Dove House Patient Handbook_Jan24.docx

PATIENT HANDBOOK DOVE HOUSE “Recovery happens when you are ready to allow hope, serenity, and joy fill in where the pain and darkness of addiction once lived.” Seven miles in – seven miles out. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Your first step towards recovery will be one...

PATIENT HANDBOOK DOVE HOUSE “Recovery happens when you are ready to allow hope, serenity, and joy fill in where the pain and darkness of addiction once lived.” Seven miles in – seven miles out. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Your first step towards recovery will be one of many. Because recovery is different for everyone, you will need to find your own path, but you do not need to do it alone. By seeking treatment, you are connecting yourself with other people who can help you along your journey to recovery. Welcome and Good Luck! Issued to Patient: _______________________­­­­­­­­ Date: _______________ ________ Staff Signature: Date: ________________________ Dorm Room Assignment: ID # ____________ ____________ Therapist: _____________________ ____________________________ Revision 9/01/2021, 2/10/23, 1/22/24 THE JUDE HOUSE, INC. The Dove House Physical Address: Office Telephone: (Patient name) 301-934-6108 ℅ The Jude House 9400 Irving Drive Bel Alton, MD 20611 Staff Telephones: Professional, family, and client business calls are made and received in the assigned therapist’s office. ITEMS ALLOWED UPON ADMISSION TO THE DOVE HOUSE Seasonal clothing. Closet space is limited. No more than 10 outfits are permitted. Toiletries: Toothpaste, toothbrush, non-alcohol mouthwash, showers shoes, soap, razors, cosmetics, and sanitary napkins. *Optional: The Dove House provides hygiene products.* Clothes Hangers Towels and wash clothes Shorts and either v-neck or crew neck t-shirts with sleeves for outside activities. Money (no more than $60) on person. Internal business account for additional funds is necessary. Important papers: SS card, birth certificate, driver’s license or ID card, insurance card. ITEMS NOT ALLOWED Cell phones MP3 players with cameras or that are internet accessible DVD players Portable TV’s Computers Pornographic clothing, magazines, movies, or related paraphernalia Personal satisfaction devices Drug/alcohol advertisements on clothing and/or personal items (i.e., stickers, notebooks, water bottles…) Any item which includes alcohol Welcome! On behalf of The Dove House Staff and The Jude House Board of Directors, welcome! We are excited about your admission. You have been extended a rare opportunity to change your life, and we will do all we can to help you succeed. Your past is the past. Every day, you have an opportunity to change your life. It will not be easy, but you will be rewarded with a substance-free life going forward. The staff is here to assist you with your journey. The hardest part was coming through the door; the second hardest thing is to sit still long enough to get the information to change your life; and the third hardest thing is to commit to making the behavioral changes required to ensure that your future is not an instant replay of your past. You have made the bravest choice of your life to take charge of your addiction. Good luck, and we wish you great success! All the rules and structure at The Dove House are in place to ensure you have a safe, substance-free environment, and they are designed to have you create your best treatment plan and your best life. About The Dove House The Dove House is a safe place to live where you can receive treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and related problems. The Dove House uses a medical treatment model which is evidenced based to increase the likelihood of your rediscovering life without the use of mind-altering substances. We are a long-term substance treatment facility with programs to help you regain control of your life in all areas. The program exists to assist you and help you build a foundation for recovery. It is our hope that treatment here will help prepare you for success at home, work, and in the community. The goals of the program for you are total abstinence from drugs and alcohol, successfully demonstrate your ability to follow rules and guidance, increase in life skills, socialization skills, and other skills that will improve your ability in becoming a successful member of society. During your stay with us, you will live in The Dove House, a certified CARF and BHA, ASAM Level 3.5 and ASAM Level 3.3 facility run by licensed and certified staff. This means that you will be responsible for most day-to-day living activities. You will share a room. You will have to work and cooperate with others in this community. The Dove House staff is available 24-hours a day to assist you. Our Mission At The Jude House (TJH), it is our mission to not only help you become substance free, but also to guide you in finding a new way of life. We hold recovery and positive living in the highest regard. Through respect and dignity, we provide a rare opportunity to find recovery. We prioritize those individuals with criminal convictions and few financial resources as our target population. Many people never get this chance. Do yourself a favor; sit still and give this program an honest chance. You can save your life. Be selfish with your recovery and keep the focus on you. The philosophy of The Dove House (TDH) is to provide, without judgment or discrimination: A safe, long-term residential, transitional treatment center with gradual integration into sober society. To make available to each patient the support of trained staff with personal recovery experiences and professional education. To align patients with peers who are successful in various levels of recovery. To establish and reinforce a patient's commitment to substance-free lifestyle, introduction (or reintroduction) to a network of self-help,12-Step, and/or sober-living programs throughout the community. Knowledge that individuals can recover from addiction when they are committed to the goal. Mental health support for those with a dual diagnosis. Support for past traumas. Treatment for all addictions to prescription and illicit drugs, nicotine, gambling, and sex. Individualized treatment to address individual needs and goals. TDH GOALS To provide a clean, safe, and healthy environment with opportunities for people living with substance abuse challenges to examine her core values. To offer a ray of hope to those whose lives have been dismantled by addiction. To communicate and partner with other community agencies in sharing knowledge, resources, and exploring new techniques to aid in continuous recovery and aftercare. To reconnect people living with substance abuse issues with a spiritual base, if they choose. To provide quality substance abuse treatment. To provide the tools that will help change a patient’s life through treatment and recovery TJH CORE VALUES Honesty and personal accountability. Open-minded to listen and guide patients. Willing to connect and support. Passion for service to others. Trust, integrity, and respect. Working together to achieve individualized goals. Embrace change. Teamwork. Staying substance free. Being comfortable loving oneself. Preserving the history, heritage, and historical value of the Bel Alton High School. General Information Mailing Address Please have all mail delivered to the clinical offices in this format (Mail is distributed to patient by The Dove House Administrator): Patient’s Name ℅ The Jude House 9400 Irving Road Bel Alton, MD 20611 Our Phone and Fax Numbers Clinical Office: 301-934-6108 Clinical Fax: 301-934-6108 (please give The Dove House notice of an incoming fax) What to Expect Patients will meet with a therapist to begin the assessment process. This includes psychosocial, psychiatric, nursing, and other assessments if necessary, so that we can develop an effective treatment plan that will address specific needs and improve the likelihood of success. Patients will be expected to participate in the planning and revision of their Treatment Plan. Participation in groups, individual sessions, and team meetings are designed to assist a patient in remaining aware and achieving their goals. The course of treatment follows closely Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Medical Model of Treatment, and the 12-Step Recovery Plan. Patients will participate in various therapeutic groups, individual sessions, and complete homework assignments. These elements are mandatory components of all patients’ plan, and patients are expected to participate and follow through with each one. If a patient has mental health or medical needs, The Dove House will do its best to coordinate care for those needs as well. Be aware that non-emergency medical needs will not be a priority during a treatment stay. Video Surveillance The program uses video surveillance in communal areas to provide security and protection for our staff and patients. The cameras record 24 hours a day. Program Rules The use of alcohol or an illegal drug is grounds for immediate discharge from the program. Please be mindful and respectful of all your surroundings. Use of prescription medications is not permitted unless prescribed by a medical doctor and approved by The Dove House nursing staff. All medications must be turned in to the medical staff upon admission, including over-the-counter medication. At no time should a patient give, loan, or sell medications to other patients. In instances of illness, the patient must first confer with The Dove House nursing staff to be excused. A medical consult may be required. Patients must submit to random drug screens as part of the program. Refusal to do so is seen as a positive result. Patients must be on time for all scheduled groups and activities. Late arrival is considered a missed group. Patients must practice confidentiality; what is said in group, stays in group. Patients must not disrupt group by leaving, interrupting, sleeping, or distracting others. Patients are not to leave the building or grounds for any reason unless accompanied by The Dove House staff. Passes and visitation are to be pre-approved by the assigned therapist. All communal areas should be cleaned before the end of the day. Smoking is allowed in designated areas only. Verbal abuse of staff or fellow peers will not be tolerated. Possession of weapons, acts of violence, or threats of violence are grounds for immediate discharge. Loitering in the halls is not permitted. Outside of group, patients are expected to be in their rooms or a designated communal area. Patients are not authorized to stand in front of the Clinical Team Office or the Medical Office due to confidentiality issues. The following are unauthorized at The Dove House: Contraband or offenses listed may result in discharge, legal charges, and/or confiscation. No drugs, alcohol, synthetic, illicit, or unauthorized medications. No drug paraphernalia. No Valerian Root. No herbal supplements or energy drinks. No devices used to evade urinalysis, mouth swabs, or breathalyzers. No travel-size items or bottles. No clothing displaying violence, nudity, vulgar or explicit language, drug and/or alcohol use, criminal lifestyles, or clothing that staff decides is sexually provocative. No bath salts. No tattooing or piercing equipment. No weapons or anything resembling a weapon, including tasers. No candles or incense are permitted. No hand rolled cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, cigarillos, open loose tobacco, or rolling papers. No patient may use or possess cellphones, beepers, pagers, or other communication devices. No lottery tickets, dice, or gambling of any kind. No visitors are permitted at The Dove House property without approval from the House Administrator. No loaning or borrowing of personal items is permitted, including money and cigarettes. No pornographic material of any kind. No stealing. This is grounds for administrative discharge. No DVD players, tablets, computers, iPod with internet capabilities. Only non-internet capable MP3 players without cameras are allowed. Music is allowed if the device has the ability to insert headphones or earbuds. Music is for PERSONAL use only. Be respectful of others. Music and headphones/earbuds are not allowed during therapeutic groups. If an earpiece is seen during group, they will be taken. Only one headphone/earbud may be worn in the hallways and communal areas. FOOD: No open food or drinks are permitted in a patient’s bedroom, the Family Room, the Group Room, or any other area of Dove House outside of the Kitchen or Dining Room. This is a matter of cleanliness. Water, coffee, tea, or juice are permitted during group. No outside food or drink is to be brought in from passes and/or visits. TRANSITION AND DISCHARGE After a patient has met certain goals, they will possibly be ready to transition to a different or less intensive level of care. In the same way, if a patient has difficulty with the current level of care, it may be recommended that they be transitioned to a more intensive level of care. During treatment, a patient’s progress or challenges will be expressed in levels. These levels allow patients to earn or lose privileges. When a patient nears the point where they have achieved their goals, or when it appears that they have achieved maximum therapeutic benefit from treatment at The Dove House, patients will begin the discharge planning process with their assigned Treatment Team. A patient cannot discharge on holiday or a day before a holiday. Patients also cannot discharge without reporting instructions and release from probation and assigning judge if applicable. GROUNDS FOR UNSUCCESSFUL DISCHARGE Possession of weapons. Drug possession, distribution, or intent to distribute and/or selling of drugs or medications. Destruction of property. Sexual or intimate encounters with opposite- or same-sex peers. Acts of violence towards peers or staff. Exiting the building without permission from staff. Repeated failure to be redirected by staff (e.g., not getting out of bed or not giving a urine sample). Non-compliance will not be accepted. Acts of non-compliance will be reported to patient’s assigning judge if applicable. Non-compliance will result in treatment extensions and possibly an unsuccessful discharge. *** Any rule violation can result in restarting your treatment experience (e.g., smoking in the building or in an unathorized area on facility grounds, leaving or missing groups, and being in someone else’s room). All violations and resulting consequences will be reviewed by clinical staff and the Clinical Supervisor. SUBSTANCE USE POLICY It is the policy of The Dove House to advise all patients at the time of intake that it is strictly prohibited for patients to use or be under the influence of substances at any time during their admission. The following is our protocol: Any patient who appears to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is subject to be immediately tested by The Dove House staff. A patient under suspicion will be confronted by The Dove House staff. Often this suspicion will result in a two-person search being conducted. If there is a suspicion of substance use or other harmful activity going on within the facility, a percentage of up to 100% of dorms and patients will be searched. If the patient’s tests yield a positive result, appropriate actions will be taken upon consultation with the Clinical Supervisor. If the patient is required to be tested due to suspicion by the therapist or staff member, and the patient refuses or fails to produce a sample, The Dove House will consider that a positive result, your judge and/or emergency contact will be notified immediately, and an unsuccessful discharge may be imposed as the consequence. RULES FOR VISITATION AND PASSES Visitation Visits and passes are a privilege, and they must be earned and deemed clinically appropriate. Visitors must be approved by the assigned therapist. Passes are awarded when clinically appropriate as follows: One pass of four hours at Level II (must be local), and one pass of eight hours awarded at Level III. Passes are only awarded to a patient without any behavioral issues. During the first 10 days of the treatment program, patients are allowed to have one 15-minute “drop-off” initial visit if it is deemed necessary and coordinated and supervised by the assigned therapist. This is the only time a patient will be allowed to visit with their family outside of the Sunday Visit schedule. The therapist must supervise this initial visit. Consideration for bi-weekly visits will happen once a patient has reached Level II and demonstrated an ability to interact in accordance with their treatment goals. If a patient has been approved for bi-weekly visits, then those visits will be allowed only on Sundays at 2:30-4:30 p.m. on the date specified. Visits are only approved on the weekend of the patient’s gender. (Note: Men and women are not allowed to have visits during the same weekends.) Visits are every other weekend. If guests arrive that are not on the approved visitation sheet for that date, then those guest(s) will be turned away. Please be mindful that visits are not mandatory; acts of non-compliance will make a patient ineligible for visits. A Visit Request Form must be submitted to a patient’s assigned therapist prior to the weekly Clinical Meeting which takes place on Wednesdays. If the therapist is not present, it must be turned into the Clinical Supervisor. Late forms will be denied. If a patient has been cited for recent or egregious acts of non-compliance, then visits will be denied. Only four (4) visitors per patient. No visits are allowed from people that have been involved in any criminal or unhealthful dealings with the patient. Only visitors that are listed on the approved request can enter the facility. If a patient violates this rule, then visitation privileges will be revoked. During the initial phase of treatment, patients will discuss with their therapist who the patient intends to have as their support system. This list should be, when at all possible, limited to children, spouses, parents, and grandparents. The only time patients will be allowed to add to their visitation list is when a patient has chosen a sponsor, said sponsor has been vetted via in-person visit and approved by patient’s therapist, and for special events (i.e., Family Day and Christmas). Therapists will orchestrate this process. On visitation day, family members and/or friends are allowed to drop off the following: $60.00 Cigarettes All other items will need to be mailed in. Money must be mailed in the form of Cashier’s Check or money orders. (NO Personal Checks will be accepted.) Rules for Visitors Visitors must sign a Sobriety Contract and be substance free when visiting. Clothing during visitation must be conservative. No spaghetti straps, shorts or skirts above the knee, and no see-thru clothing will be allowed. Visitors who are 14 and over are subjected to be searched and/or breathalyzed upon entering the building. Families cannot bring items into the building. Visitors must leave their purse, bags, and cell phone locked in their car. If guests bring any items or violate policy, they will not be allowed to continue to visit. Passes While on pass, a patient must make healthful, positive choices. Stay away from drug- or alcohol-focused establishments or areas. Avoid people, places, and things. The purpose of a pass is to connect with family and support and to assist in their after-treatment plan. A urinalysis test will be given upon return from the pass. Refusal to submit a test when requested will be considered a positive result. The patient and their belongings will be searched. Patients cannot depart from the facility earlier than 9 a.m., and the patient must return no later than the time indicated on their request form. Curfew after a pass is 7 p.m. Passes can be taken Monday - Saturday during the week of visitation for the patient’s gender. Patients may only be picked up by those persons vetted by the therapist and listed on the request. That person should also be listed on the patient’s support system list. The support person must show proof of legal transportation (i.e., driver’s license, registration, valid insurance). Patients must have all required daily medications prior to departing the building for a pass. Therapist will orchestrate the request process of this privilege. NO ADDITIONAL PASSES will be authorized. Passes cannot be given as an additional reward. Special Family Events will not constitute a reason for an additional pass or a pass on an unauthorized weekend. What is considered an unauthorized weekend: Opposite gender weekends, Holiday weekends, or two weeks prior to your discharge. Call 301-932-0700 if there is an emergency. NO passes will be approved for the patient’s last two (2) weeks of treatment. DRESS CODE The Dove House hopes that all our patients will be as comfortable as possible during their stay with us. Please understand that modesty in dress is an integral part of the recovery community. Tank tops are allowed if the strap is 2-3 inches in width, with full coverage. Shirts must be worn to cover underarms. Sheer and see-through fabrics are not appropriate. NO shorts, skirts, or dresses above the knee. NO drug, alcohol, demeaning, racial, or sexual references on any clothing. NO rubber flips flops, shower shoes, slippers, or any other shoe that can be interpreted as such is to be worn beyond your bedroom. Dress sandals are allowed. Leggings are allowed with shirts that cover the buttocks. Heels 1 inch and under are allowed. NO sunglasses, hats, bandanas, or night headwear are allowed inside the building. No hoods are allowed to be worn inside. Patients are not to come out of their room without clothes on under their bathrobe. NO gang colors or references to gang affiliation. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e, et seq. ("Title VII"), protects all aspects of religious observance, practice, and belief, including clothing (e.g., a Muslim hijab (headscarf), a Sikh turban, or a Christian cross). MIXED AND SAME-GENDER RELATIONSHIP INTERACTIONS Please maintain 18 inches away from patients and staff always. Simply put, the road to recovery is tough enough without the complication of a sexual /love interest. Understand that this kind of interest is a distraction from treatment and will interfere with recovery. The support of other patients can help with one’s recovery when friendships and healthy boundaries are respected. However, dating, romantic, and sexual involvement between patients is prohibited during a patient’s stay at The Dove House. Patient and staff relationships are Strictly Prohibited, even after discharge from The Dove House. Please refer to the Relationship Agreement that was signed during intake. Be aware that patients are working towards recovery, and during this time, one’s brain craves dopamine-producing behaviors. Patients are encouraged to speak with their assigned therapist if sex/love is being sought while in treatment. This type of behavior has ended early recovery for many people. GROUP RULES Patients are expected to attend daily groups as indicated by the schedule. The therapeutic timeframe is Monday through Saturday, 9:30-11:45 a.m., 1:00-4:00 p.m., and 6:00-8:00 p.m. No eating, drinking, gum chewing, or candy is permitted during group times. Water is allowed. Practice respectful language when engaging in the group. Be courteous to others. Be respectful of the surroundings and others. Practice confidentiality! What is said in group, stays in group. Do not discuss among patients or staff outside of the assigned therapist. Follow the rules of the Dress Code. Sit in the appropriate areas as posted. Sit upright, and no feet in the chairs. NO HEADPHONES around the neck or in ears during therapeutic group time. They are to remain out of sight and turned off. Group topics include but are not restricted to: Stages of change Expressive Therapy Relapse Prevention Trauma Coping skills Health Criminal Thinking Co-Occurring Resiliency Drug Education Medical model of addiction Mindfulness SMOKING Smoke breaks are monitored by staff and security cameras. Smoke breaks are a privilege, not a requirement. Smoking is permitted on the back deck only. No smoking inside the building. Smoking is not permitted five minutes before a group. This is to ensure punctual group attendance. Patients are allotted four (4) packs of cigarettes per week. Additional cigarette packs beyond four packs will be secured and monitored by The Dove House Administrator. Cigarettes are not to be sold to, shared with, or bought for other residents. No rolled cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or vaping. Only legally packaged and purchased cigarettes are permitted. No chewing tobacco. The patch and nicotine gum are available through the Medical Department. Violation of smoking guidelines will result in loss of smoking privileges for the individual. SMOKING AT THE DOVE HOUSE IS A PRIVELEGE, NOT A RIGHT! BUSINESS HOURS Business Hours are every Monday with the PCC Lead. Please note that circumstances may arise periodically which make it necessary to change the hours of operation. Please arrange for family to mail needed items whenever possible. It is company policy that all forms of currency must be held in The Dove House lockbox for any amount exceeding $60.00. Funds in excess of said amount will be deposited in the patient’s name in said box, and a spreadsheet will keep track of deposits and withdrawals. Patients can access their money during Business Hours. Staff may not hold onto a patient’s money at any time. FOOD POLICY Mealtimes and snack times are noted on the Daily Schedule. Coffee is allowed three times per day. No pots of coffee will be made outside of those three pots. All meals are to be eaten in designated areas. Meals are provided to patients, except for those out on a pass, during mealtime. Additional meals or adjusted mealtimes are prohibited. Exceptions may be approved by the Medical Staff for patients with special dietary needs. Please NOTE that times may be adjusted due to events of the day. NO OUTSIDE FOOD IS PERMITTED. TRANSPORTATION Transportation Slips To ensure that patients arrive at their designation promptly, all transportation slips (out-of-house trip sheets) will need to be completed and signed by the assigned therapist within 48 hours prior to the trip. All transportation to medical and mental health appointments must be signed by the assigned therapist upon approval of medical staff. Sign in and Sign out All plans to be in the community must be specific. All patients must sign out when they leave The Dove House. An inventory of what the patient is taking with them will be filled out prior to any trip outside The Dove House. When a patient returns to The Dove House, staff will search the patient, and comparison to the inventory will be assessed. Staff will also search personal items. Patients may also be subjected to a breathalyzer and/or urinalysis test. This is to protect both patient and staff. Two-person searches often occur if a patient has been out of the building unsupervised. The search can be conducted by any staff member as long as they are the same gender as the patient being searched. SEARCH AND SEIZURES All patient belongings and dorms are subject to routine searches by staff. Patients can be subjected to two-person searches at any time. Any contraband seized by staff will be inventoried and placed in the Contraband Locker or discarded. It is the patient’s responsibility to retrieve all other items prior to discharge. Items left behind beyond 72 hours will be donated or discarded. It is the patient’s responsibility to retrieve items; the Dove House will not mail said items. GRIEVANCES The Dove House understands that differences or disagreements may arise between the patient and clinical provider(s), or that a patient may have a concern regarding the overall operation of the facility. It is the goal of The Dove House to handle all complaints professionally and work with the patient for a timely resolution. The Clinical Supervisor oversees the patient complaint process, and a patient’s assigned therapist can assist in filing a complaint if needed. The complete Complaint/Grievance/Appeal Procedure is available upon request. Grievance forms are available through The Dove House Administrator. The forms are to be placed in the appropriate box, which is located outside the Medical Office. NON-RETALIATION: In the event that a complaint is filed, either internally or with an outside organization, it is the strict policy of The Dove House that the complaint will not result in retaliation toward the complainant, create a barrier to the provision of services, or the refusal on the part of The Dove House employees to provide assistance to the complainant seeking an advocate. Any allegations of physical or sexual abuse by any staff member shall be brought to the immediate attention of the Executive Director. The patient will be afforded the opportunity to contact the Abuse Hotline in Charles County. The contact number is available through the Dove House Administrator. The number is also listed below. Notification to all parties of these rights shall include an affirmation of an organizational non-relationship policy that protects a party’s rights to file a grievance or express their opinion and invokes applicability of state and federal protections. The Clinical Supervisor and therapist shall take steps to ensure an appropriate investigation of each complaint to determine its validity. These rules contemplate informal but thorough investigations, affording all interested persons and their representatives an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint. All valid complaints must be reported to the Executive Director. In the event that a patient is dissatisfied at any point, the patient has the right to contact and voice complaints, questions, or concerns about service, treatment, procedures, rights, and policies by calling any of the following agencies: MARYLAND ABUSE HOTLINE: 800-332-6347 DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM OFFICE: 800-4-A-CHILD DISABILITY RIGHTS OF MARYLAND: 800-772-1213 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 201 W Preston Street Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 767-6500 OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES 61 Forsyth St. S.W., Suite 3B70 Atlanta, GA. 30323 404-562-7886 CARF Washington, District of Columbia, USA 1730 Rhode Island Avenue NW Suite 410 Washington, D.C.  20036-3134, USA Fax: (202) 587-5009 NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES This notice describes how a patient’s Protected Health Information (PHI) may be used and disclosed, and how patients can get access to this information. Please review this notice carefully. The privacy of PHI is important to The Dove House. Our Legal Duty The Dove House is required by applicable federal and state laws to maintain the privacy of a patient’s Protected Health Information. PHI is information that may identify a patient and that relates to their past, present, or future physical or mental health/condition(s) and related health-care services. The Dove House will not use or disclose PHI about a patient without written authorization except as described in this notice. The Dove House is required to give this notice about their privacy practices, legal duties, and patients’ rights concerning PHI. The Dove House must follow the privacy practices that are described in this notice while it is in effect. The Dove House reserves the right to change their privacy practices and the terms of this notice at any time, provided such changes are permitted by applicable law. In the event The Dove House changes their privacy practices, this notice will be updated accordingly and provided to the patient. Uses and Disclosures of Health Information The Dove House uses and discloses protected information about a patient for treatment, payment, and healthcare/program operations as follows: Authorization In addition to use of a patient’s PHI for treatment, payment, or healthcare/program operations, patients may give The Dove House written authorization to use PHI or to disclose it to anyone for any purpose. If a patient gives authorization, it may be revoked in writing at any time (except where required by Court-ordered services). Revocation will not affect any use or disclosure permitted by authorization while it was in effect. Unless a patient gives written authorization, The Dove House cannot use or disclose PHI for any reason except those described in this notice. Treatment The Dove House may use or disclose PHI to the referral source for purposes of treatment planning and coordination, reporting compliance/non-compliance issues, and referral to another additional service provider. Payment The Dove House may use or disclose PHI to obtain payment for services provided to a patient. This may include such activities as verification of coverage and billing/collection activities and related data processing. Healthcare/Program Operations The Dove House may use and disclose PHI in connection with healthcare program operations. This may include such activities as quality assessment and improvement activities, reviewing the competence and qualifications of healthcare/program professionals, evaluating provider performance, conducting training programs, and any accreditation, certification, licensing, and/or credentialing activities. Required by Law The Dove House may use or disclose PHI when required to do so by law, including judicial and administrative proceedings. If, during a patient’s treatment at The Dove House, an individual or organization inquires about PHI, they will be notified that The Dove House cannot disclose information regarding a patient or patient’s care unless consent is given or noted exceptions above are met. Frequently, serving agents of the law inquire about a patient’s whereabouts in order to serve papers. If presented with this question regarding any patient, The Dove House will give the option to acknowledge and receive any papers, warrants, and/or notifications at the front vestibule in confidence to the patient. This allows for a smoother resolution to any persistent, lingering legal proceedings. The majority of warrants, papers, and summons received at The Dove House are simply court dates and notification to appear. Abuse or Neglect The Dove House may disclose PHI to appropriate authorities if The Dove House reasonably believes that the patient is a possible victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, or the possible victim of other crimes. The Dove House may also disclose PHI to the extent necessary to avert a serious threat to a patient’s health or safety, or the health or safety of others, including if The Dove House has good reason to believe that a patient is engaging in child or elder abuse. National Security The Dove House may disclose to authorized federal officials PHI required by lawful intelligence, counterintelligence, and other national security activities. The Dove House may disclose PHI to correctional institutions or law enforcement officials under certain circumstances. Appointments Reminders and Termination Notices The Dove House may use or disclose PHI to provide the patients with appointment reminders or to advise patients that they are at risk for program termination. Such activities may include voicemail messages and letters. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS EVERYONE’S SAFETY IS OUR NUMBER ONE CONCERN. PROTECT YOURSELF BY USING UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS Universal Precautions are guidelines issued for the care of patients in various levels of medical settings but are common sense for everyone and should be used to prevent disease transmission in all walks of life. Anyone attending a treatment center or detoxification unit should be trained to use standard precautions. When standard precautions are used in all aspects of daily life, they help prevent the spread of infections. Many persons can harbor infectious diseases and be unaware. This approach carries a blanket assumption that anyone, rich or poor, fat or thin, young or old may be infected with a virus. Gloves are worn for medical care, food service, during searches, and clean up. All cuts must be covered. Masks can be worn to reduce communicable diseases. Trash is removed from building. The Dove House is exterminated monthly. Cleaning of the facility calls for daily and weekly chores to be done for the safety of all. HIV PROTECTION Patients will receive the following services regarding the education and prevention of HIV: Education, risk assessment, and screening for both patient’s high-risk behavior and symptoms of communicable diseases as well as actions to be taken on behalf of patients identified as high-risk and patients known to have an infectious disease. HIV testing offered is conducted at a minimum of every 90-days. HIV pre-test and post-test counseling to high-risk patients provided directly or through referral to other healthcare providers who can offer the services. TB testing is conducted upon admission. Reporting of communicable diseases to the Department of Health is done in accordance with Maryland state law. Free testing is made available throughout a patient’s stay, if requested. MEDICAL DEPARTMENT Treatment comes first. The Dove House recognizes that a patient may have a chronic medical concern. Our program offers acute medical care and management of chronic medical conditions that are stable. Our medical team is highly experienced to ensure that all patients receive the best level of care possible. The Dove House assesses each patient individually and develops a program that is unique to that patient. DAILY MEDICATION PROCESS All prescription medications that are ordered for patients are to be self-administered but will be monitored by staff unless medications are ordered to be administered by a licensed nurse or certified medication technician. Medications must be taken as prescribed. Medication times are 9 a.m., 2:15 p.m., and 9 p.m. It is a patient’s responsibility to come and get medications at medication time. It is a patient’s responsibility to complete their Medication Administration Record, which is very important to their discharge. Medication compliance is an instrumental part of the treatment program. If medical conditions exceed staffing limits of The Dove House, considerations will be made for the patient(s) to be transferred to a referent or a higher level of care. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND CODES FIRE SAFETY All patients are required to familiarize themselves with all the exits and evacuation routes in the facility. Regular fire drills are conducted to ensure the readiness of all patients and staff. The first person to discover a fire must promptly activate the nearest fire alarm device. The location of the fire must be reported to the staff on duty. If a person is on fire, STOP, DROP, AND ROLL. Patients must evacuate the building from the nearest exit. Everyone is to meet at the side of the driveway by the garden. Once everyone is present and accounted for, they will be escorted by staff back into the facility. DISASTER PROTOCOL The Dove House has developed a disaster response plan to ensure the safety of all patients in the event of a natural or civil disaster. In the case of a hurricane, tornado, or another natural disaster, all patients will gather in the Group Room. The closet under the stairs will be used as refuge in the event of a tornado. The staff will advise everyone based on an official recommendation from disaster response professionals or by appropriate authorities for further information. EMERGENCY CODES CODE RED: Indicates there is an emergency in progress, and patients should evacuate the building immediately. These emergencies include: Fire, gas leak, bomb scare, gun, excessive drugs, suspicious substance, indicated that 911 had been called for emergency purposes and that law enforcement or emergency professionals will be arriving at The Dove House. CODE BLUE: Indicates a situational emergency where staff needs to respond to a specific area. Code Blue would be used for drug searches or medical reasons such as seizure, fall, choking, bad cut or burn, violence, or any instance where you need an immediate staff response. All patients not involved in the incident should leave the area. If K-9 dogs are on site, this indicates that 911 had been called. CODE YELLOW: Indicates that an ambulance, police officer(s), or sheriff, etc. is coming to the building for a more routine incident. Transport for minor medical issues, picking up or dropping off patients are examples of this code. Use discretion when calling a Code Yellow. PROGRAM LEVELS AND MOTIVATIONS FOR CHANGE A patient’s success is important to all staff at The Dove House. The patient’s journey will move along in levels, and each level and progression will be held at the discretion of the patient’s assigned therapist and clinical team, with incentives and motivations to guide the patient on a positive path. The patient’s ability to navigate to the next level is based on CONSISTENT and OBSERVABLE behavior changes as they progress throughout the program. Be mindful that once a patient has been elevated to the next level, if their progress ceases or becomes noticeably stagnated, they will be returned to the previous level, and discharge could be delayed or deemed unsuccessful. Patients should discuss with their therapist during weekly sessions any improvements, challenges, and/or goals for treatment and recovery. LEVEL I Program Orientation, Making Lifestyle Adjustments, Awareness and Problem Identification, and Introduction to Self-forgiveness. Treatment should be the patient’s main focus. Off-campus privileges will be for medical emergencies only. LEVEL II Socialization and Preparation. Focus should be understanding and practicing relapse prevention. If a patient is focused and committed to changing their behavior(s), mindset, and using healthful management skills, then this goal should be attainable within 60-120 days of treatment. Visits will not be considered until the patient has reached Level II. The patient will have minimal off-campus opportunities. Telephone calls twice per week are now permitted. LEVEL III Focus should be reintegrating into society, re-entry mapping, finalizing transition plans, the next phase or level of treatment, aftercare, and discharge. If a patient is focused and committed to demonstrating their changed behaviors and mindset, if they display compliance throughout program while communicating and interacting by using healthful management skills, then this goal should be attainable within 120-180 days of treatment. Level III patients will participate in weekly re-entry groups. Level III patients could be selected to lead groups. In addition, Level III patients will have the opportunity to be selected to attend outside meetings with the Recovery Support Specialist or the H&I groups. PATIENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Patients have the RIGHT to: Patients have rights, benefits, and privileges guaranteed by law. To be treated with dignity, respect, and individuality, with consideration for their privacy. Patients will not be denied services because of age, gender, gender identity, ethnic background or origin, spiritual beliefs, marital status, personal or social beliefs, physical, developmental, or mental disability, sexual orientation, HIV status, or financial status. The right to be kept safe from harm. To be informed of all available treatment options. Participate in formulating, evaluating, and periodically reviewing individualized written treatment plan, including requesting specific styles of treatment, being informed why requested styles of treatment are not made available, and being informed of treatment prognosis. The right to be protected from neglect and to be protected from physical, emotional, or verbal abuse, and from all manner of exploitation. File a grievance if dissatisfied with the services received or if it is believed one’s legal rights have been infringed upon. Receive care that promotes wellness and recovery. Be informed by the prescribing provider of the name, purpose, and possible side effects of medication prescribed as part of the individual treatment plan. Be informed of community self-help resources that can assist in reaching individual goals. The right to be provided quality treatment by competent staff members, and to be afforded continuity of care from one service provider to another. The right to refuse to participate partially or fully in treatment or therapeutic activities (unless participation is so ordered by the court). Understanding that refusal will result in unsuccessful discharge. The right not to be restrained or placed in a locked room alone unless the patient is in danger to themselves or others. Patients have the RESPONSIBILITY to: Patients must provide (to an extent) any possible information needed by professional staff to properly provide services to the patient. Patients must follow plans, instructions, and guidelines for care that they have agreed upon with their assigned therapist. To participate actively in treatment planning, treatment work, and in the review process. To ask questions and discuss any aspect of treatment which is unclear. To respect other patients and staff and their right to privacy and dignity. To be aware that disruptive, aggressive, or other inappropriate conduct or lack of cooperation with treatment recommendations could result in an unsuccessful discharge from the program. Patients need to understand their role in developing their Treatment Plan, understanding the levels of growth, appreciate the importance of regular attendance, program compliance, group rules, submission of drug-testing specimens, participation in support groups, and completion of homework assignments. We at The Dove House want everyone’s treatment and stay to be as productive and rewarding as possible. Please be willing to pursue recovery from the disease of addiction. Each patient at The Dove House has been through so much pain and darkness, but with the right mindset, support, hope, and growth, recovery will be found. If treatment is the primary focus, a patient will be able to be substance free! Fresh Air Breaks There are no set times for Fresh Air Breaks at The Dove House. However, should a smoke break interfere with groups, individual sessions, or other scheduled activities, then specific times for Fresh Air Breaks will be added to the schedule. Patients’ personal responsibility with regard to smoke breaks will determine if they are scheduled or not. All smoking will cease five minutes prior to the start of any group. Phone Calls Telephone calls are to be made with the therapist during weekly individual therapy sessions. When a patient has entered Level II, phone calls are made every Tuesday and Saturday, ten minutes in duration. If a call is not made by a patient on Tuesdays or Saturdays, then the patient has forfeited their call for that day. Arrangements for a phone call on a day other than Tuesday or Saturday can be made with The Dove House Administrator. All phone calls are to be monitored by Dove House staff. No exceptions. Chore List House chores are created so that the house stays clean and in livable condition for the entirety of a patient’s stay. It is mandatory for patients to clean up after themselves daily. The Chore List is posted on the refrigerator with the daily list of responsibilities. Please make use of this list on a regular basis. Healthy Environment group is also mandatory.