients and their guardians are responsible for providing, to the best of their knowledge, accurate and complete information regarding the following:

  • Present complaints.

  • Medical History and any other significant events, including surgical history.

  • Mental Health, social, and family histories.

  • Current medications.

  • Allergies and reactions.

  • Any other pertinent information.

 

Additionally:

  • Patients and their guardians (if any) are responsible for reporting when they lack a clear understanding of a proposed course of action and what may be expected of them.

  • Patients and their guardians (if any) are responsible for following treatment recommendations and reporting any factors that may prevent them from doing so.

  • Patients and their guardians (if any) are responsible for respecting the rights of others, including, but not limited to, other patients, staff and clinicians.

  • Patients and their guardians (if any) are responsible for assuring that the financial obligations associated with their care are met in a timely manner and prior to the commencement of each month’s care.

  • Patients and their guardians (if any) are responsible for notifying providers at least 24 hours in advance when canceling any appointment.

  • Patients and their guardians (if any) are responsible for communicating with Oak Bluffs Therapy Group clinicians in an honest, transparent, and forthright manner.

  • Patients and their guardians (if any) should be aware that clinicians who care for them may not be employees of Oak Bluffs Therapy Group and that, if this is the case, Oak Bluffs Therapy Group does not control them.

  • Patients and their guardians (if any) are encouraged to ask clinicians about all treatment options and compensation arrangements between Oak Bluffs Therapy Group and the patient’s clinician.

  • Patients and their guardians (if any) are responsible for reporting any and all concerns to Oak Bluffs Therapy Group at (800) 307-2265.

TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY

At Oak Bluffs Therapy Group, our clinicians and staff are committed to helping our patients identify and reach their goals, build and enjoy the most fulfilling lives possible, and realize their full potential. This approach is what sets Oak Bluffs Therapy Group apart.

In assisting their clients, our clinicians only employ evidenced-based treatment modalities, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), organizational skills training, and motivational interviewing.

Last Updated and Effective: March 20, 2023