What is Mental Illness?
Mental illness is a disease caused by an imbalance in the brain’s chemicals that regulate how much a person thinks and feels. While brain diseases such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are as common as heart disease, they continue to be the most misunderstood of all illnesses. People with mental illness do not have control over their illness any more than a person with diabetes can control their insulin level.

Severe mental illnesses include such disorders as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and other persistent mental illnesses that affect the brain. These disorders can profoundly disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, moods, ability to relate to others and capacity for coping with the demands of life.

Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing.

Mental illnesses are treatable.

Most people with serious mental illness need medication to help control symptoms, but many also rely on supportive counseling, vocational rehabilitation, case management, assistance with housing, income assistance, self-help groups, and other community services in order to achieve their highest level of recovery. Lifenet’s comprehensive approach to treatment provides these services to help control the symptoms of mental illness and to assist with a person’s recovery.

For More Information, please visit these sites:

Depression:
NIMH Depression
www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/depressionmenu.cfm
 
Bipolar Disorder:
NIMH Bipolar
www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/bipolarmenu.cfm

Schizophrenia:
NIMH Schizophrenia
www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/schizophreniamenu.cfm

Mental Health Information and Resources:
Mental Health America of Greater Dallas
http://www.mhadallas.org
  
Mental Health Advocacy:
Advocacy, Inc.
www.advocacyinc.org/index.cfm

NAMI
www.nami.org

Medications:
Intelihealth
www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8271/8282/33022.html?d=dmtContent

NIMH medication
www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/medicate.cfm

Substance Abuse / Chemical Dependency:
www.health.org
www.health.org

Texas Department of State Health Services
www.dshs.state.tx.us/sa/default.shtm

North Texas Legal Services
www.lanwt.org

Like mental illness, homelessness affects persons of any age, gender, race, ethnicity, or religion. The major reasons and causes for homelessness include loss of income, lack of affordable housing, substance abuse and lack of needed services, mental illness and lack of needed services, domestic violence, prison release and re-entry into society, and lack of affordable healthcare.

For more information, please visit these sites:

HUD
http://www.hud.gov/homeless/index.cfm  

Texas Homeless Network
www.thn.org

The City of Dallas Day Resource Center http://www.dallascityhall.com/ehs/homeless.html

North Texas Behavioral Health Authority
http://www.dansatx.org/

Texas Medicaid Program
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/medicaid/index.html

Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center
http://www.dcac.org

Child Protective Services
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Protection/About_Child_Protective_Services/

Coalition on Mental Illness (COMI)
http://www.mhadallas.org

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Inc. – Dallas Chapter
http://www.namidallas.org

NIMH Children
www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/childmenu.cfm

Mental Health America of Texas www.parentinginformation.org/Publications.htm

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Inc. – Collin County Chapter
http://www.namicco.org

Bill of Consumer Rights

1. LifeNet Community Behavioral Healthcare shall provide a humane environment that provides reasonable protection from harm and appropriate privacy for your personal needs.
2. You have the right to be free from abuse, neglect, exploitation and sexual exploitation.
3. You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect at all times and to be free from discrimination.
4. You have the right to appropriate treatment in the least restrictive setting available that meets your needs.
5. You have the right to be told about the program’s rules and regulations prior to admission.
6. You have the right to be told before admission:
   • The condition to be treated
   • The proposed treatment
   • The risks, benefits and side effects of all proposed treatment and medication
   • The probable health and mental health consequences of refusing treatment
   • Other accepted forms of treatments that are available and which ones, if any, might be appropriate
   • You have the right to accept or refuse treatment after receiving this explanation.
7. If you agree to treatment or medication, you have the right to change your mind at any time, unless specifically restricted by law.
8. You have the right to a treatment plan designed to meet your needs, and you have the right to take part in developing that plan.
9. You have the right to meet with staff to review and update the plan on a regular basis.
10. You have the right to refuse to take part in research without affecting your regular care.
11. You have the right not to receive unnecessary or excessive medication.
12. You have the right not to be restrained or locked in a room alone unless you pose a danger to yourself or others.
13. You have the right to have information about you kept private and to be told about the times when the information can be released without your permission.
14. You have the right to contact people outside of LifeNet such as your attorney, consumer advocacy groups, or any of the agencies that govern your services. This includes the right to have visitors, to make telephone calls, and (for inpatient treatment or housing program) to send and receive sealed mail. This right may be restricted by a doctor or Management if it is necessary for treatment or security. No consumer may be restricted from contacting his / her attorney or agencies listed below.
15. You have the right to voice your concerns directly to the following people and agencies. You may speak directly with your case manager or nurse. You may also speak with their supervisor. LifeNet has a Consumer Rights Protection Officer available at 214-932-1934 if you need assistance with your rights. Consumers have the right to complain directly to the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority [NTBHA] at 214-366-9407 or 1-877-653-6363 toll free, Advocacy Inc. at 1-800-252-9108, or the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) - Substance Abuse services at 1-800-832-9623. If you are a client with vocational rehabilitation, you may call Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) at 1-800-628-5115 to voice your concerns. If there is an issue of abuse, contact the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400.
16. You have the right to be told in advance of all estimated charges and any limitations on the length of services of which LifeNet is aware.
17. You have the right to receive an explanation of your treatment or rights if you have any questions while in treatment.
18. If you consented to treatment, you have the right to leave the facility within four (4) hours of requesting release unless a physician determines you pose a threat of harm to yourself and others.
19. You have the right to make a complaint and receive a fair response from LifeNet within a reasonable amount of time. Complaints can be reported to any LifeNet staff member.
20. You have the right to have your rights explained to you in a way you can understand, within twenty-four (24) hours of being admitted.
21. You will receive a copy of these rights at the time of admission.
22. You have the right to request to view your medical record. This must be requested in writing and be released to you by your physician.
23. You have the right to complete an advanced directive for mental health treatment called the Declaration for Mental Health services. This describes your treatment choices in case you are sent to a hospital for an involuntary stay. Contact the Consumer Rights Office for information regarding an advanced directive.

Client Rights Advocacy and Agencies
If you have concerns or complaints regarding your services, please feel free to discuss them with the person providing the service. Your case manager or nurse wants to hear your concerns. You may also speak with their supervisor about your concerns. If you feel that your rights have been violated or need help with any client rights concerns, please contact:

Shea Abraham
Quality/Health Information Manager
LifeNet Community Behavioral Healthcare
10405 E. Northwest Highway #100
Dallas, TX 75238
214-932-1989

North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA)
1201 Richardson Drive, Suite 270
Richardson, TX 775080
1-877-653-6363 (Toll Free)
or 214-366-9407

Texas Department of State Health Services [TDSHS]
Substance Abuse Services
P.O. Box 80529
Austin, TX 78708
1-800-832-9623

Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services [DARS]
4800 N. Lamar Blvd., 3rd Floor
Austin, Texas 78751
214-328-6353
or 1-800-628-5115 (Inquiry Line)

Advocacy, Inc.
1420 West Mockingbird Lane, Suite 450
Dallas, TX 75247-4932
1-800-880-2884 (voice/TDD)
214-630-0916 (voice/TDD)

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill [NAMI]
Dallas Chapter
214-341-7133

If you want to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation in community mental health facilities
Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-647-7418

For reporting abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children, the elderly, or people with disabilities
Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-252-5400

Professional State Boards
If a mental health provider or health care professional (whether they are associated with this agency or not) engages in illegal, unprofessional, or unethical conduct, report it to the appropriate licensing board. If you need assistance reporting your complaints, please ask a staff member or Client Rights Officer for help.

Board of Medical Examiners (Physicians)
1-800-201-9353

Board of Professional Nurse Examiners (Registered Nurses)
1-512-305-7400

Board of Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
1-512-305-8100

Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors:
(Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists)
1-800-942-5540

Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners
1-800-232-3162

NOTICE TO CLIENTS: THE FOLLOWING NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW THE INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

LifeNet is committed to protecting your privacy and understands the importance of safeguarding your personal health information under Federal law. Your individual information about your past, present, or future health, the healthcare or mental health care you receive, or the payment for the healthcare is called “Protected Health Information”. LifeNet is required by law to protect the personal health information that we receive or create and to give you this notice. LifeNet reserves the right to make changes to this notice and continue to maintain the confidentiality of all healthcare information. Clients will receive a copy of any changes to this notice within 60 days of making the changes. This notice is effective as of April 14, 2003.

Use and Sharing of Your Protected Health Information –We may share your protected health information without your written permission (authorization) for the following:

1. For treatment: We can use or disclose your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage health care or related services. This includes providing care to you, consulting with another health care provider about you, and referring you to another health care provider. For example, your information may be shared with the pharmacist filling your prescriptions or with another healthcare agency to which you are referred. You may also be contacted by LifeNet to remind you of any appointments, healthcare treatment options or other health services that may be of interest to you unless you request otherwise.
2. For payment: Your protected health information may be released to your insurance provider (Value Options, Medicaid, Medicare, etc.) for the purpose of LifeNet receiving payment for providing you with needed healthcare services. We may also give information to persons who help pay for your care.
3. For health care operations: Your protected health information may be used in healthcare operations. For example, activities to improve health care, evaluating programs; case management and care coordination; reviewing the competence, qualifications, performance of health care professionals; conducting training programs and resolving internal grievances; conducting accreditation, certification, licensing, or credentialing activities; providing medical review, legal services, or auditing functions; and engaging in business planning and management or general administration.
4. When required by law: LifeNet will share protected health information about you when required by federal, state, or local law. Your protected health information may be released to public or law enforcement officials in the event of an investigation in which you are a victim of abuse, a crime or domestic violence.
5. For emergencies: Your protected health information may be released to other healthcare providers in the event you need emergency care.
6. For public health activities: Your protected health information may be released to a pubic health authority or federal organization that is permitted by law to collect information in the event of a communicable disease, defective healthcare device or problems with a biological product (food or medication).
7. For research: Your protected health information may be disclosed to researchers when the research is being conducted under established protocols to ensure the privacy of your information.
8. Relating to deaths: Your protected health information may be disclosed to a coroner, medical examiner, or funeral director if it is needed to carry out their duties.
9. For health oversight activities: Your protected health information may be shared with an agency responsible for monitoring the health care system for activities authorized by law. These activities may include audits, investigations, inspections, and licensing.
10. To prevent threats to health or safety: In order to avoid a serious threat to health or safety, we may share protected health information with law enforcement or other persons who might prevent or reduce the threat of harm.
11. To law enforcement: Your protected health information may be released if asked to do so by a law enforcement official:
    • In response to a court order, subpoena, warrant, summons, or similar process;
    • To identify or locate a suspect, fugitive, material witness, or missing person;
    • About a death we believe may be the result of criminal conduct;
    • About criminal conduct on LifeNet premises (clinic or housing); and
    • In emergency situations to report a crime, the location of the crime or victims; or the identity, description, or location of the person who committed the crime..
12. For lawsuits and disputes: If you are involved in a lawsuit or dispute, we may disclose protected health information about you in response to a subpoena, discovery request or other lawful request by someone else involved in the dispute, but only if efforts have been made to tell you about the request (written or telephone) or to obtain an order protecting the information requested.
13. For government purposes: LifeNet may share the protected health information of military personnel and veterans in certain situations, with correctional facilities in certain situations, with other government programs for eligibility and enrollment, and for national security reasons.

Your Rights Regarding Your Protected Health Information

1. Your protected health information may not be released for any other purpose than that which is identified in this notice.
2. Your protected health information may be released only after receiving written authorization from you except for the purposes of treatment, payment, healthcare operations and other purposes on the first page of this notice.
3. You may revoke your authorization to release confidential healthcare information at any time.
4. LifeNet may contact you for the purposes of raising funds to support LifeNet’s operations. You will not be asked to make any contributions but you may be asked to volunteer your success stories, satisfaction surveys, or pictures.
5. You have the right to restrict the use of your protected health information. However, LifeNet may choose to refuse your restriction if it is in conflict of providing you with quality healthcare or in the event of an emergency situation.
6. You have the right to receive confidential communication about your health status.
7. You have the right to review and photocopy any/all portions of your healthcare information. LifeNet must release the information to you within 30 days of your written request (or 60 days if stored off site). We may charge you a reasonable fee to cover copying costs. In addition, there may be situations where we may decide to deny your request for access. We will not provide access to psychotherapy notes, information we collect for legal reasons, or if we believe the disclosure will endanger your life or health or that of another person. If we deny your request, you will be informed of the reasons for the denial and explain your appeal rights. You may choose to get a summary instead of a copy of the whole record.
8. You have the right to request changes to your healthcare information. This means you may submit a written request that we correct or add information to our records. We will respond to your request within 60 days (with up to a 30-day extension, if needed). We may deny your request if we determine that your protected health information is accurate and complete, was not created by us and/or is not part of our records, or is a type of information that we cannot disclose. If we deny your request, we will give you a written explanation including your rights to have your request and our denial part of your record. If we approve the request to change information we will not destroy or change our records, but we will add the correct information to your records and make a note in your records that you have provided the information.
9. You have the right to know who has accessed your protected health information and for what purpose. There will be no charge for one list per year. The list of disclosures given to you will not include the following disclosures:
   1. Used to provide patient care, payment for services or healthcare operations,
   2. Provided to you, the client,
   3. Provided to employees responsible for the your care,
   4. Provided to national security or intelligence,
   5. If provided to correctional facilities or law enforcement officials, and
   6. Accessed prior to April 14, 2003.
10. You have the right to possess a copy of this Privacy Notice upon request. This copy can be in the form of an electronic transmission or on paper.
11. LifeNet is required by law to protect the privacy of its clients. It will keep confidential any and all patient healthcare information and will provide clients with a list of duties or practices that protect confidential healthcare information.
12. We will not disclose information about you related to testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome without your specific written permission, unless the law allows or requires us to disclose the information.

Your Rights Regarding Your Protected Health Information about your treatment for alcohol and drug abuse

If you are also being treated for alcohol or drug abuse, your records are protected by federal law and regulations found in the Code of Federal Regulations at Title 42, Part 2. LifeNet will not tell any unauthorized person outside of LifeNet that you are being treated for alcohol or drug abuse, without your written permission. We will not disclose any information identifying you as an alcohol, drug, or substance user, except as allowed by law. LifeNet may only disclose information about your treatment for alcohol or drug abuse without your permission in the following circumstances:

1. Pursuant to a special court order that complies with 42 Code of Federal Regulations Part 2 Subpart E;
2. To medical personnel in a medical emergency;
3. To qualified personnel for research, audit, or program evaluation;
4. To report suspected child abuse or neglect; or
5. To Advocacy, Inc. and/or the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, as allowed by law, to investigate a report that you have been abused or have been denied your rights.

Federal and State laws prohibit re-disclosure of information about alcohol or drug abuse treatment without your permission. Federal rules restrict any use of information about alcohol or drug abuse treatment to criminally investigate or prosecute any alcohol or drug abuse patient.

Your Right to Make a Complaint

1. You have the right to complain to LifeNet if you believe your rights to privacy have been violated. If you feel your privacy rights have been violated, please submit your complaint in writing to LifeNet’s Client Rights Protection Officer. You must file your complaint within 180 days of when you knew or should have known about the event that you think violated your privacy rights. We will not discriminate against you for filing a complaint with LifeNet. All complaints will be investigated.
   
   ATTN: Linda Comito, Clinical Training Coordinator
   
   LifeNet Community Behavioral Healthcare
   10405 E. Northwest Highway, Suite 100
   Dallas, TX 75238
   
   
2. You may also file a complaint with:
   North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA)
   1201 Richardson Drive, Suite 270
   Richardson, Texas 77508
   1-877-653-6363 (Toll Free)
   or 214-366-9407
   
   U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
   1301 Young Street, Suite 1169
   Dallas, TX 75202
   (214) 767-4056
   (214) 767-8940 (TDD)
   (800) 368-1019 (toll free OCR Hotline)
   
   
3. For complaints against alcohol or drug abuse treatment programs, contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the judicial district in which the violation occurred.
   
   United States Attorney – Northern District of Texas
   1100 Commerce St., 3rd floor
   Dallas, TX 75242-1699
   (214) 659-8600
4. 
   

For further information about Privacy Notice, please contact:

Shea Abraham,
LifeNet Health Information Manager
214-932-1989
sabraham@lifenettexas.org

ACT: Assertive Community Treatment
An Intensive Case Management Program for consumers with intensive needs and numerous hospitalizations and in need of frequent contact with their case manager.

AFTERCARE
A group session held weekly and attended by consumers who have completed CD/IOP or CD/SOP. The group focus is on supporting their continued sobriety.

DARS: Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services
A department within the Texas Health and Human Services system, DARS administers programs that help Texans with disabilities find jobs through vocational rehabilitation, live independently in their communities, and prepare children with disabilities and developmental delays to meet education goals. LifeNet refers clients to DARS and accepts DARS referrals.
http://www.dars.state.tx.us

FAIRWEATHER:
Supported Employment corporation employing people with disabilities for custodial and landscape maintenance

GROUP THERAPY:
Two or more clients meeting with a therapist or case manager to discuss similar problems.

IOP: Intensive Outpatient Program
A group treatment program for individuals with a chemical dependency diagnosis. Meeting two hours a day, five days a week, it is led by an LCDC (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor.

LCDC: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor

LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

LMSW: Licensed Master Social Worker

LCSW or LMSW-ACP: Licensed Master Social Worker – Advanced Clinical Practitioner

LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor

NAMI: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illness.
http://www.nami.org

NorthSTAR
A managed care program providing psychiatric and substance abuse / chemical dependency insurance coverage for Medicaid and indigent individuals in the state of Texas covering Dallas, Collin, Kaufman, Ellis, Hunt, Navarro, and Rockwall counties.

QMHP-CS: Qualified Mental Health Professional – Community Services

SOP: Supportive Outpatient Program
A group treatment program for individuals with a chemical dependency diagnosis. Meets two hours a day, three days a week. Led by an LCDC (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor.)

SPN: Specialty Provider Network
A network of agencies (SPN’s, pronounced “spins”) who specialize in providing managed care for mental health services.

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
Individuals with disabilities perform work in a supported environment accommodating their disability, providing on the job training, teaching appropriate social skills for the work environment, and facilitating preparation to enter competitive employment

PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
Housing for homeless people with disabilities. Offers homeless people with disabilities, including mental illness, an assurance of permanent housing and appropriate supportive services. The program is designed to provide a structure that counteracts the disruptions of both homelessness and disability.

VALUE OPTIONS
ValueOptions, Inc. is a privately-held behavioral health managed care company, the second largest in the nation, contracted with the state of Texas to manage the funds/services for the NorthSTAR program. ValueOptions provides mental health, substance abuse, integrated mental health/substance abuse, and EAP services for over 23 million individuals throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. They are recognized for developing collaborative relationships with providers, consumer groups, health plans, insurers, government agencies, and others to lead our members along the path to healthier lives.
http://www.valueoptions.com
.