Recipient Rights

In compliance with the Michigan Mental Health Code, the Recipient Rights Office advocates for people who receive mental health services and for applicants, by offering recipient rights protection. The Recipient Rights Office meets these requirements through prevention, such as training and monitoring and through complaint resolution. This process may include: problems of abuse and neglect, confidentiality, dignity and respect, person centered planning, or other rights violations.

When you receive mental health services from LifeWays and our Provider Network, your rights are guaranteed by Michigan’s Mental Health Code, other provisions of law, and the Constitutions of Michigan and the United States. You retain all rights, benefits and privileges guaranteed by law, such as:

  •     The right to vote in all elections
  •     Make contracts
  •     Make a will
  •     Hold or transfer property
  •     Get married
  •     Get a divorce
  •     Have a driver’s license
  •     Be free from illegal discrimination
  •     Manage your own affairs

You are considered legally competent, unless there has been a court decision of incompetence, and a guardian has been appointed. Certain rights may be limited by law, state or federal regulation, or by court decision.

You have the right to receive treatment suited to your individual condition. This treatment must be according to a written plan of service that was developed in a timely manner through a person-centered planning process. You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect while receiving services in a safe, sanitary and humane treatment environment where you are free from abuse and neglect. You have the right to not be identified as receiving mental health services or have information about your services released without your permission.

Click here to download a copy of Your Rights When Receiving Mental Health Services in Michigan, distributed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Sus Derechos cuando recibe serviciosde salud mental en el estado de Michigan.

More Downloads & Resources

Recipient Rights Complaint Form
Whistleblower's Protection Act
Residential Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights
Code of Responsibilities
Abuse & Neglect Poster 

Know Your Rights

Access Rights

  • You have the right to receive mental health and substance abuse care regardless of age, sex, sexual preference, national origin, race or religion.

  • You have the right to appropriate treatment, to ask questions about your treatment, to know the cost of your treatment, and to ask for changes in your treatment.

  • If treatment is denied, you have the right to a second opinion.

  • Unless you are under a Court Order, you have the right to refuse treatment.


Personal Rights

  • You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
  • You have the right not to be abused or neglected.
  • You have the right to manage your own affairs unless a Court has determined otherwise.
  • You have the right not to be discriminated against.
  • You have all the constitutional and civil rights afforded to other citizens.

Rights of Choice

  • You have the right to Person-Centered Planning.
  • You have the right to choose a provider from our network
  • You have the right to information about the qualifications and performance of our providers.
  • You have the right to confidentiality.
  • You have the right to information in your record.
  • You have the right to know about your diagnosis and care.
  • You have the right to an interpreter if you are hearing impaired or do not speak or understanding English.

Grievance and Appeal Rights

  • You have the right to file a Rights Complaint.
  • You have the right to file a treatment dispute with Customer Services.
  • You have the right to request a Medicaid Fair Hearing.
  • You have the right to our assistance in filing any of these complaints, disputes or grievances.

To Discuss Your Concerns

  • You may contact the rights advisor at any provider location.
  • You may call or write the Office of Recipient Rights.
  • You may call or walk-in to Customer Services.
  • You do not need an appointment.
  • If you file a formal complaint, an investigation may be required. You will receive regular updates about the investigation and a written report or answer when it is complete. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may appeal.

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Recipient Rights Staff

Angie O'Dowd, Recipient Rights Officer
517.796.4526

Kaitlin Burnham, Recipient Rights Specialist
517.780.3325

Kristi Benn, Recipient Rights Specialist
517.796.4527

Audra Hornbeck, Administrative Assistant
517.789.1237

Recipients Rights Advisory Committee (RRAC)

Purpose: In accordance with the Michigan Mental Health Code, LifeWays Community Mental Health Board appoints a Recipient Rights Advisory Committee consisting of primary consumers, family members and community members representing various perspectives of the Community Mental Health Board.

Structure: A Chairman is appointed by the LifeWays CMH Board and at least 1/3 of the membership shall be primary consumers or family members and of that 1/3, at least 1/2 shall be primary consumers.

Responsibilities:

  • Meet at least semiannually or as necessary to carry out its responsibilities;
  • Maintain a current list of members' names to be made available to individuals upon request;
  • Maintain a current list of categories represented to be made available to individuals upon request;
  • Protect the office of recipient rights from pressures that could interfere with the impartial, even-handed, and thorough performance of its functions;
  • Recommend candidates for director of the office of recipient rights to the executive director, and consult with the executive director regarding any proposed dismissal of the director of the office of recipient rights;
  • Serve in an advisory capacity to the executive director and the director of the office of recipient rights;
  • Review and provide comments on the report submitted by the executive director to the community mental health services program board under section 755, and;
  • If designated by the board of the community mental health services program, serve as the appeals committee for a recipient's appeal under section 784.

Would you like to become a member of RRAC? Click here to download the application or contact D'Angela O'Dowd for more information.