Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

As a patient receiving speech therapy, you have the right within the limits of the law, to:

• Receive considerate, respectful, compassionate care regardless of your age, gender, race, national origin, religion, gender preference, or disability.
• Receive care in a safe environment free from all forms of abuse, neglect, or harassment.
• Have your property treated with dignity and respect.
• Be informed of your treatment plan and participate in the development and implementation of your plan of care. Receive a clear explanation of evaluation results; to be informed of potential or lack of potential for improvement.
• Be fully informed of the care and treatment that will be provided by us, the cost of care, and how payment will be handled.
• Be provided with services in a timely and competent manner, which includes referral to other appropriate professionals when necessary.
• Be told the name of your health care provider and the professional qualifications of the person providing services.
• Expect full consideration of your privacy and confidentiality in care discussions, evaluations, and treatments.
• Expect that all communications and records about your care are confidential, unless disclosure is allowed by law.
• Request a copy of and/or review your clinical records, receive an explanation of record entries, and request correction of inaccurate records.
• Be told in a timely manner of your discharge and be involved in your discharge plan.
• Request or refuse treatment, and receive information regarding the consequences of refusing treatment.
• Change health care providers if dissatisfied with your care.
• Voice your concerns about the care you receive. If you have a problem or complaint, you may call our eastside office at (915) 855-0601 or our far eastside office at (915) 303-5177. If your complaint or concern is not addressed to your satisfaction, you may contact:

  Texas Department of Human Services
  701 West 51ST Street, P.O. Box 149030
  Austin, TX, 78714-9030

As a patient, you have the responsibility to:

• Provide complete and accurate medical, health, and insurance carrier information.
• Remain under the care of your physician while receiving our services.
• Keep your appointments or call our eastside office at (915) 855-0601 or our far eastside office at (915) 303-5177.
• Accept the responsibility for any refusal of treatment.
• Ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions.
• Treat New Beginnings staff with courtesy and respect.
• Contact the New Beginnings office in the event of change of address, phone, or insurance information.