10A NCAC 70K .0207       CLIENT RIGHTS

(a)  A residential maternity home shall develop and implement policies and procedures to protect the individual rights and dignity of residents and family members who are provided services by the agency.

(b)  A residential maternity home shall have a client's rights policy, which includes that each resident has the right to:

(1)           be treated with dignity and respect;

(2)           be free from coercion and influence in deciding to parent her baby or release for adoption;

(3)           privacy;

(4)           be provided adequate food, clothing and shelter;

(5)           have access to family time and have telephone conversations with family members and other individuals, when not contraindicated in the visitation and contact plan;

(6)           have personal property and a space for storage;

(7)           express opinions on issues concerning the resident's care or treatment;

(8)           receive care in a manner that recognizes variations in cultural values and traditions;

(9)           be free from coercion by agency staff with regard to religious or cultural decisions.  The agency shall have a process to assure that, whenever practical, the wishes of the resident and the parents of minors with regard to religious and cultural participation are ascertained and followed;

(10)         not be identified in connection with publicity for the agency which shall bring the resident, or  resident's family embarrassment;

(11)         give written permission before pictures or other means of identifying residents are used in publicity or public relations for the maternity home (if the resident is a minor, written permission shall be obtained from the parents, guardian or the legal custodian); and

(12)         not be forced to acknowledge dependency on or gratitude to the agency.

(c)  A residential maternity home shall have a policy that prohibits direct involvement by a resident in funds solicitation for the agency.

(d)  A residential maternity home shall have a policy, which prohibits the resident's participation in any activities involving audio or visual recording and research without the voluntary signed, time‑limited consent of the resident and, if applicable, the resident's parents, guardian or legal custodian.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D-1; 143B-153;

Eff. October 1, 2008;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. April 5, 2016.