Know Your Rights

Each individual that accesses behavioral health services through North Sound BH-ASO has the following rights:

WAC 246-341-0600

• Receive services without regard to race, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability;
• Practice the religion of choice, as long as, the practice does not infringe on the rights and treatment of others or the treatment service.  Individual participants have the right to refuse participation in any religious practice;
• Be reasonably accommodated in case of sensory or physical disability, limited ability to communicate, limited English proficiency, and cultural differences;
• Be treated with respect, dignity and privacy, except that staff may conduct reasonable searches to detect and prevent possession or use of contraband on the premises;
• Be free of any sexual harassment;
• Be free of exploitation, including physical and financial exploitation;
• Have all clinical and personal information treated in accord with state and federal confidentiality regulations;
• Review your clinical record in the presence of the administrator or designee and be given an opportunity to request amendments or corrections;
• Receive a copy of agency grievance system procedures according to WAC 182-538D-0654 through 182-538D-0680 upon request and to file a grievance with the agency, or BH-ASO, if applicable, if you believe your rights have been violated; and
• Submit a report with the department when you feel the agency has violated a WAC requirement regulating behavior health agencies

If you are enrolled in Apple Health (Medicaid) you have additional rights.  Click here for more information.

Grievances and Appeals

If you are having issues with the behavioral health services you are receiving through North Sound BH-ASO, you have the right to file a grievance. A “grievance” means an expression of dissatisfaction about any matter other than an action. Possible subjects for grievances may include, but are not limited to, the quality of care or services provided, aspects of interpersonal relationships such as rudeness of a provider or employee, or failure to respect your individual rights. You may file a grievance directly with North Sound BH-ASO or contact the Ombuds for assistance.

An “appeal” is a request for the review of an action. An “action” is a denial or the limited authorization of North Sound BH-ASO services based on a medical necessity decision. If North Sound BH-ASO sends you a denial of services only based on medical necessity, you have the right to file an appeal. The appeal is a review of the denial by the North Sound BH-ASO Medical Director for which there are two outcomes, uphold the denial or overturn the denial. You may file the appeal directly with North Sound BH-ASO or contact the Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy for assistance. 

To File a Grievance or Appeal:

Phone: 1.888.684.3555 or 360.416.7013

Email: Grievance@northsoundbhaso.org

Mailing Address: 301 Valley Mall Way Suite 110, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Fax: 360.416.7017

Behavioral Health Advocacy

The Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy (OBHA), formerly Ombuds, provides advocacy for anyone applying for or receiving public behavioral health services in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom Counties. Call OBHA if you feel that your rights have been violated or that you are not receiving adequate services. OBHA's job is to obtain a resolution that meets your needs. Services are confidential, free and the law protects you from retaliation of any kind.

To Contact OBHA: