Next Step Rehab LLC
Physical · Occupational · Speech-Language Therapy
Patient Rights & Responsibilities
Effective March 2026
Effective March 2026
Patient Rights & Responsibilities
Governing Your Care with Next Step Rehab LLC
At Next Step Rehab LLC, we are committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based rehabilitation in the comfort of your home and community. This document outlines your rights as a patient and the responsibilities we ask you to uphold to support safe, effective, and collaborative care.
Section I
Patient Rights
As a patient receiving services from Next Step Rehab LLC, you have the right to:
Dignity & Respect
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Respectful Treatment: Receive care that is courteous, professional, and free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.
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Privacy & Dignity: Have your personal privacy respected at all times during assessments, treatment, and care discussions.
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Cultural Sensitivity: Receive care that acknowledges and is responsive to your cultural background, language needs, and personal values.
Information & Decision-Making
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Informed Consent: Be informed about your diagnosis, proposed plan of care, treatment interventions, and any material risks or alternatives — in language you understand — before services begin.
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Participation in Care: Actively participate in the development of your goals and plan of care, and have your input meaningfully considered by your clinical team.
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Refusal of Treatment: Refuse any specific treatment or service at any time, and be informed of the potential consequences of that refusal.
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Second Opinion: Seek a second clinical opinion or request transfer to another provider without compromising the continuation of your current care.
Privacy, Confidentiality & Medical Records
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HIPAA Protections: Have your protected health information (PHI) used and disclosed only as permitted under applicable law and our Notice of Privacy Practices.
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Access to Records: Request access to, inspect, and obtain a copy of your health records as permitted by law, within a reasonable timeframe.
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Amendments: Request corrections or amendments to your health records if you believe they are inaccurate or incomplete.
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Confidential Communications: Request that we communicate with you through specific means or at specific locations to protect your privacy.
Safety, Quality & Grievances
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Safe Care Environment: Receive care in a manner that prioritizes your safety and is consistent with professional standards of practice.
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Continuity of Care: Receive information about continuing care after discharge or transitions in your treatment plan.
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Voice Concerns: Submit complaints or grievances about your care or any aspect of our services without fear of retaliation or interference with your treatment.
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Grievance Response: Receive a timely and documented response to any formal complaint filed with Next Step Rehab LLC.
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External Complaints: File a complaint with the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, the Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice, or other applicable regulatory bodies at any time.
Financial Transparency
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Cost Disclosure: Receive clear and advance notice of fees, billing policies, and any out-of-pocket expenses before services are rendered.
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Itemized Statements: Request an itemized statement of all services provided and fees charged at any time.
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No Surprise Billing: Be protected from unexpected charges in accordance with applicable federal and state law.
Section II
Patient Responsibilities
To support the delivery of safe and effective care, we ask that you fulfill the following responsibilities:
Honest & Accurate Information
- Provide accurate and complete information regarding your health history, current medications, allergies, prior surgeries, and any changes in your condition.
- Promptly notify your therapist of any significant changes in your health status, living situation, or circumstances that may affect your care.
Active Participation in Your Plan of Care
- Engage actively and collaboratively in establishing and working toward your therapy goals.
- Follow the home exercise program, activity modifications, and clinical recommendations provided by your therapist to the best of your ability.
- Communicate openly with your care team about barriers, concerns, or difficulties you experience with any aspect of your treatment plan.
Appointments & Scheduling
- Keep all scheduled therapy appointments. If you must cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours advance notice whenever possible.
- Be present and accessible at the time of your scheduled home visit. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations may result in discharge from services per our scheduling policy.
- Ensure that a responsible adult is present if required for your safety or consent during in-home visits.
Safety & Home Environment
- Maintain a reasonably safe, accessible environment for your therapy sessions and communicate any known hazards to your clinician.
- Inform your therapist if any individuals in the home are ill or if there are circumstances that could affect the safety of the visit.
- Follow all safety instructions provided by your therapist to minimize risk of injury during treatment or home exercise.
Respectful Conduct
- Treat all Next Step Rehab LLC staff, students, and contractors with courtesy and respect. Abusive, threatening, or discriminatory conduct will not be tolerated and may result in discharge from services.
- Refrain from recording therapy sessions without the prior written consent of your clinician.
Financial Responsibilities
- Accept financial responsibility for all services rendered in accordance with your agreed-upon payment arrangements and our current fee schedule.
- Provide accurate insurance information (if applicable) and promptly notify us of any changes to your coverage.
- Fulfill payment obligations in a timely manner as outlined in our financial policy.
Section III
Grievance & Complaint Process
Next Step Rehab LLC takes all patient concerns seriously. If you have a complaint or grievance, you may:
- Speak directly with your treating clinician or their supervisor at any time.
- Submit a written grievance to the Director of Clinical Operations at Next Step Rehab LLC.
Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
(410) 764-4752
Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
(410) 402-8550
Maryland Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ)
(877) 402-8219
Maryland Board of Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology
(410) 402-8500
All grievances will be acknowledged within 5 business days and resolved within 30 days of receipt, where possible.
Patient Acknowledgment
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received, read (or had read to me), and understand the Patient Rights and Responsibilities of Next Step Rehab LLC. I understand that a copy of this document is available to me upon request at any time.
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