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Cornerstones of Maine - Summary of Client Rights

If you do not understand written or spoken English, an interpreter will be provided to explain your rights. A copy of this Summary will be provided to you after it is reviewed.

For more detailed information, you may request a copy of the Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services. There are both child and adult versions of this booklet. A free copy is also available from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, 11 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0011 (Phone: (207) 287-4243, TTY: 1-800-606-0215).

As a Cornerstones of Maine client, you have many rights. This document provides only a summary. In addition to the following rights, you retain all basic human and civil rights that all citizens enjoy.

Your Rights at Cornerstones of Maine

  1. Right to Explanation: You have the right to a full explanation of your rights at the beginning of your service.
  2. Right to Advocacy: You may have a person of your choice, designated by you in writing, to assist in understanding and protecting your rights.
  3. Non-Discrimination: You have the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or political affiliation.
  4. Privacy and Dignity: Your privacy and dignity must be respected at all times.
  5. Confidentiality: You have the right to confidentiality of your personal information. You can access your records, designate individuals or agencies to whom the information may be released, and request amendments to your records as outlined in the Notice of Privacy Practices.
  6. Individualized Service Plan (ISP): You have the right to actively participate in the development of your Individualized Service Plan. You can designate someone to assist in creating your plan, and you may decline participation in any part of your plan that you no longer agree with. You are entitled to a copy of your ISP.
  7. Least Restrictive Environment: You have the right to receive services in the least restrictive environment possible.
  8. Right to Information: You have the right to receive a clear explanation of recommended treatments, including their risks, benefits, and expected duration. You must also receive a thorough explanation of any potential risks or side effects of medications.
  9. Right to Alternatives: Efforts will be made to offer alternative treatments or a second opinion if requested.
  10. Right to Refuse: You have the right to refuse any recommended services or medications, without affecting your other services or medications as long as they can be provided safely and in accordance with professional practice.
  11. Right to Choose Care Provider: You have the right to request a care provider of your choice or to change your care provider at any time, within availability and clinical appropriateness.
  12. Right to Freedom from Restraints: You have the right to be free from locked seclusion or mechanical restraints in all Cornerstones of Maine programs and services.
  13. Grievance Process: If you believe your rights have been violated, you have the right to file a grievance. You will receive a written response, and you may appeal the decision, including appeals to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. No retaliation will occur for filing a grievance. Information about the grievance process is available at any Cornerstones of Maine office.

Additional Contacts for Grievance Support:

  1. Adults: Grievance Coordinator, Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, Maine Department of Health and Human Services, 11 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0011 (Phone: (207) 287-2595, TTY: Maine Relay 711).
  2. Children and Adolescents: Children’s Services Grievance Coordinator, Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services, 11 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0011 (Phone: (207) 624-7900, TTY: Maine Relay 711).
  3. Disability Rights Maine (for all ages): 160 Capitol Street, Suite 4, Augusta, ME 04330 (Phone/TTY: 1-800-452-1948).

Right to Refuse Experimental or Research Treatment

You have the right to be informed if a treatment or service is experimental or for research purposes. This will be clearly identified, and you have the right to refuse participation without affecting your services at Cornerstones of Maine.

For Residential Facilities Only:

  1. Right to Least Restrictive Setting: You have the right to be treated in the least restrictive setting appropriate to meet your needs.
  2. Right to Free Association & Communication: You have the right to associate with others, have visitors, and communicate by mail and phone unless safety reasons necessitate restrictions.
  3. Right to Personal Property & Financial Management: You have the right to possess personal items unless they pose a safety risk or infringe on others' rights. You have the right to manage your own finances, unless restricted by court order or as part of your treatment plan.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact Cornerstones of Maine or the appropriate state agencies.