Community Mental Health

Recipient Rights

Persons who receive mental health services have the same rights as those who do not participate in services. However, persons who receive services have an additional set of rights found in the Michigan Mental Health Code: Chapter 7 - Rights of Recipients. Ultimately, the Office of Recipient Rights works to safeguard these rights guaranteed by the Mental Health Code.

The Office of Recipient Rights protects consumers from employees who intentionally or unintentionally abuse, neglect, or violate their rights they are afforded per the Michigan Mental Health Code. Each Community Mental Health has an Office of Recipient Rights. The Office of Recipient Rights reviews all allegations of rights violations. The Office may investigate, and can make recommendations about remedial action to the service provider and the responsible CMH.

The Office of Recipient Rights serves as an advocate for consumers of mental health services. If you become aware that a consumer’s rights may have been - or are being - violated YOU MUST report this information to the Office of Recipient Rights. Allegations of abuse and neglect need to be reported IMMEDIATELY. Anyone can file a Recipient Rights Complaint on behalf of a consumer.

You can contact the Office of Recipient Rights at:

Briana Fowler, MPA, LBSW Director of Recipient Rights CMH Ottawa County
12265 James Street
Holland, MI 49424
Phone: (616) 393-5763
Email: bfowler@miottawa.org
Office: (616) 393-5763
Fax: (616) 327-6375
Toll Free: (877) 588-4357

The Office of Recipient Rights is located at the following address:

12265 James Street
Holland, MI 49424

Staff need to be aware there are laws that protect them from retaliation and harassment when rights violations are reported.

The Office of Recipient Rights thanks you for helping to protect the rights of individuals receiving mental health services.

Recipient Rights Complaints

Unusual Incident/Incident Report

Policies