Patient/Client Rights and Responsibilities At admission, the patient/client receives verbal and written information regarding their rights and responsibilities in a language and manner the individual understands. It is the responsibility of all clinical staff to adhere to patient/client rights and provide additional patient/client education as needed. Patients/clients over the age of 60, also receive the Rights of the Elderly at admission. Online Bookmark Title of Policy Rights and Ethics (RI) Patient/Client Rights and Responsibilities TX Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation The Agency attempts to identify suspected or alleged victims of abuse and report or refer abuse and/or neglect of the patient/client. Staff are expected to immediately report an assessment of a patient’s/client’s condition that might indicate abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the Agency supervisor. Symptoms that may indicate a need for further investigation include the following: • Injuries to the trunk of the body that indicate intentional rather than accidental harm. • Injury with a patterned appearance to it, i.e., marks from a belt or a ring. • Bruised skin from a grasp. • Patient/client reports an abusive incident. If there is cause to believe abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the patient/client has occurred by a staff member, representative, or contractor, you should report it immediately, meaning within twenty-four (24) hours, to Agency management and to: • Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400, or through the DFPS secure website at www.txabusehotline.org. • Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) at 1-800-458-9858. Management will investigate the situation and report findings to the patient’s/client’s attending physician and to the appropriate agency according to state regulations. Online Bookmark Title of Policy Provision of Care (PC) Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation TX Transfer and Discharge Notices In addition to the Medicare required notices, in Texas, a five-day notice is required for transfer/ discharge. See policy for specific requirements for delivery by mail and instances when an Agency may transfer or discharge without a five-day notice.
