The priority role of all personnel employed in a licensed substance abuse service program should be the prevention of rights violations.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

Preventing rights violations is the priority because client rights form the foundation of ethical, effective care in licensed substance use services. When staff consistently protects confidentiality, obtains informed consent, supports the client’s participation in treatment decisions, and ensures safe, respectful treatment, trust is built and treatment outcomes are more likely to improve. Laws and professional standards require these protections, and violations can cause real harm, undermine the therapeutic relationship, and expose the program to liability and loss of licensure.

In practice, this means staff must safeguard privacy and confidentiality, obtain and document informed consent for treatment and for any sharing of information, respect a client’s right to decline or withdraw from aspects of care, provide clear information about services and options, and ensure appropriate accommodations and language access. Rights protections guide all interactions, decisions, and documentation, and they take precedence even when other program goals are in tension, because preserving rights is essential to safe, legitimate, and effective care.