Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council Member Programs Statement

Rights and Responsibilities

The Outdoor Behavioral Health Council (OBH Council) was established to provide a collaborative
organization for Outdoor treatment programs that were and continue to be eager to refine best practice
in this nascent and evolving field. The OBH Council is committed to treatment approaches that are
reflective of standards of practice in the treatment of mental, behavioral, and relational distress.
Additionally, OBH Council programs are committed to integrating principles of experiential education,
adventure recreation, and the inherent benefits of outdoor activity into treatment approaches. At the
heart of this mission is the health, respect and dignity of all involved.

These following rights and responsibilities outline OBH Council Member Programs commitment to the
safety of participants and to maintaining the inherent dignity and autonomy of participants involved in
treatment at member programs.

  • Participants have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and with consideration to individual needs.
  • Participants have the right to be free from abuse, neglect or exploitation.
  • Participants have the right to services provided with impartiality to one’s skin color, race ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation. All Participants have the right to self-identify their gender.
  • Participants have the right to confidentiality regarding their participation in services and the contents of their medical record. Confidentiality will be maintained to the fullest extent allowed by the law.
  • Participants have the right to access their medical record in accordance with state and federal law.
  • Participants have the right to confidential communication with their parents, guardians, attorney, medical professionals, and clergy in accordance with state and federal law.
  • Participants have the right to accurate information regarding the services, modalities, practices, referrals, diagnoses, treatments, and interventions utilized.
  • Participants have the right to choose how they participate in their treatment.
  • Participants have the right to access appropriate levels of effective behavioral and medical healthcare to address physical and mental health conditions.
  • Participants have the right to receive direct care, clinical, and medical services from professionals qualified to provide treatment and who practice in accordance with all applicable laws, standards of practice, and ethical principles.
  • Participants have the right to all gear, food, clothing, and shelter appropriate to the activities and environment of the program.
  • Participants have the right to a grievance process and due process around that grievance.
  • Participants have the right to all legal protections afforded by state and federal law.

Program Responsibilities

  • OBH Council members are responsible to actively foster treatment and learning experiences that respect the inherent dignity of all participants.
  • OBH Council members are responsible to provide training on these rights and responsibilities.
  • OBH Council members are responsible for monitoring, soliciting feedback regarding the implementation of these Rights and Responsibilities.
  • OBH Council members are responsible to earnestly review all grievances in a timely manner and to ensure proper reporting and documentation are pursued.
  • OBH council members are responsible to maintain Policies and Procedures that are in alignment with standards of practice in behavioral healthcare and mental health treatment.
  • OBH Council members are responsible to submit to governing and accrediting agencies to ensure compliance with human service standards of practice.

Participants Responsibilities

  • Participants are responsible for their engagement and effort in services.
  • Participants are responsible for adhering to safety practices.
  • Participants are responsible for treating themselves and others with respect and dignity.
  • Participants are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality regarding the identity of other Participants and the information shared by other Participants.
Posted in Position Statements