Welcome to the SOAR Patient Handbook
Introduction
We’re glad you’ve taken the first step in your journey to recovery with SOAR, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. This handbook is designed to provide you with essential information about your treatment program, including what you can expect from us and what we’ll expect from you. Please take the time to read this carefully and keep it as a resource throughout your treatment. We’ll discuss its contents in our orientation groups to ensure you’re fully informed and comfortable.
Our Mission
Soar Corp will utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment to individuals struggling with opioid addiction. We are committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental environment that empowers individuals to achieve sustainable recovery and improve their overall well-being.
Our Vision
Our vision is to provide compassionate, high quality, innovative harm reduction and supportive care that addresses the complex needs of individuals living with the devastating effects of drug addiction. Treatment will be provided a respectful, therapeutic and safe environment that will encourage the individuals to improve their overall well-being while attaining a more positive lifestyle. Our ultimate goal is to help individuals achieve long-term recovery, lead fulfilling lives while lessening the adverse impact of addiction on families and society as a whole.
Welcome to SOAR
SOAR is an outpatient treatment program specializing in methadone maintenance therapy for those with opiate addiction. Research has shown that methadone maintenance, combined with a comprehensive therapeutic program, is among the most effective ways to treat heroin and other opiate addictions. Many of our patients have been able to rebuild meaningful lives while receiving methadone treatment.
Our team of caring, knowledgeable professionals is committed to helping you achieve a fulfilling life free from addiction. If you’re dedicated to regaining control, SOAR is here to support you in finding hope, resilience, and purpose in recovery.
Community Connections
Beyond our treatment programs, SOAR is actively involved in the local community. Our strong connections with community leaders and organizations help patients transition back into society successfully, with access to employment opportunities and safe housing. Our outreach includes education sessions at schools, businesses, and community groups, furthering our commitment to a supportive, informed community.
Joining SOAR means you’re entering a program that not only cares about your recovery journey but also about your place in the community. With willingness and open-mindedness, recovery can be simple—and we’re here to help you achieve it.
Medical Requirements
As part of your admission to SOAR, we’ll complete a comprehensive medical profile to ensure your care is safe and effective. This will include your medical history, a physical examination, blood work, a urine sample, and a tuberculosis test. If you would like, we can also provide a referral for HIV testing, and for all expectant mothers, we offer a prenatal care referral to support a safe and healthy recovery.
Medication and Interaction Guidelines
For your safety, it’s essential to inform the SOAR doctor and your primary counselor about any medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter medications. Patients are required to notify SOAR if they are prescribed new medications after admission.
Methadone treatment should never be combined with alcohol or benzodiazepines (benzos), as these substances can lead to serious health risks, including respiratory failure and death. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for illicit benzo use to ensure a safe environment for all patients.
If you are prescribed any medications while in treatment, please bring your prescription to our nurses to have it validated. You will also need to sign a release to enable our team to contact your prescribing physician, if necessary.
Having a Voice at SOAR
Your feedback is invaluable to us. We encourage you and your family to communicate openly with our counselors, staff, and program administrators to ensure we’re meeting your needs. You can also provide feedback through our Patient Advocacy Team, regular patient surveys, and our grievance process. For more information about SOAR and our services, please visit our website at www.soarcorp.org.
Patient Grievance Procedure
SOAR is committed to addressing any concerns in a fair, respectful manner. If you feel your rights have been overlooked, you have the right to submit a grievance. Our policy ensures that all grievances, from both current and former patients, are reviewed thoroughly and impartially.
During orientation, we’ll explain the grievance procedure, which is also outlined in this handbook. Laminated signs detailing the process are posted throughout the clinic for easy reference. Should you need an additional copy of the handbook or assistance in filing a grievance, our staff is here to help.
Filing a grievance is your right and will never result in punishment or negative treatment. Throughout the process, you may choose a representative to support you, and you’ll have the opportunity to review any relevant materials, except those that would violate another patient’s confidentiality. You are also welcome to present witnesses who can provide information pertinent to your grievance, and you will receive a written summary of the findings and recommendations.
SOAR is responsible for demonstrating that we’re upholding all policies and standards to ensure your rights and quality of care.
Confidentiality and Privacy
SOAR strictly adheres to all state and federal confidentiality regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, ensuring that your personal information remains private and secure. When federal and state requirements differ, we comply with the stricter regulation to prioritize your privacy at every level of care.
PA State Protocols
Information released to judges, probation or parole officers, insurance companies and health plans or governmental officials, is for the purpose of determining the advisability of continuing the patient with the program and will be restricted to the following:
- Whether the patient is or is not in treatment.
- The patient’s prognosis.
- The nature of the project.
- A brief description of the patient’s progress, a short statement as to whether the patient has relapsed into drug or alcohol abuse and the frequency of such relapse.
Patient Service & Personalized Support
Personalized Support and Rehabilitation Services
At SOAR, we’re committed to providing a comprehensive range of support, rehabilitation, and case management services designed to meet your unique needs. Recovery is a deeply personal journey, and we tailor our services to empower you at every step. Our dedicated counselors bring both skill and compassion, working with you to set and achieve meaningful recovery goals that build a foundation for lasting change.
Counseling: A Cornerstone of Recovery
Counseling is a vital part of the recovery process, helping to restore balance, build resilience, and heal relationships. Addiction often affects our connections with family and friends, and at SOAR, we offer both individual and group counseling to support you in rebuilding those bonds. We encourage you to explore our counseling and educational groups, designed not only for you but also for your loved ones, so that everyone impacted by addiction can begin to heal. Please check the patient bulletin board or speak with a staff member to learn more about the group sessions available to you and your family.
Community Connections for Employment and Education
At SOAR, we understand that recovery involves more than overcoming addiction; it’s about building a fulfilling life. We work closely with community resources, including local employment agencies and vocational training centers, to support you in achieving your broader life goals. Your counselor can connect you with resources for educational assistance or job placement, empowering you to take steps toward a brighter, more independent future.
With SOAR by your side, you have a network of resources and caring professionals to support you in rebuilding your life. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Access to Staff After Hours
At SOAR, we’re committed to being here for you whenever you need us. For emergencies, SOAR staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During regular business hours, simply call our clinic number. After hours, you may reach our answering service, which will promptly contact an on-call staff member for urgent situations.
- Just call the regular number for the clinic during regular business hours.
- After regular business hours SOAR has an answering service that you can leave a massage with and the service will contact an on call employee for support. Return calls after hours will be for emergencies only, all other messages left will receive a return call the following business day.
- Emergencies typically involve issues of dosing and/or hospitalization which need to be addressed immediately. Scheduling or rescheduling appointments are not emergency situations.
- Patients with physical health emergencies need to contact or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- Patients with mental health emergencies need to contact or go to the nearest mental health provider. SOAR has a cooperative agreement with Glenbrook Hospital and the number is available from a SOAR Staff member at your request.
Successful Completion of Treatment
At the start of your treatment, we’ll take time to assess your unique needs, strengths, and the resources available to you. Together, we’ll identify your key challenges and prioritize them into a personalized “problem list.” This will serve as the foundation of your treatment plan, with clear goals and actionable steps tailored to your recovery journey.
Successful treatment completion is marked by meeting the objectives of your plan, which may include:
- Resolving substance-related life challenges.
- Demonstrating sustained positive behavior changes.
- Identifying and utilizing positive support systems or self-help groups.
- Transitioning to other appropriate resources or treatment options if needed.
- Completing aftercare and discharge planning that aligns with your goals and the treatment team’s recommendations.
- Achieving a medically supervised withdrawal when appropriate.
With each milestone, you’re building toward lasting recovery and a brighter future.
Avoiding Abrupt Termination
We understand that there may be times when you feel challenged in your journey, but abruptly stopping methadone maintenance is dangerous. It can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and often results in a return to substance use. If you’re experiencing concerns or frustrations that make you consider leaving treatment suddenly, we encourage you to speak with your counselor or a program administrator as soon as possible. We’re here to support you and address any issues to keep you on the path to recovery.
What SOAR Expects of You
At SOAR, we recognize that everyone’s journey is unique, and we respect each individual’s personal goals. Regardless of where you are in your recovery, we expect that you’re here because you want to make positive changes in your life. We believe in the principle that “Nothing changes if nothing changes.” Our role is to support and guide you toward the goals you identified when you joined us.
While you’re the expert on your own experiences, our team has the knowledge and tools to help you make lasting changes. We ask that you actively participate in this process. Treatment is not about us telling you what to do; it’s a collaborative effort where you work with your counselor and the treatment team to set realistic goals and tackle meaningful issues. Together, we’ll create a roadmap to help you achieve the changes you desire.
Identification Requirements
When seeking treatment at SOAR, please bring a valid photo ID (acceptable by state authorities), your social security card, and proof of income or an insurance card. These documents are required at the time of admission to ensure we can provide you with the appropriate care and resources.
Requesting and Approving Take-Home Status
Take-home medication may be given to you when in the reasonable judgment of the clinical team and medical director you have met the criteria for unsupervised medication. In order to be eligible for take-home medication you must be in compliance with all State and Federal regulations. Continued responsible behavior is required in order to maintain this privilege.
- You must review and sign the “Screening for Take-home Privileges”.
- You will be informed of the length of time it will take for the screening process.
- The treatment team will review the request within two weeks. The team will consider the following in determining granting an extension of take-home privileges:
- You be absent of drug abuse (narcotic and non-narcotic) including alcohol, as evidenced by consecutive negative drug tests.
- You must be attending regular clinic visits, including counseling, groups, etc.
- You must have absence of known recent criminal activity (e.g., drug dealing)
- There must be stability in your home environment and social relationships. Living with a known addict and/or drug abuser or being employable and choosing not to work or doing something meaningful may be negative factors taken into consideration regarding take home status.
- How long you’ve been in comprehensive maintenance treatment with absence of illicit drug use.
- State authorities will define length of time in treatment in order to access take-home privileges.
- If you are on time-limited treatment protocols, you are not eligible to receive take-home privileges.
- You must ensure that take-home medication can be safely stored within your home and that your methadone medications will be kept out of reach of children.
- We will weigh the rehabilitative value of decreasing the frequency of your clinic attendance against potential risks diversion.
- You must maintain financial stability at the program at all times.
Take-home doses may be granted in emergency cases. These would include medical emergency, acute illness, family crisis, job-related travel, etc. vacation and travel doses which may be granted to reliable patient if the physician deems the request to be reasonable. Take-home requests for vacations must be made at least 14 days prior to the pick up date.
It is illegal to remove methadone from its container for any reason other than to take the medication as legally prescribed. The empty medication bottles must be returned to SOAR upon the next visit. The take-home medication bottles must not be altered or destroyed. At any time while you are on take-home status you may be requested to return to the clinic with your medication supply. This may be done at random for quality assurance purposes or due to suspicion of medication tampering or diversion.
Payment of fees
Weekly fees are to be paid every Monday. Financial problems should immediately be brought to the Program Director’s attention in order to work out a financial agreement per SOAR policy.
What to Expect at SOAR
ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN TREATMENT
In order to be eligible for treatment at SOAR, an applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have at least 1 year history of addiction
- Provide documentation of current physiological dependency
- Consent in writing to voluntary participation in methadone treatment
- Submit to physical exam by SOAR Doctor
- Be able to certify pregnancy (if applicable)
In accordance with Federal Regulations, priority for access to treatment will be given to applicants who are pregnant or have tested positive for HIV.
If during the admission process your urine test proves to be positive for methadone, SOAR will send out a dual-enrollment form to all the local methadone programs to make sure that you are not on another medication assisted treatment program. Your signature will be required on a release of information for us to be able to send out these forms. If a person refuses to sign, then the admission process is halted, and the person can be referred to another level of care. These forms usually take 3 to 5 days to be faxed back, during which time the Doctor can begin treatment although it may be at a much lower starting dose than usual. Once enough of the forms assuring you are not in another methadone program come back, you will be titrated up more quickly until you reach a stable dose.
Methadone Prescription Protocol
You are being prescribed methadone, a narcotic medication and controlled substance, as a part of your treatment at SOAR. Methadone is a powerful synthetic opioid that is very helpful in the treatment of heroin dependency. It can be harmful if it is not taken as prescribed. We are providing you with a special booklet called “About Methadone” which should answer a lot of questions and concerns about this medication. Please read the booklet carefully. It will also be discussed in orientation groups. Orientation groups are held each week and it is mandatory for all new patients to attend the Orientation Group at SOAR. Your medication is never to be given to another individual as it could cause their death. As with any opiate, withdrawal can occur if you suddenly stop taking it or if you are not at a stable dose. Signs of withdrawal can include nausea, insomnia, chills, aches, vomiting, muscle spasms, abdominal cramps, pilo-erection (hairs on skin standing straight up), diarrhea, dilated pupils and yawning. Signs of an overdose can be respiratory depression (difficulty breathing), being unconscious, eyes rolled in the back of the head, not being able to stand up, excessive nodding, difficulty talking and feeling overly euphoric. Should you feel any of these symptoms you need to go to the nearest hospital to be checked out. There are many common myths about methadone that are just not true. Methadone does not rot your teeth, get into your bones, or make you gain weight (you may need to be more active on methadone). If you follow directions while here in treatment, you can expect to safely be tapered off the methadone with little side effects and/or withdrawal.
If you are taking any medications while in treatment, you must bring the prescription in to the nurses to have it validated and you must sign a release in case we need to speak with the doctor who prescribed the medication. We ask that for the first 2 weeks that you try and find someone who can drive you here until your body becomes used to the methadone and has adjusted accordingly. You may also be asked to sit and wait in the lobby for up to 30 minutes after receiving methadone for the first 2 weeks so nursing can observe your reaction to it. Both are for your safety.
Methadone can cause death in children and adults if accidentally ingested because there is no tolerance to the medication. Methadone does not need to be refrigerated and should not be kept in a refrigerator where children or other adults could mistakenly drink the medication! It is very important that the methadone is always secured so that only the client has access to this medication. To accomplish this, we require all take-home dosages be kept in a lock box, locked drawer, or other locked storage area. The security of methadone is an important responsibility of each client.
Patient Rights & Advocacy
- To be informed of your rights during admission or orientation to treatment whenever the agency makes a change in your rights and upon verbal or written request.
- A receipt of this information shall be documented by your signature and filed in your clinical record. If you are unwilling or unable to sign it will be recorded.
- To be provided services in the least restrictive environment. To know the recommended level of care for my treatment and as indicated by my presenting problems and to be provided a referral to alternate treatment services when indicated.
- To not be discriminated against in the provision of services based on age, race, creed, gender, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, handicap, socioeconomic status, religion or source of payment. In addition, to exercise my rights without fear of restraint, interference, discrimination and reprisal.
- To be informed in a language that I understand.
- To be informed about what to expect in the treatment process, and to refuse any treatment, procedure, or medications, to the extent permitted by law, and to be advised of the potential risks and impact on my treatment process.
- To be informed of the cost of services rendered to me and to my family as soon as the information is available.
- To receive a copy of the patient handbook, which contains the guidelines for treatment including program rules, services provided patient rights, etc.
- To take an active part in the planning of my individualized treatment plan and aftercare activities, as well as consider referrals to other services if I am inappropriate or ineligible for treatment at the present level of care. Or, I may refuse treatment or any procedures or specific medication that is unusual, hazardous or experimental.
- To request a review of my treatment plan at any time during treatment, and to obtain the opinion of a qualified outside consultant regarding my treatment at my own expense, if I so desire.
- To know the benefits, risks and side effects of all medications and treatment procedures that may be prescribed, and to be apprised of alternative treatment procedures.
- To have competent, qualified, experienced clinical associates to supervise and carry out my treatment, and the opportunity to select a counselor of my choice.
- To expect confidentiality from all associates with respect to my identity, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
- To not be requested to perform services for SOAR, which are not stated as part of my treatment plan. I understand I will not be allowed to perform services in lieu of treatment fees.
- To obtain copies of all consents that I sign. Either the counselor or the Program Director will honor verbal requests for copies of consents within 24 hours.
- To protection from harassment by any outside agency or person while on the premises. SOAR will exercise confidentiality laws fully.
- To air grievances and initiate appeals. I have been informed of the patient appeals procedures. I understand that the grievance procedures will be posted in conspicuous places within the clinic. I will receive decisions to my grievances in writing and have the right to appeal the findings to unbiased sources.
- To inspect my records subject to the following limitations:
- Patients may request in writing their desire to review records.
- The Director will respond to all such requests with-in five (5) working days.
- A clinical associate will supervise the review. Once the patient reviews their record, a note will be entered in PDAP format that the process was completed.
- Patients will be asked to sign a form that will verify they were allowed the right to inspect their record.
- The Medical Director, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant or other appropriately credentialed designee as allowed by law, may temporarily remove portions of the record prior to the inspection if he/she determines that the information may be detrimental if presented to the patient. Reasons for removing sections will be documented and kept on file.
- I have the right to appeal a decision limiting access to the records through the grievance process.
- I have the right to request the correction of inaccurate, irrelevant, outdated or incomplete information from my records. I will be offered a form to complete if I choose to challenge any of the information.
- I have the right to submit rebuttal data or memoranda to my own records.
- I have the right to request copies of my record and within 5 business days be provided with a copy. (a fee may be charged)
- To not be restrained or secluded. However, in the event my behavior becomes unruly or a threat to the health of other patients or associates, proper authorities may be contacted to remove me from the clinic. I will not be deprived of any civil right solely because of treatment.
- To not be subjected to and have the freedom from:
- Physical abuse, sexual abuse, harassment, physical punishment, neglect
- Psychological abuse, including humiliating, threatening and, exploitive actions
- Financial exploitation
- To receive services in accordance with standards of professional practice appropriate to my needs.
- To be afforded reasonable opportunity to improve my condition.
- To receive humane care and protection from harm.
- To exercise my constitutional, statutory, and civil rights that have been denied or limited by an adjudication or finding of mental incompetence in a guardianship or other civil proceeding. [This does not validate the otherwise viable act of an individual who was: (1) Mentally incompetent at the time of the act; and (2) not judicially declared to be mentally incompetent.]
- Before being asked to consent to participate in a research project, to be informed of the following:
- The benefits to be expected;
- The potential discomforts and risks;
- Alternative services that might benefit me;
- The procedures to be followed, especially those that are experimental in nature;
- The right to refuse to participate in any research project without compromising my access to the agency’s services.
- The treatment being proposed.
- Elements of the proposed treatment that are considered experimental research or a clinical trial;
- Methods of addressing privacy, confidentiality and safety;
- Have the right to receive assistance to, referrals to, and access to self help support services, and advocacy support services that are located within the community and or at the facility. Staff shall offer assistance in locating and referring me to such services.
The Steps of the Grievance Process
LEVEL ONE – CLINIC LEVEL – INITIAL GRIEVANCE FILING
- In the event that the patient cannot resolve the issue informally, they or their representative will file a written grievance with the Grievance Team, chaired by the Executive Director
- If the grievance involves the Executive Director or there is an allegation of misconduct by an associate, the grievance will go directly to Executive Leadership Team (Level Two ), and be handled in accordance with personnel policies.
- The Executive Director, or designee, will arrange a meeting with the patient and/or their representative and the Grievance Team within 3 business days of the filing of the grievance, to work toward a resolution with the patient and/or their representative.
- In the event, the patient and/or their representative does not agree or is unable or unwilling to meet ( face-to-face ) with the Grievance Team within 3 business days, then the Executive Director may extend the prerequisite to forego a face-to-face meeting, and process the patient’s written grievance.
- The Executive Director will issue a written response to the patient within 3 business days of the face-to-face meeting, or three business days of the filing of the grievance if no face-to-face meeting occurs.
- The patient’s record will reflect documentation of the grievance. the meeting with the patient and the outcome of the meeting.
- A Copy (pertinent info blacked out) of the resolved Level One grievance will be given to the Patient Advocate for data analysis and quality improvement.
- Any action taken against the grieving patient will be interrupted until a final determination of the investigation is completed at the corporate level.
- Exceptions To Part H:
- The clinic’s medical director can make an exception if the medical benefit outweighs the postponement. In these unique situations, a clinical note will indicate the reason for the exception in the patient’s record.
- If the Executive Director, Medical Director. and Clinical Supervisor agree that a patient must be immediately discharged with or without detoxification, due to imminent health and safety issues, then action against the patient will not be interrupted until an investigation is completed.
- If the patient has been placed on a administrative taper from the MD due to violating policy 60019 part one (1), the action against the patient will not be interrupted unless the decision to discharge is reversed by the grievance process.
- If there are ongoing medical and/ or psychological concerns, the clinic will make every effort to refer or transfer the patient to another program or level of care
- In the instance of take home revocation- no reinstatement will be made until Final determination of investigation.
LEVEL TWO – CORPORATE LEVEL – APPEAL PROCESS
- If the patient and/or their representative is unsatisfied with the findings at the Clinic level the patient and/or their consented representative may appeal the decision in writing or verbally to the Patient Advocate within 3 days of receiving the decision from the Executive Director or designee.
- The Patient Advocate will notify the Clinic directors of the Board of Directors (Level Two) grievance.
- The Patient Advocate and the Program Director or designee, will compile information and present their findings to the Quality Improvement Committee. The information collected will include and not be restricted to:
- Discussion with the patient and/or their representative
- Review of the patient’s record
- Discussion with sector director or any additional associates
- The Medical Director will review the patient’s medical chart and make recommendations directly to the clinic’s medical director.
- Any action taken against the grieving patient will be interrupted until a final determination of the investigation is completed at the corporate level.
- Exceptions to part E:
- The clinic’s medical director can make an exception if the medical benefit outweighs the postponement. In these unique situations, a clinical note will indicate the reason for the exception in the patient’s record.
- If the Executive Director, Medical Director. and Clinical Supervisor agree that a patient must be immediately discharged with or without detoxification, due to imminent health and safety issues, then action against the patient will not be interrupted until an investigation is completed.
- If the patient has been placed on a administrative discharged and taper from the MD due to violating policy 60019 part one (1), the action against the patient will not be interrupted unless decision to discharge is reversed by the grievance process.
- If there are ongoing medical and/ or psychological concerns, the clinic will make every effort to refer or transfer the patient to another program or level of care
- In the instance of take home revocation- no reinstatement will be made until Final determination of investigation.
- The Quality Improvement Committee will be assembled when there is a Level Two grievance and will make a determination as to whether or not there is a need for an investigation.
- If there is a need for an investigation, then the Chair of the Grievance Team will forward the grievance, with the Grievance Team’s findings to Compliance Officer.
- The Compliance Committee will conduct its investigation of the grievance and the Compliance Officer will be responsible for providing the patient and/or their representative with any subsequent written formal responses within 15 business days of the Level Two grievance submission.
- If there is NO need for an investigation by the Compliance Committee, the recommendations of the Quality Improvement Committee will be sent to the Board of Directors for review.
- If consensus is reached by the Board of Directors and the Quality Improvement Committee, the patient and/or their representative will receive a formal written response from the QI Committee Chair within 15 business days of the Level TWO grievance submission.
- In the event the Quality Improvement Committee and Board of Directors are unable to reach consensus, then the President of SOAR will be petitioned to review the disputed items and make a final ruling, which will be given to the patient and/or their representative by the QI Committee Chair within 5 business days of the President receiving the grievance.
- Quality Improvement Committee’s findings will be documented. A designated Quality Improvement Committee member will maintain a grievance log, which contains:
- Date of complaint
- Nature of complaint
LEVEL THREE – APPEAL OF CORPORATE GRIEVANCE OR COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE – EXTERNAL
- If an investigation by the Quality Improvement Committee was not warranted and the patient and/or their representative is not satisfied with the Level Two — Corporate Decision, then the patient and/or their representative will be instructed to contact the Patient Advocate for future assistance.
- The Patient Advocate will attempt to resolve the patient’s grievance a final time.
- In the event that the Patient Advocate cannot resolve the matter internally, then they will provide the patient and/or their representative with phone numbers to the appropriate state regulatory agencies.
Hours of Operations
SOAR Corporation is open 6 days a week and Closes on Sundays. the Hours of Operation are as follows:
Lansdowne Program
- Medical Hours Monday through Friday: 5:30 am to 12:00pm,
- Medication Hours on Saturday & Holiday(s): 6 am to 11:00am
- Clinical Hours Monday through Friday: 5:30 am to 2:00pm
- Clinical Hours on Saturdays: 6 am to 11:00pm
- Phone (610) 622-1114 (fax) (610) 622-0617
Philadelphia Program
- Medical Hours Monday through Friday 6 am to 2:30pm.
- Medication Hours on Saturday and Holiday(s): 6 am to 12:30pm
- Clinical Hours Monday through Friday 6 am to 2:30 pm
- Clinical Hours on Saturday: 6 am to 12:30pm
- Phone (215)-464-4450 (fax) 215-464-0445
Bristol Program
- Medical Hours Monday through Friday: 5:30 am to 12:00pm,
- Medication Hours on Saturday & Holiday(s): 7 am to 11:00am
- Clinical Hours Monday through Friday: 5:30 am to 2:00pm
- Clinical Hours on Saturday: 7 am to 11:00am
- Phone (215)-269-9081 (fax) 215-269-9079
Warminster Program
- Medical Hours Monday through Friday: 5:30 am to 12:00pm,
- Medication Hours on Saturday & Holiday(s): 7 am to 10:00am
- Clinical Hours Monday through Friday: 5:30 am to 2:00pm
- Clinical Hours on Saturday: 7:00 am to 10:00am
- Phone (215)-444-0808 (fax) 215-444-0999
Sunday Closure Dosing
When the program operates on a 6 day a week schedule for comprehensive maintenance treatment, the narcotic treatment program shall complete observation daily from Monday to Saturday. The narcotic treatment program shall be closed for operations on Sunday and shall dispense Sunday’s medication in the following manner:
- The Sunday dose of medication shall be dispensed to the patient in the form of a take home bottle during Saturday’s daily observation
- The patient must have a box with a lock on it to receive and be issued the scheduled Sunday home dose. All Sunday home doses shall be placed in the lock box by the nursing department at the time of pick up to help minimize diversion, loss or theft. Members who fail to have a lock box will be asked to return with a box. If the member does not have access to a lock box, the agency shall supply a “loaner” box that must be return to the facility on the next business day
- The patients will be responsible for returning the empty Sunday home dose bottle during Monday’s observation
- Patients assessed by the medical team as being impaired during the Saturday’s observation period, who are also denied Saturday’s dosing from the MD, will not be issued the home dose for Sunday.
Holiday Closure
The narcotic treatment program shall be closed for operations on the following holidays
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas day
The agency shall dispense the holiday dose of medication in the following manner:
- The Holiday dose of medication shall be dispensed to the patient in the form of a take home bottle during the day prior to the day of observation
- The patient must have a box with a lock on it to receive and be issued the scheduled Holiday home dose. All doses shall be placed in the lock box by the nursing department at the time of pick up to help minimize diversion, loss or theft. Members who fail to have a lock box will be asked to return with a box. If the member does not have access to a lock box, the agency shall supply a “loaner” box that must be return to the facility on the next business day
- The patients will be responsible for returning the empty Holiday home dose bottle during the next dosing observation
- Patients assessed by the medical team as being impaired during the pickup and observation period, who are also denied dosing from the MD, will not be issued the holiday dose.
Involuntary Termination
In order to be considered for an involuntary discharge a patient would have to meet one of the following criteria:
- AWOL for more than seven (7) days.
- Is suspended and there has been no contact for 30 days
- Commits a crime on SOAR property.
- Possession and/or sales of drugs on clinic property.
- Failure to disclose obtaining prescriptions from a outside source and refusal a to sign a ROI to the outside provider to coordinate services.
- Threats and/or acts of violence in or around the clinic. This includes actions towards staff, contracted employees, or peers within the program.
- Threats, acts of racial / ethnic slurs and/or violence in or around the clinic. This includes actions being physical or verbal towards staff, contracted employees, or peers within the program.
- Possession of any weapon, legal or illegal, within the clinic.
- The patient has presented danger to him/herself, other clients or staff members.
- Failure and/or refusal to follow treatment plan(s).
- Committing an act of selling, buy or using illicit drugs on the premises of the program.
- Continued patterns of presenting impaired, resulting in the inability to dispense the daily dose of medication to a patient
- Continued patterns of refusing to supply a requested urine drug screen request or breathalyzer to ensure patient safety prior to dispensing medication.
- Continued patterns of refusing to supply a requested PPD result, a blood work result or chest x-ray results for a positive PPD result.
An involuntary withdrawal generally lasts between 7 and 21 days, depending on clinical and medical conditions. SOAR will attempt to assist you in transferring to another clinic or level of care if possible.
SOAR reserves the right to immediately discharge you if, in the Program Director’s judgment, that you are a threat to the safety and well being of the program, its patients or staff members.
Soar Policies & Rules
SOAR has several rules that every patient must follow to maintain a safe and workable recovery environment for everyone. Inability to follow the rules may result in your inability to continue participation in treatment.
- To complete a nursing assessment each time you dose, you are not allowed to wear hats or sunglasses, have beverages or children at the dosing window
- Urine drug screen samples must be provided when ordered by the medical department. If a patient has an inability to provide a sample when requested, they are instructed to sit in the lobby and drink water till a sample is provided. If a patient fails to provide a sample by the close of business or leaves the lobby, the scheduled dose of medication is forfeited for the day
- Weapons of any kind are not allowed within the clinic or on the clinic grounds.
- Illicit drugs and alcohol are not allowed within the clinic or on the clinic grounds.
- Verbal and physical abuse of patients and staff is not tolerated.
- You are expected to respect SOAR property.
- Smoking is not allowed within the clinic, only in designated areas outside.
- Loitering in or around the clinic or on surrounding properties is not allowed.
- You are not allowed to bring recording devices into the clinic.
- You are expected to keep all scheduled appointments and make your required monthly hours.
- All SOAR patients will attend 1 individual session and 1 groups a week for their entire time in treatment.
- All SOAR patients will attend at least 3 scheduled medication and medical appointments a year during their entire time in treatment.
- You are expected to pay the treatment fee on time, either through self payment or by maintaining insurance or other 3rd party payers.
Patient Treatment Agreement
SOAR Corp is a Medication Assisted Treatment program committed to helping individuals overcome the devastating impact of addiction. The management, administrative, clinical, and medical staff are committed to providing the highest level of services to all clients based on their assessed treatment needs. All clients will be required to sign a Treatment Agreement at the time of admission.
- All new admission will be required to attend the Orientation /Methadone Safety group 2 times in the first 30 days of treatment.
- All patients in the Out-Patient Level of care shall attend a minimum of 1 individual session and 1 three-hour group per week throughout their course of treatment.
- All Intensive Outpatient Patients shall attend a minimum of 1 individual session and 3 group sessions per week during the IOP placement.
- All patients must attend their schedule medical appointments, medication reviews and annual physical as the appointments are scheduled. Failure to attend these appointments can result a medication order becoming expired and delays in the ability to dispense your medication daily.
- All new admission will have completed any requested PPD, blood work or other requested medical testing in the first 30 days of treatment.
- All patients shall provide urine drug screens when requested. Any failure to or refusal to complete this action shall result in the patient forfeiting their schedule daily dose of medication.
- All payments with cost associated with treatment (i.e. co-payments and cost share) shall establish a therputice agreement at admission and update as statuses change. Failure to remin compliant with the theraputice agreement may result in a transfer or MSW from the program
- For effective treatment outcomes, all patients are expected to receive their schedule dose of medication daily from Soar. However, for safety issues, if impairment is observed, Soar may elect to not give the patient their daily dose of medication. If a patient is denied dosing due to impairment, they will be asked to come back the next day for assessment and dosing.