Your Rights & Responsibilities
Every person who receives public mental health services has certain rights which are protected by the Michigan Mental Health Code. Some of your rights include:
- The right to be free from abuse and neglect.
- The right to confidentiality.
- The right to be treated with dignity and respect.
- The right to treatment suited to condition.
More information about your many rights is contained in the booklet titled “Your Rights”. You will be given this booklet and have your rights explained to you when you first start services and then once again every year. You can also ask for this booklet at any time.
You may file a Recipient Rights complaint any time if you think staff violated your rights. You can make a rights complaint either orally or in writing.
If you receive substance abuse services, you have rights protected by the Public Health Code. These rights will also be explained to you when you start services and then once again every year. You can find more information about your rights while getting substance abuse services in the “Know Your Rights” pamphlet.
State of Michigan Handbooks & Podcasts
| Michigan Mental Health Code Booklet & Podcasts |
Your Rights When Receiving Mental Health Services in Michigan Booklet
Your Rights When Receiving Mental Health Services in Michigan Podcasts:
1. General Rights: Part 1a |
Part 1b
2. Treatment Rights: Part 2
3. Rights Prior to Hospital Admission: Part 3a |
Part 3b
4. Rights in a Residential or Inpatient Setting: Part 4a |
Part 4b
5. The Complaint and Appeal Process: Part 5
Freedom From Retaliation
If you use public mental health or substance abuse services, you are free to exercise your rights, and to use the rights protection system without fear of retaliation, harassment, or discrimination. In addition, under no circumstances will the public mental health system use seclusion or restraint as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation.
You may contact your local community mental health services program to talk with a Recipient Rights Officer with any questions you may have about your rights or to get help to make a complaint. Customer Services can also help you make a complaint. You can contact the Office of Recipient Rights at:
| Muskegon County | Ottawa County |
|---|---|
| Garland Kilgore, III 376 East Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 724-1107 |
Briana Fowler 12265 James St. Holland, MI 49424 (616)393-5763 TTY (616) 494-5508 Toll free (866) 710-7378 |
Or Customer Services at:
| Muskegon County | Ottawa County |
|---|---|
| (231) 720-3201 | (616) 494-5545 |
If this does not solve the problem, you may call the Recipient Rights Office in Lansing. State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Office of Recipient Rights 1-800-854-9090
About Reviews, Complaints, Appeals and Second Opinions
Grievances
You have the right to say that you are unhappy with your services or supports or the staff who provide them, by filing a “grievance”. You can file a grievance any time by calling, visiting, or writing to the Recipient Rights Office. Assistance is available in the filing process by contacting local advocacy organizations. You will be given detailed information about grievance and appeal processes when you first start services and then again annually. You may ask for this information at any time by contacting the Customer Services Office.*
Appeals
You will be given notice when a decision is made that denies your request for services or reduces, suspends, or terminates the services you already receive. You have the right to file an “appeal” when you do not agree with such a decision. There are two ways you can appeal these decisions. There are also time limits on when you can file an appeal once you receive a decision about your services.
You may:
Ask for a “Local Appeal” by contacting Recipient Rights at Muskegon (231) 724-1107 Ottawa (616) 393-5660
And/or if you have Medicaid; you can ask at any time for a Medicaid Fair Hearing before an administrative law judge (a State appeal). Muskegon (231) 724-1107, Ottawa (616) 393-5660
Your appeal will be completed quickly and you will have the chance to provide information or have someone speak for you regarding the appeal. You may ask for assistance from local advocacy organizations to file an appeal. Contact Customer Service for information.
Staff with the Access Center and the Office of Recipient Rights can explain the second opinion, local appeal, and recipient rights complaint processes. They will provide the paperwork you need and help you with filling it out. Staff will give you information so you can check the status of your appeal or complaint.
Providers in Substance Abuse Services will assist you with grievances and appeals. If you are not able to resolve the problem, contact Karen Youngs-Hartley at Lakeshore Coordinating Council. (616) 846-6720 or 1-877-846-522.