Summary of
Consumer Rights

Cayuga Centers recognizes and strives to protect the basic human and civil rights of its consumers. In addition, all Cayuga Centers consumers have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect for their individuality and dignity. Cayuga Centers does not exclude anyone from its programs, and has zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment against its consumers, based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, social status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, developmental disability or other handicap, or health status, including genetic information and HIV status. All Cayuga Centers employees have the duty to serve our consumers while upholding these rights.

✓   Cayuga Centers’ Summary of Consumer Rights will be posted in the reception areas of all Cayuga Centers’ offices.

✓   When a consumer initiates services with Cayuga Centers, staff members will review and verbally explain the Summary of Consumer Rights to the consumer and their family or legal guardians. The consumer and/or their legal guardian will have the opportunity to sign this document before a witness and will receive a copy of it.

✓  For consumers with special needs or whose native language is not English, Cayuga Centers’ staff will explain the Summary of Consumer Rights in a manner or language that the consumer can understand. Consumers with special needs will receive a Rights in Everyday Language document, which explains the Summary of Consumer Rights using pictures in addition to words. Consumers whose native language is not English may receive a copy of the Summary of Consumer Rights translated into their native tongue.

Cayuga Centers Consumer Responsibilities

All clients, residents, and families/caregivers working with Cayuga Centers share the following responsibilities:

  • To be aware of the rights of other consumers as well as Cayuga staff members
  • To respect the confidentiality of other consumers
  • To communicate your needs openly and honestly with your case workers 
  • To discuss changes in condition and treatment plans with your case workers
  • To discuss and clarify diagnosis and treatment with clinical and medical staff
  • To work together with Cayuga staff to improve the effectiveness of treatment 
  • To provide feedback on services and or care in the form of suggestions, compliments or complaints 
  • To keep all scheduled appointments with Cayuga staff or to inform staff in advance if you are unable to keep the appointment
  • To work on your service goals as agreed upon in your Individual Service Plan or Family Team Conference 
  • To provide staff with accurate and complete information as it pertains to your treatment and care at Cayuga Centers 
  • To treat all other consumers and Cayuga staff members with respect. 
  • To adhere to the Cayuga Centers rules prohibiting smoking, drug use, and weapons on Cayuga Centers’ premises