What is the next step if a client misses an appointment for a medication refill and requests your help?

The next appropriate step when a client misses an appointment for a medication refill and seeks your help is to ask the client to sign a release of information. This step is crucial in ensuring that you have the necessary permission to communicate with other healthcare providers or access the client’s medical information.

Obtaining a release of information is essential to maintain client confidentiality and adhere to legal and ethical standards in behavioral health care. It protects the client's rights and ensures that any actions taken on their behalf are within the bounds of privacy regulations, such as HIPAA. Once the release is signed, you can effectively communicate with the prescribing physician or healthcare team regarding the client’s needs, facilitating a smoother process for the medication refill.

This step underscores the importance of client autonomy and consent in the case management process, emphasizing that any intervention should respect the client’s rights to their healthcare information.