Please bear in mind that a complaint is a very serious action and should be done so when you believe professional misconduct has taken place. It is important that we resolve difficulties together should a problem arise. Part of therapy/treatment is learning new methods to communicate effectively. Before making your decision to report a health care provider, keep in mind that many common complaints such as scheduling problems, personality conflicts, or disputes over bills or insurance are usually not within the Department or board’s legal authority to take action. Reports involving fees or insurance claims are only investigated if there appears to be fraud involved.

If you believe your rights have been violated you are asked to contact Laura J. Halford, clinic director in order that we may discuss the situation by telephoning her at 425-462-8558 or by mailing a written complaint to her at 2025 112th Ave NE, Suite 201 Bellevue, WA 98004. If you believe it is not possible to resolve an issue a complaint can be made with the online form here.

 

Patient Rights

  1. You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
  2. You have the right to be treated without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, criminal background, political beliefs, or disability.
  3. You have the right to expect that information concerning your treatment will be confidential.
  4. You have the right to examine your file in the presence of a staff member. 72 hour’s notice is required for file examination requests.
  5. You have the right to know all the services provided by or to which we can refer you, and to request participation in or referral to those services.
  6. You have the right to know the rules, procedures, and policies, to be notified of any changes and to ask for clarification of any item you do not understand.
  7. Treatment is voluntary. You may terminate your treatment at any time.
  8. You have the right to make suggestions to improve the range or quality of services provided and are encouraged to do so.
  9. You have the right to privacy, to freedom of religion, to communicate with significant others in the event of an emergency and to never be subjected to physical abuse, corporal punishment, or other forms of abuse by agency staff members.
  10. You have the right to have clinical contact with a same-gender counselor, same-gender groups, or individual counseling where such issues as domestic violence, sexual assault, anger management, eating disorders and self-esteem can be safely addressed.
  11. You have the right not to be discriminated against or deprived of any agency service by agency employees or other patients, due to actual or perceived HIV infection, or association with individuals who are infected or may be perceived to be infected.
  12. You have the right to request referrals to other agencies or services as may be necessary to address any unresolved problems listed on the treatment plan; for example, domestic violence, sexual assault, anger management, self-esteem, mental health, parenting, child development, eating disorders and prenatal care.
  13. You have the right to be treated without regard to any disability.
  14. You have the right to have a reasonable opportunity to practice the religion of your choice alone or in private as long as such practice does not infringe on the rights of other patients receiving treatment services. You have the right to refuse participation in any service that is or is perceived to be a religious practice.
  15. You have the right to receive a copy of the patient’s right statement at admission and in case of disciplinary discharge per WAC.
  16. You have the right to know that we will provide all services to patients without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, the presence of physical, mental, or sensory handicap (hearing, speech, vision), mental illness, veteran’s status, epilepsy, learning disability, HIV/AIDS, arthritis, cerebral palsy, developmental disability or multiple sclerosis, criminal background or political beliefs.

These rights are available in an auditory format for the visually impaired. Please ask the front desk for a flash drive copy to download and listen to them