CAMH Bill of Client Rights
Preamble
The Bill of Client Rights has been developed to assert and promote the dignity and worth of all of the people who use the
services of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). The Bill of Client Rights expresses the truth that clients
are first and foremost human beings with the same rights as every Canadian. The clients, families and staff of CAMH who have
worked together to develop the Bill of Client Rights want it to be a living document that will grow and change as it helps
to create an organizational culture of mutual respect. The Bill of Client Rights is intended to emphasize the rights of clients
rather than organizational convenience. Policies at CAMH should be consistent with the Bill of Client Rights.
CAMH is committed to upholding all the rights of people under the law. The rights outlined in the Bill of Client Rights may
be restricted by law or by order of a court or Review Board; or, they may be restricted reasonably to ensure the protection
of the rights and safety of the individual and/or others. The restriction of some rights leaves other rights intact.
The Board of Trustees of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health endorses the Bill of Client Rights and, in so doing, creates
a number of expectations: that the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and every one working at CAMH - including volunteers
and students - will respect and uphold the Bill of Client Rights; will promote awareness and understanding of the Bill of
Client Rights; and will interpret the Bill of Client Rights as broadly and generously as is consistent with its responsibility
to clients collectively. Every client has the right to be provided with a written copy of, and assistance in understanding
the Bill of Client Rights, and to have it posted at CAMH's main entrances and wherever clients receive services.
Right #1: Right to be Treated with Respect
Right #2: Right to Freedom from Harm
Right #3: Right to Dignity and Independence
Right #4: Right to Quality Services that Comply with Standards
Right #5: Right to Effective Communication
Right #6: Right to be Fully Informed
Right #7: Right to Make an Informed Choice, and Give Informed Consent to Treatment
Right #8: The Right to Support
Right #9: Rights in Respect of Research or Teaching
Right #10: Right to Complain