Privacy Practices & Client Rights

Client Protection & Confidentiality

Privacy Practices and Client Rights

Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Area (FSA) is committed to protecting your privacy and your rights under state and federal law.

As a client seeking mental health services at FSA, your right to privacy is governed by the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

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Your Rights as an FSA Client

• Communication & Understanding: You are entitled to have your rights explained to you using a language or method of communication that you understand during your first session with a counselor.
• Legal Guardians & Support: If you have a guardian, we will cooperate with them. We will also cooperate with courts and probation with your explicit written consent.
• Safety & Individual Care: You have the right to be free from abuse and neglect, and the right to be free from physical restraints unless necessary to protect you or others from harm.
• Individualized Treatment Plan: You have the right to develop an individual treatment plan with your input and review it periodically with your counselor.
• Nondiscrimination: FSA does not discriminate against anyone receiving counseling due to age, race, gender, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability. Exercise of these rights will not result in a refusal of services.

Protected Health Information (PHI) & Exceptions

FSA will not release any Protected Health Information (PHI) without written consent from a client over the age of 12 and their parent/guardian. FSA makes every reasonable effort to verify the identity of anyone requesting protected health information.

Grievance Procedure

If you believe FSA is not treating you fairly, you have the right to file a written grievance with the Executive Director. If you are not satisfied with the decision, you may appeal by filing a written grievance with the President of the Governing Board of Directors.