Other services for substance abusers include:
- HIV/AIDS Case Management.
- Hepatitis C (HCV) testing and Case Management.
- Drug Diversion (PC 1000) Classes- Court ordered deferred entry of Judgment.
- Primary Medical Care - for clients enrolled in treatment programs.
MTC's Mission Statement
"The specific and primary purposes are to establish a drug prevention and treatment program and other such treatment programs as indicated by community needs; to provide information, conduct educational programs and to operate treatment programs designed to deal primarily with reactions incident to or related to substance use; to conduct treatment and counseling therapy programs related to mental health needs." (Marin Treatment Center, Inc. “Articles of Incorporation”; May 20, 1976)
MTC's Core Values
Addictions, including chemical dependency and the abuse of substances, are diseases of the spirit, mind and body. As such they must be treated with the realities and needs of the whole person in mind. The paramount concern at the Marin Treatment Center (MTC) is to provide quality addiction treatment services at all levels, consistent with the best practices in the field, and to address holistically the full range of client issues and needs for recovery. The emphasis in this approach is on empowering people by assisting them to take control of their lives; enabling them to grow in the ability to care for their physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual needs; and building self-respect and a sense of personal worth. To these ends, MTC believes in the following core values:
- Consumers of MTC services are to be treated with the utmost level of respect, dignity, confidentiality, and to be provided with courteous and responsive service in a highly professional manner
- Assuring that all persons served at MTC have access to services in a manner that allows them to achieve optimal outcomes in their physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual capacities
- Providing quality addiction treatment services that are holistic to the recovery of each individual; that are client-driven, culturally sensitive and based upon informed choice
- Tailoring services in a manner that builds upon the strengths, needs, abilities and preferences of the clients and communities served
- Building and strengthening family and community support structures that assist clients in making personal changes that allows them to re-integrate into the community in personally meaningful and satisfying ways.
- Serving a diverse client base, with particular emphasis on the indigent and working poor, and on individualized treatment approaches.
MTC's Policy on Code of Conduct, Ethics and Ethics Violations
A. PURPOSE
To define and publish the policy of the Marin Treatment Center, Inc. (MTC) as it relates to professional ethics and related expectations for staff in conduct service delivery in conduct and service delivery.
B. POLICY
All Contract and Consultation services will abide by this written Code of Conduct. It is recognized that no single policy can cover all conceivable situations that may occur regarding ethics and conduct. As a general policy, however, the Board of Directors of the MTC expects all staff members to possess and adhere to the highest personal and professional standards of ethics and to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with MTC’s organizational philosophy and professional values in business, marketing, service delivery, professional responsibilities and with other staff. Given the broad range of situations involving ethics and conduct-related issues, it is impossible to provide “all inclusive” guidance sufficient to cover all situations that may be encountered. However, all MTC professional and volunteer staff members sign an agreement to abide by the agency Code of Conduct that is cited below:
- As a member of the MTC professional or volunteer staff I place the welfare of our clients and their families in the highest regard.
- To this end, I will deliver kind and humane treatment to all in my care regardless of race, creed, age, sex, handicap, national ancestry, sexual orientation, economic condition, or any other factors of discrimination prohibited by law.
- I will not deliberately do harm to a client, either physically or psychologically. I will not verbally assault, ridicule, attempt to subjugate or endanger a client, and will appropriately intervene and report any such actions I may witness.
- I will urge changes in the lives of clients only on their behalf and in the interest of promoting recovery from illness. I will not otherwise press them to adopt beliefs and behaviors which reflect my value system rather than their own.
- I will remain aware of my own skills and limitations. Since clients and former clients may perceive me as an authority and hence over-value my opinions, I will not counsel or advise them on matters not within my area of expertise. I will be willing to recognize when it is in the best interests of my clients to release or refer them to another program or individual.
- I will not engage in any activity that could be construed as exploitation of clients for personal gain, be it sexual, financial, social or otherwise. I understand that entering into any relationship, other than professional, with a client prior to two years separation from services is prohibited.
- I will not attempt to use my authority over a client in a coercive manner to meet my own needs. I will not promote dependence on me but help clients empower themselves.
- I will not name or give information about a client, former client, or family member, except to other MTC staff and to outside entities only as allowed by the Health Information Protection and Portability Act (HIPAA) regulations and federal drug confidentiality regulations.
- I understand and agree to defend both the spirit and the letter of the MTC policy on client’s rights and the client’s bill of rights and to respect the rights and views of other professionals.
- As a caring and care giving person, I understand a therapeutic relationship does not end with persons leaving MTC. I will recognize the need to conduct any subsequent relationships with former clients with the same concern for their well being that is acknowledged above.
- In my personal use of alcohol and other mood altering drugs, I will serve as a responsible role model for clients, staff and the community. I agree to notify my supervisor of any mind-altering medications prescribed by a physician for my use within three days of a receipt of a prescription for such medications. (See also “Policy on Medications”)
- I understand that MTC is a non-profit publicly funded entity. As such MTC will arrange business agreements appropriate and necessary to perform the functions necessary for clinic business and patient needs. In doing so, MTC will secure agreements in keeping with confidentiality regulations and requirements as well as HIPAA.
I understand that at no time will MTC engage in activities or promote services contrary to the laws and regulations governing MTC. MTC will strive to maintain the highest ethical standards. As such, marketing practices are conducted in strict adherence to the agency’s “Conflict of Interest” policy (for Board, staff and volunteers) and will remain constant to the interest of clients. MTC maintains a business integrity that does not unethically affect clients, other like services, competitors, etc.
MTC’s Human Resource activities will at no time condone or promote less than professional ethical behavior in carrying out its mission, purpose or functions. (See also Personnel Policies)
- I will exhibit responsible concern for the well being of my peers and the MTC community by reporting manifestations of illness or unethical conduct of colleagues.
- I will accept responsibility for my continuing education and professional development as part of my commitment to providing quality care to those who seek my help.
- I agree to abide by the Code of Ethics that governs my profession or job description.
- I will maintain knowledge of current scientific and professional information related to the services I provide to clients of MTC.
- When a person volunteers or is a new hire or a new Board member they will be oriented to Code of Ethics and oriented annually thereafter.
- See Personnel Policy also for human resources ethics and responsibilities and see Conflict of Interest Policy.
C. PROCEDURE
In the event that an ethics or “conduct” violation is suspected, MTC is committed to the expeditious and objective investigation and resolution of the violation and to the greatest extent possible, corrective action to prevent future occurrences.
If a staff member discovers or suspects that an ethics violation has occurred, the staff member should report the alleged violation to his/her supervisor. In the event that a supervisor is suspected of violating ethical standards, the staff member who discovers the suspected violation will report the violation to the Corporate Compliance Officer. In the event of an alleged violation involving the Corporate Compliance Officer, the staff member will report the alleged violation directly to the Executive Director. No reprisal if waste, fraud, abuse or other wrong doings are reported.
The supervisor who initially receives the report of the alleged violation is responsible for reporting the situation to the responsible supervisor of the individual in question within five (5) working days. The responsible supervisor will, in turn, initiate an investigation into the alleged complaint within 10 working days after notification.
The Corporate Compliance Officer (or Executive Director in cases of alleged misconduct of the Corporate Compliance Officer) have the option of investigating the alleged violation personally or assigning investigative responsibility to a senior staff member but will retain ultimate responsibility for accurate and timely investigation and formulating any recommendations resulting from the investigative process.
All investigations involving alleged violations of ethical standards will be completed within ten (10) working days after the investigation is initiated. Results of the investigation – including any recommendations for administrative or disciplinary action – will be provided in writing to the Executive Director via the Corporate Compliance Officer.
The Executive Director’s review will be completed within ten (10) working days with a written response provided to all parties concerned. In summary, the entire investigative process is to be completed within 10 working days from the day of the initial report.
In the event that the Executive Director renders a decision involving an ethics complaint/investigation that is unfavorable to a MTC employee, the employee retains the right to seek further redress. Specific details for such redress are contained in the Personnel Policies Manual under “Disciplinary Action and Dismissal” and "Appeal" sections.
MTC's Patients Rights and Responsibilities
Patients at MTC have the right to confidentiality. Disclosure of information will occur only when a client has authorized such disclosure in writing.
In the event of a medical emergency, only that information deemed medically necessary as outlined by law will be released. Crimes against the program or its staff or client(s) and Child abuse and neglect (mandated to report) are exceptions. These will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Patients may not be discriminated against in any way as outlined on admission forms and posted in the clinic.
A patient has the right to file a grievance if they feel they have been treated unfairly. You may do this by filing an incident report, either in writing or verbally. You may use an incident report form, which may be requested from staff and is available at the dosing desk. You may also file your grievance verbally by requesting a team meeting. The grievance will be reviewed by the supervisors and follow-up action will be taken as deemed appropriate. Timeline: The grievance must be filed within five (5) days after the grievance occurs. If resolution is not to the satisfaction of the client, the grievance may be presented to the Executive Director within ten (10) days. The action taken by the Executive Director will be in writing within ten (10) days. The decision will be final.
In no case, regardless of the outcome, will it result in retaliation.
The client may involve an advocate or other assistance in this process.
The client may appeal to outside assistance, for example:
· Private Attorney
· State Medi-Cal authority
· Court of Law
- Treatment provided will be fair and impartial regardless of race, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, source of payment, etc., and conveys a sense of dignity and trust between program and patient.
- Treatment will be provided according to accepted clinical practice.
- Patients will be fully informed, as evidenced by a patient’s written acknowledgement, at the time of admission and during ongoing treatment (once the patient is stabilized), of their rights and responsibilities, and of all the rules and regulations governing patient conduct and responsibilities. Such rights and responsibilities are posted at the treatment site and/or provide to the patient in writing and/or by tape or video or other electronic media as appropriate. Patients who are unable to read have the rules and regulations explained verbally, and such actions documented.
- Patients will receive adequate and humane services.
- Patients will receive services within the least restrictive and most accommodating environment possible. Procedures are in place to ensure the right to a medication schedule (dosing hours/schedule) which is most accommodating, and least intrusive and disruptive for most patients.
- Patients will receive an individualized treatment plan, participate in the development of that plan, receive treatment based on the plan, and a periodic, joint staff/patient review of the patient’s treatment plan.
The program will provide an adequate number of competent, qualified, and experienced professional clinical staff to implement and supervise the treatment plan, consistent with patient needs.
- Patients will be informed about alternative medications, treatment alternatives, alternative modalities, and scientific advances affecting treatment.
- Patients will be informed about potential interactions with and adverse reactions to other substances, including those reactions that might result from interactions and adverse reactions to alcohol, other prescribed or over-the-counter pharmacological agents, other medical procedures, and food.
- Patients will be encouraged and assisted throughout treatment to understand and exercise his/her rights as a patient, including:
a. Reporting, without fear of retribution, any instances of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of patients being served in program.
b. A grievance and appeal process, in accordance with State Laws and regulations.
c. Input into program policies and services through patient satisfaction surveys.
- Patients will be informed regarding the financial aspects of treatment, including the consequences of nonpayment of required fees.
- Patients will be given an assessment, acceptance into the program or, in the case of denial of admission, a full explanation and a referral to another program based upon the results of the initial assessment.
- Programs have the responsibility to protect other patients, staff, and the public from a patient who acts out. However, programs also have a responsibility to determine the cause of that behavior so an appropriate referral to an alternative method of care can be made.
Patients have the right to communicate with program staff in confidence and to have confidentiality of their individually identifiable health care information protected. Patients also have the right to review and copy their own medical records and request amendments to their records as provided for in relevant statutes and regulations (e.g. HIPAA, CFR42 Part 2 and California state laws and regulations).
