can i report an mhmr patient for harassment

by Helga O'Hara Sr. 8 min read

Your Rights – My Health My Resources of Tarrant County

24 hours ago To report violations, contact the MHMR Rights Officer, 817-569-4429 ClientRights@mhmrtc.org. Notice Under the ADA. You also may contact: Mental Health Services/Addiction Services Department of State Health Services Consumer Rights and Services 1-800-252-8154. Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD) Services >> Go To The Portal


To report violations, contact the MHMR Rights Officer, 817-569-4429 ClientRights@mhmrtc.org

Full Answer

What are the laws for patient abuse at MHMR?

Patient abuse at MHMR is governed by The Texas Administrative Code – Title 40 – Part 19 – Chapter 711. MHMR may not use or disclose protected health information (PHI), except in certain situations, governed by the Privacy Rule. MHMR is required to disclose protected health information to:

Who is responsible for investigating allegations of patient abuse at MHMR?

Patient abuse at MHMR is governed by The Texas Administrative Code – Title 40 – Part 19 – Chapter 711. This code directs that Provider Investigations (PI) has the authority to investigation all allegations of physical and sexual abuse involving Child and Family Services, Mental Health and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities programs at MHMR.

How do I contact MHMR medical records?

Call 817-569-4417 if you have questions about your medical records. Health Information Management Department (Medical Records) helps people who receive services from MHMR and their families by maintaining and protecting patients’ MHMR medical records. We provide authorized access to patients’ medical record information.

Is sexual harassment underreported in health care?

“Experts believe that sexual harassment is significantly underreported in health care. For that reason, I believe the best defense for nurses starts with reporting these types of incidents,” says Jennifer Flynn, CPHRM, risk manager at Nurses Service Organization.

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How do I report a health code violation in Texas?

Submitting a Complaint Against Healthcare Facilities (Except Substance Abuse (Chemical Dependency) Treatment or Narcotic or Opioid Treatment Facilities)Complaint hotline: 1-800-458-9858 Option 5.Email: hfc.complaints@hhs.texas.gov.Fax: 833-709-5735.Mailing address: Health and Human Services Commission.

How do I file a complaint against a psychiatrist in Texas?

Anyone who wishes to file a complaint against a healthcare professional in this state may call the Health Professions Council toll-free complaint referral system: 1-800-821-3205. This automated, statewide number routes a complainant to the appropriate licensing agency.

How do I file a complaint against an assisted living facility in Texas?

Call 800-458-9858 to report suspected abuse or neglect of people who are older or who have disabilities. You can call this number to report abuse that occurs in: Nursing homes. Assisted living facilities.

How do I report a nurse in Texas?

In addition, you may request a complaint form be sent to you by calling the Texas Board of Nursing at (512) 305-6838 or the Health Professions Council Complaint Line at 1-800-821-3205, or you may simply write out your complaint on plain paper.

What are the most common reasons for a board to discipline a counselor in Texas?

Some of the common reasons professional counselors face enforcement action from the Board include allegations of:Breach of confidentiality.Inappropriate relationships and boundaries with clients.False, misleading, or deceptive advertising of services.Failure to maintain accurate records or other paperwork.More items...•

How do you put a complaint in about a doctor?

If you wish to complain about your GP, dentist, opticians or pharmacy service you can do so by contacting NHS England by email NHS England at england.contactus@nhs.net and more information can be found on their website.

How do I contact ombudsman Texas?

Call 800-252-8154....An ombudsman can:Answer questions.Help you file a complaint.Tell you about your rights.

How do I find my local ombudsman?

You can locate a local Ombudsman office in your area by selecting your county on the Find Services in My County page of this website.

Who regulates long-term care facilities in Texas?

Nursing homes and other long-term care providers are regulated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disabilities (DADS). DADS licenses and inspects these facilities, which must meet stringent health and safety standards to maintain their good standing to provide long-term care in Texas.

What happens if a nurse violates the code of ethics?

As much as nurses try to avoid it, ethical violations do occur. Breaches in nursing ethics, depending on the incident, can have significant ramifications for nurses. They may face discipline from their state board of nursing, or from their employer. They can also face litigation.

How do you report a nurse for unethical behavior?

For more on the complaints process and how it applies in individual situations, contact the CLPNA Complaints Department, Ask CLPNA, or call 780-484-8886 or 1-800-661-5877 (toll free in Alberta).

What is unprofessional conduct in Nursing?

According to the Medical Practice Act, unprofessional conduct includes "any departure from or failure to conform to the minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing medical practice and shall also include, but not be limited to the prescribing or use of drugs, treatment or diagnostic procedures which are detrimental ...

What does MHA mean?

MHA calls for the ultimate abolition of seclusion and restraint and encourages providers, teachers, law enforcement, and consumers to work together to plan alternatives and create cultures that do not use seclusion and restraint. (link is external) .

What are the roles of seclusion and restraint in law enforcement?

These practices represent failures in treatment, have no therapeutic value, and expose individuals to added trauma. Seclusion and restra int also play a role in many interactions with law enforcement, where some estimate about half of those killed by police officers has a mental illness.

What are the laws that affect access to services?

Important laws that involve access to services include the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addition Equity Act (MHPAEA). To learn more about rights around access to services, go to Rights of Persons with Mental Health and Substance Use Conditions. (link is external)

What is mental health parity?

Insurance plans should provide a full explanation of services covered and implement mental health parity, which means providing coverage for mental health related services comparable to those offered for physical health services.

What is the right of a person to privacy?

Privacy. People living with mental health conditions have the right to privacy and to manage who can see their healthcare information. This includes controlling who sees their health information and the ability to access and supplement their mental health records.

What is the MHA?

As an organization, MHA is committed to the principles of human and civil rights inherent to the concept of equal justice under the law. This includes the rights of persons with mental health and substance use conditions to: privacy.

What are some examples of super confidential information?

Examples of "super-confidential" information include: genetic information and information pertaining to school records, substance abuse, mental health conditions, HIV testing, and sexually transmitted diseases, as defined and protected by specific federal and state laws and regulations.

What to say to someone who is feeling hopeless?

To everyone who is feeling hopeless may God bless you and hold you up I know this feeling of shame and hopelessness it is so unbearable please hold strong till tomorrow and see what you can do

What is the term for restricting visits from family and friends or preventing contact via telephone or mail correspondence?

Isolation: involves restricting visits from family and friends or preventing contact via telephone or mail correspondence. Financial or material exploitation: includes the misuse, mishandling or exploitation of property, possessions or assets of adults.

What is the definition of abandonment?

Abandonment: involves desertion by anyone who assumed caregiving responsibilities for an adult. Sexual abuse: includes physical force, threats or coercion to facilitate non-consensual touching, fondling, intercourse or other sexual activities.

What is emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse: involves creating emotional pain, distress or anguish through the use of threats, intimidation or humiliation. This includes insults, yelling or threats of harm and/or isolation, or non-verbal actions such as throwing objects or glaring to project fear and/or intimidation.

What are the different types of abuse?

According to the National Adult Protective Services Association, there are different types of abuse, but as a general rule: Physical abuse: may include slapping, hitting, beating, bruising or causing someone physical pain, injury or suffering.

What is the difference between abuse in Indiana and Texas?

Sadly, the definition of abuse varies by state--in Indiana, it has to be physical abuse, financial, or sexual, while in Texas it can be physical, emotional abuse, mental, financial, or sexual. Check with the Adult Protective Services office in your county.

How to report a person who is being abused?

The first step is to gather information, such as the names of people involved, current status of the individuals involved (especially if there is injury), the address the abuse occurred at, and names and contact information of witnesses. The second step is to find out who to make the report to.

What happens if a patient makes inappropriate comments?

If the nurse dismisses the comment, the patient will likely continue with the inappropriate conversation or actions.”.

What did Celia tell her manager about the patient?

With one word to her managers, she told him, she would never have to be his nurse again. She says that the patient was contrite and apologized. Celia passed it off as a one-time thing and let it go. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of the harassment.

What to do if a nurse is violent?

If the action is severe or violent, the nurse should report it immediately, and the leader should address it. If the nurse is uncomfortable caring for the patient, the patient can be reassigned to another nurse. There have been times when I have assigned only male nurses to a patient who was harassing the female nurses.”.

What should a nurse tell a patient?

The nurse should tell—not ask—the patient to refrain from the inappropriate comments or actions and to stop immediately. The nurse should then report the behavior to his/her manager so that the leader can be aware. If the behavior stops, it typically will not need to go further,” says Long.

What is the goal of the American Nurses Association?

The American Nurses Association has challenged nursing professionals to end sexual harassment in the workplace by adopting a zero-tolerance policy. “Much has been written lately about the importance of nurses engaging in self-care.

What to do if a patient is making you uncomfortable?

If a patient’s behavior…is making you uncomfortable or causing you to feel unsafe, leave the situation immediately. Your personal safety and well-being are the most important. Federal laws on sexual harassment apply regardless of whether the harassment is taking place at a hospital or a doctor’s office.”.

Can a nurse recognize inappropriate behavior?

If a patient exhibits inappropriate verbal behavior, it’s often easy to recognize, says Long. “Nurses know what crosses a line and what doesn’t,” she says. Because of the physical nature of nursing, however, Long says that inappropriate physical behavior can sometimes be more difficult to recognize.

What is the TDSHS Office of Consumer Services and Rights Protection?

The Office of Consumer Services and Rights Protection (OCSRP) is a division of TDSHS responsible for reviewing all complaints about client rights in all facilities or programs operated or licensed by the TDSHS.

What is a PRC in mental health?

The Public Responsibility Committee (PRC) is a group of persons outside of the facility who provide their services on a voluntary basis and are not paid by the TDSHS. There are PRCs for each state hospital, state center, and also for each community mental health center.

What is TMHC in Texas?

Texas Mental Health Consumers (TMHC) is a consumer-run, statewide organization that educations consumers about their rights in the community and facilities, and assists them in ensuring their rights are protected.

What is the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) was created in 1992 to provide protective services to children, adults with disabilities, and elderly people. TDFPS investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in the community and in facilities operated by TDSHS.

What to do if your treatment team is not able to help you?

If your treatment team is not able to help you, you should ask to talk to the unit director.

How to contact Texas Department of Health Services?

You may call this office toll free from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number is 1-800-252-8154 or (TTY) 1-800-538-4870. You can also make your complaint in writing and fax to 512-206-5770 or mail to: Office of Consumer Services and Rights Protection. Texas Department of State Health Services.

What is the role of a human rights advocate?

protecting and advocating for your health, safety, welfare, legal and human rights; investigating and responding to your complaints; making sure that you are told about your rights and ways of protecting your rights; submitting cases of abuse or denial of rights to the proper authorities for action;

Why is medicine a self-regulated profession?

Medicine has a long tradition of self-regulation, based on physicians’ enduring commitment to safeguard the welfare of patients and the trust of the public. The obligation to report incompetent or unethical conduct that may put patients at risk is recognized in both the ethical standards of the profession and in law and physicians should be able ...

Why report a colleague who is incompetent?

Reporting a colleague who is incompetent or who engages in unethical behavior is intended not only to protect patients , but also to help ensure that colleagues receive appropriate assistance from a physician health program or other service to be able to practice safely and ethically.

How to contact Eldercare?

You can reach the Eldercare Locator by telephone at 1-800-677-1116. Specially trained operators will refer you to a local agency that can help.

What to do if you suspect abuse?

If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please tell someone. Relay your concerns to the local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman, or the police.

Who is required to report abuse?

The laws in most states require helping professions in the front lines -- such as doctors and home health providers -- to report suspected abuse or neglect. These professionals are called mandated reporters. Under the laws of eight states, "any person" is required to report a suspicion of mistreatment.

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