Client Rights

All Senior Center clients shall be informed of their rights prior to the initiation of services. All persons applying for home-delivered meals and Alzheimer's respite services shall be screened by telephone by The Legacy Link Inc. Gateway Intake Team and assessed by a Legacy Link nurse.

All clients shall be informed their service records are confidential and that any information regarding their services cannot be shared without their permission. All clients shall be informed they have the right not to be discriminated against because of race, color, gender, handicap, national origin or age (within funding regulations).

All clients shall be informed of their right to discuss concerns or issues with the Senior Center Director. All clients have the right to see their files during regular business hours.  Any client who disagrees with action taken regarding their needs may file a complaint (known as a grievance) with the  Banks County Senior Center.  Clients have the right to contact Legacy Link, Inc. Area Agency on Aging (770-538-2650) if not satisfied with the Senior Center's response to a complaint.

Nondiscrimination in Client/Client Services Practices

The Senior Center shall comply with all Federal, State, and Local laws, rules and regulations.  The Center shall also comply with the Georgia Department of Human Resources policy relative to nondiscrimination concerning political affiliation, religion or health conditions such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus or AIDS Virus.  Any client requesting additional HIV-AIDS-related services or information will be referred to the County Health Department.

Confidentiality

Staff and volunteers are trained that all client information is confidential and cannot be shared.  Clients must sign a release of information and a HIPPA form before information can be shared with other agencies and programs.  This release specifically states what information and to whom this information can be shared. Breach of confidentiality by staff or volunteers is considered a major violation of policy.