Client rights [For application of this section, see 85 Del. Laws, c. 461, § 12].
Del. Code tit. 16, § 5633
in effect(a) A client is entitled to be free from abuse, exploitation, neglect, and serious injury.
(b) A client is entitled to treatment in a safe, skillful, and humane manner that respects the client’s dignity and personal integrity.
(c) A client is entitled to treatment appropriate to the client’s needs and consistent with generally accepted professional standards.
(d) A client may refuse treatment, withdraw consent for treatment, or request modification of treatment, except where treatment is authorized or required by law without the client’s consent.
(e) A client may refuse to participate in research or in an examination conducted primarily for educational purposes.
(f) A client is entitled to complete and current information regarding the client’s condition, diagnosis, recommended treatment, risks, side effects, likely outcome, and available alternatives.
(g) A client is entitled to know the name and professional role of individuals participating in the client’s treatment.
(h) A client is entitled to communication in the client’s preferred language and in a manner the client can reasonably be expected to understand, including the use of sign language or other appropriate communication assistance necessary due to communication or sensory need.
(i) A client is entitled to assistance in understanding, exercising, and protecting the rights enumerated in this chapter.
(j) A client is entitled to participate in planning, implementing, and revising the client’s treatment plan to the maximum extent of the client’s abilities.
(k) A client is entitled to express preferences regarding treatment options and providers to the extent reasonably available and consistent with applicable law.
( l ) A client is entitled to an individualized written treatment plan that includes treatment goals, methods for evaluating progress, and discharge planning.
(m) A client is entitled to participate in discharge planning and to receive information regarding continuing care, community services, and other supports necessary following discharge.
(n) A client is entitled to receive treatment in a setting and under conditions that restrict the client’s liberty only to the extent required by the client’s treatment needs and applicable law.
(o) Except as authorized under law or necessary to treat the client’s medical or psychiatric condition where less restrictive alternatives have failed or are otherwise not feasible, a client is entitled to be free from restrictive intervention imposed for purposes of discipline or convenience.
(p) A client is entitled to privacy during treatment and care.
(q) A client is entitled to assert a grievance concerning infringement of a right enumerated under this chapter or to present a complaint, petition, or recommendation for a change in policies without fear of reprisal, restraint, interference, coercion, or discrimination, to have the grievance, complaint, petition, or recommendation considered in a fair, timely, and impartial manner, and to receive a written response.
(r) In addition to the rights provided under this section, a residential client is entitled to the following:
(1) A residential client is entitled to appropriate behavioral and physical health examinations and evaluations in a timely manner.
(2) Except as necessary to protect the safety of the client or others or to prevent unreasonable interference with the treatment of other clients, a residential client is entitled to communicate freely and privately with others, including making phone calls and receiving visitors at reasonable hours.
(3) A residential client is entitled to retain reasonable personal belongings consistent with therapeutic objectives and a program’s safety requirements.
(4) Except as otherwise provided by law, a residential client is entitled to manage the client’s personal financial affairs.
(5) A residential client is entitled to participate in educational, vocational, and recreational activities consistent with the client’s treatment plan and a program’s reasonable rules.
(6) A residential client is entitled to communicate privately with the client’s counsel, personal licensed practitioners, and spiritual advisor at times consistent with a program’s reasonable rules.
(7) A residential client is entitled to practice the religion of the client’s choice or to abstain from religious practice consistent with a program’s reasonable rules.
(8) A residential client who is eligible to vote is entitled to assistance in exercising the right to vote.
Source: DE Code (Official Site)URL: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c056/sc04/index.htmlFetched: 10/4/2026