Patient Rights

CTP 11 (A)
ARM 37.27.130

While you are a patient in treatment at Montana Chemical Dependency Center you are guaranteed certain rights under the Constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Montana, which include:

• The right to receive treatment without unrealistic or improper expectations
• The right to privacy, respect and dignity
• The right to appropriate patient care provided by staff that are appropriately trained, licensed or credentialed.
• The right to a safe environment
• The right to have visitors during a scheduled visiting time.
• The right to send and receive mail that may not be intercepted, read or censored
• The right to make telephone calls under established guidelines
• The right to confidentiality of your treatment and medical record
• The right to an adequate diet
• The right to receive treatment in the least restrictive setting based upon your presenting symptoms
• The right to regular physical exercise several times per week
• The right to be informed of your medical condition and to participate in your initial and ongoing treatment planning
• The right to be free from unnecessary and/or excessive medication
• The right to a clean and attractive living facility that meets all appropriate fire and safety standards
• The right to reasonable accommodation for any known physical or mental disability that may interfere with a person’s ability to participate in the treatment program and other activities offered at the facility
• The right to a humane psychological and physical environment, free from experimental research or hazardous treatment
• The right to access letter writing materials
• The right to wear your own clothing and use your personal possessions within established guidelines
• The right to religious worship
• The right to keep and spend a reasonable sum of your own money/ No money is needed at MCDC. 
• The right to not be fingerprinted
• The right to not be photographed except for facility identification purposes at admission
• The right to reasonable and supervised therapeutic interactions with the opposite sex
• The right to be referred to appropriate outpatient providers and aftercare services upon discharge
• The right to consult with your attorney, probation officer, or other appropriate legal representatives
• The right to assert grievances when you believe your rights have been violated
• The right to be free of coercion, discrimination, or reprisal for exercising your rights

Montana Chemical Dependency Center may restrict certain rights based upon legal requirements, treatment considerations, or security requirements.  Questions concerning patient rights or grievance procedures may be directed to any staff member or Administration.