Community Mental Health Handbook
Confidentiality and Family Access to Information
You have the right to have information about your mental health treatment kept private. You also have the right to look at your own clinical records and add a formal statement about them if there is something you do not like. Generally, information about you can only be given to others with your permission. However, there are times when your information is shared in order to coordinate your treatment or when it is required by law.
Family members have the right to provide information about you to Lakeshore Behavioral Health Alliance, CMH of Muskegon and Ottawa Counties. However, without a Release of Information signed by you, the agency may not give information about you to a family member. For minor children under the age of 18 years, parents are provided information about their child and must sign a release of information to share with others.
If you receive substance abuse services, you have rights related to confidentiality specific to substance abuse services.
Under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), you will be provided with an official Notice of Privacy Practices from your community mental health services program. This notice will tell you all the ways that information about you can be used or disclosed. It will also include a listing of your rights provided under HIPAA and how you can file a complaint if you feel your right to privacy has been violated.
If you feel your confidentiality rights have been violated, you can call the Recipient Rights Office where you receive services.
Coordination of Care
To improve the quality of services, Lakeshore Behavioral Health Alliance (LBHA) wants to coordinate your care with the medical provider who cares for your physical health. If you are also receiving substance abuse services, your mental health care should be coordinated with those services. Being able to coordinate with all providers involved in treating you improves your chances for recovery, relief of symptoms, and improved functioning. Therefore, you are encouraged to sign a “Release of Information” so that information can be shared. If you do not have a medical doctor and need one, contact your primary worker or Supports Coordinator and they will assist you with getting a medical provider.
