Public Record Requests

The public records policy of the ADAMHS Board provides direction to the public on the process for requesting public records in adherence to the Ohio Public Records Act. The policy, summarized below, can be found here.

Also, a copy of the most recent edition of the Ohio Sunshine Laws: And Open Government Resource Manual, which explains open records laws, is available free at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/YellowBook

What is a Public Record?

In accordance with the Ohio Revised Code section 149.43, a public record is any document kept by the ADAMHS Board that is: stored on a fixed medium (paper, electronic or other format); and created, received by, or comes under the jurisdiction of the ADAMHS Board office; and that documents the organization, function, policies, decisions, procedures, operations or other activities of the ADAMHS Board. A requestor is the person or entity making the request for a public record from the ADAMHS Board.

Records Management

All employees and representatives of the ADAMHS Board are required to retain their email records and other electronic records in accordance with applicable records retention schedules.

Records Custodian: Kathryn Shackleton

Receiving and Processing Requests

All public records responsive to a public records request made pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 149.43 shall be promptly prepared or made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours. All requests for public records, from whatever source, made in whatever manner to any staff of the ADAMHS Board shall be processed. A written request is not mandatory, and the requestor may decline to reveal their identity or the intended use.

Reviewing Requests

When a request is received, the ADAMHS BOARD will evaluate it to determine:

  • Whether the request is for a public record which is kept by the ADAMHS Board.
  • If the record is exempt from disclosure: Certain records may be protected by federal or state law.
  • If redactions are necessary: Sensitive information may need to be removed. If redactions are required and not plainly visible, notice must be given to the requestor about the redactions.
  • If the request is ambiguous or overly broad: If the request is unclear, the ADAMHS Board may deny it but provide guidance on how to revise it.
  • Whether to deny the request: If the request is denied, the ADAMHS Board will provide an explanation and legal justification. The Board will also determine the time needed to prepare and provide the requested records. If copies are requested, the Board will specify the time needed for copying and the available formats.

Inspection of Records

The ADAMHS Board will inform the requester of the most efficient way to inspect the public records and arrange for the logistics within the ADAMHS Board office. If this information is provided verbally, it will be documented. If copies of the records are requested, the requester may be asked to pay in advance for the duplication costs. Additional charges may apply for mailing or other special formats. The fees for copies are as follows:

  • Paper copies: 5 cents per page
  • Other formats: Costs will be determined at the time of the request
  • Emailed documents: No charge
    • If cash is paid, a receipt will be issued immediately and prior to tendering the record.

 

Please click here to submit a Public Records Request

 

Client Grievances

What is a Client Grievance?

According to Ohio Revised Code Section 5122-24-01, a client grievance is a written complaint initiated either verbally or in writing by a client, legal guardian, or provider on behalf of a client regarding denial or abuse of any client’s rights.

What are Client Rights?

Except for clients receiving forensic evaluation service as defined in rule 5122-29-07 of the Administrative Code from a certified forensic center, or attending a driver intervention program as defined in rule 5122-29-12 of the Administrative Code, each client has all of the following rights:

  • The right to be treated with consideration and respect for personal dignity, autonomy and privacy.
  • The right to reasonable protection from physical, sexual or emotional abuse and inhumane treatment.
  • The right to receive services in the least restrictive, feasible environment.
  • The right to participate in any appropriate and available service that is consistent with an individual service plan (ISP), regardless of the refusal of any other service, unless that service is a necessity for clear treatment reasons and requires the person’s participation.
  • The right to give informed consent to or to refuse any service, treatment or therapy, including medication absent an emergency.
  • The right to participate in the development, review and revision of one’s own individualized treatment plan and receive a copy of it.
  • The right to freedom from unnecessary or excessive medication, and to be free from restraint or seclusion unless there is immediate risk of physical harm to self or others.
  • The right to be informed and the right to refuse any unusual or hazardous treatment procedures.
  • The right to be advised and the right to refuse observation by others and by techniques such as one-way vision mirrors, tape recorders, video recorders, television, movies, photographs or other audio and visual technology. This right does not prohibit an agency from using closed-circuit monitoring to observe seclusion rooms or common areas, which does not include bathrooms or sleeping areas.
  • The right to confidentiality of communications and personal identifying information within the limitations and requirements for disclosure of client information under state and federal laws and regulations.
  • The right to have access to one’s own client record unless access to certain information is restricted for clear treatment reasons. If access is restricted, the treatment plan shall include the reason for the restriction, a goal to remove the restriction, and the treatment being offered to remove the restriction.
  • The right to be informed a reasonable amount of time in advance of the reason for terminating participation in a service, and to be provided a referral, unless the service is unavailable or not necessary.
  • The right to be informed of the reason for denial of a service.
  • The right not to be discriminated against for receiving services on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental handicap, developmental disability, genetic information, human immunodeficiency virus status, or in any manner prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
  • The right to know the cost of services.
  • The right to be verbally informed of all client rights, and to receive a written copy upon request.
  • The right to exercise one’s own rights without reprisal, except that no right extends so far as to supersede health and safety considerations.
  • The right to file a grievance.
  • The right to have oral and written instructions concerning the procedure for filing a grievance, and to assistance in filing a grievance if requested.
  • The right to be informed of one’s own condition.
  • The right to consult with an independent treatment specialist or legal counsel at one’s own expense.

What does the WCADAMHS Board Do?

Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (Wood County ADAMHS) provides a variety of advocacy services for consumers and families, including but not limited to sharing mental illness and addiction resources, and providing assistance to resolve complaints and grievances. Wood County ADAMHS collaborates with partner agencies, community boards, treatment providers and stakeholders to address advocacy issues, client rights, allegations of abuse or neglect, and respond to larger systems issues.

 

Please click here to submit a Client Grievance