Every person who receives public mental health services has certain rights which are protected by the Michigan Mental Health Code protects some rights. 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 very year. You can also ask for this booklet at any time.

About Reviews, Complaints, Appeals and Second Opinions

(linked pdf)

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.

Program Specific Guidelines
Some programs may place restrictions on the person served. You will receive information about  events, behaviors, or attitudes that may lead to the loss of privileges and means by which the person served may regain rights or privileges that have been restricted. Talk to your primary worker for more information.

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:

  link to information on:

Confidentiality and Family Access to Information

and Coordination of Care