SECTION 75:25-3-15. Client rights

(a)   Each client shall be afforded all constitutional and statutory rights of all citizens of the State of Oklahoma and the United States, unless abridged through due process of law by a court of competent jurisdiction. Each program shall ensure each client has the rights which are listed below:

(1)   Each client has the right to be treated with respect and dignity. This shall be construed to protect and promote human dignity and respect for individual dignity.

(2)   Each client has the right to receive services without regard to his or her race, religion, sex, ethnic origin, age, degree of disability, handicapping condition, or legal status.

(3)   Each client has the right to refuse to participate in any research project or medical experiment without informed consent of the client, as defined by law. A refusal to participate shall not affect the services available to the client.

(4)   Each client has the right to assert grievances with respect to any alleged infringement of these stated rights of clients, or any other subsequently statutorily granted rights.

(5)   No client shall ever be retaliated against, or subject to, any adverse conditions or services solely or partially because of having asserted the rights as stated in this section.

(6)   Each client has the right to know why services are refused and can expect an explanation concerning the reason he or she was refused certain services.

(b)   Each client shall be given a copy of these rights and the provision of such shall be documented in the client record.

(c)   The OAG, in any investigation or program monitoring regarding client rights, shall have unimpeded access to clients, program records and program staff.

(d)   Compliance with 75:25-3-15 shall be determined by review of client files and client areas of the program.

[Source: Added at 27 Ok Reg 1723, eff 7-1-10; Amended at 29 Ok Reg 1770, eff 8-11-12; Amended at 31 Ok Reg 816, eff 9-12-14]