Resident Rights Statement: the Right to an Independent Treatment Specialist or Legal Counsel

The resident has the right to consult with an independent treatment specialist or legal counsel at one’s own expense. 

A recovery home should support the resident, who has an illness, to speak with their health care provider and follow their medical advice and should never prevent a resident from seeking appropriately credentialed medical, mental, or behavioral health services – respecting this right maintains an ethical operating environment and separates the recovery house from any treatment facilities.

Also, residents should be free to seek legal advice and counsel if the resident feels that they need it.  The resident rights statement should be clear that the resident can seek these services at their own expense, and that the home is not responsible for paying for such services if the resident were to seek them.