Recipient Rights
You Have Rights
When you receive mental health or substance use services, Michigan’s Mental Health Code and other laws are in place to protect your rights. These rights are outlined in a booklet entitled "Your Rights," which all individuals receive when they begin receiving support. At Van Buren Community Mental Health (VBCMH), our staff are committed to respecting and protecting those rights every time we provide care. We encourage you to ask questions, share your ideas, and speak up about what you feel is best for your treatment.
Every Community Mental Health organization or Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) has an Office of Recipient Rights. This office investigates complaints if someone believes their rights have been violated. If you ever have concerns, you can talk to one of our VBCMH Rights Officers or Advisors, who will listen and guide you through the next steps. Example of rights include:
➢ The right to privacy.
➢ The right to be free from abuse and neglect.
➢ The right to own and use your own property.
➢ The right to be treated with dignity and respect.
➢ The right to get care in a safe, clean, and respectful environment.
How Do I File A Complaint?
Anyone can file a Recipient Rights complaint if they believe a staff member has violated their rights or someone else’s rights. You can make a complaint by phone, letter, email, or by filling out a Recipient Rights complaint form. If you think there has been abuse or neglect, it must be reported right away.
Your complain needs to contain:
• A statement telling the Rights Office what you are complaining about;
• What right(s) you think have been violated;
• What you think will resolve the complaint.
If you want help writing your complaint, a VBCMH staff member or the Recipient Rights Office will assist you.
If you’re not sure which county to contact about your rights, don’t worry—there’s no wrong door for rights. VBCMH Rights Office will also help you connect with the correct Community Mental Health, CCBHC, or Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Office of Recipient Rights. Please contact:
VBCMH Recipient Rights
Attention: Candice Kinzler
801 Hazen Street, Suite C
Paw Paw, Michigan 49079
Direct Phone: 269-655-3315
Customer Service Toll-Free: 1-800-922-1418
Fax: 269-256-6526
Michigan Relay Center (MRC): 711
NOTE: it is a violation of the Mental Health Code for staff to cause a condition or carry out an action which is retaliatory or discriminatory toward any consumer, or a person acting on their behalf, who intends to or carries out their right to file a complaint.
What Happens When I File A Complaint?
When someone files a complaint, we first review it to see what type it is. It may be:
• A rights complaint (about a possible violation of your rights)
• An appeal (about services that were denied, stopped, or reduced)
• A grievance (about another concern that is not a rights issue)
This helps us make sure your concern goes to the right department for review. Once we receive your complaint, we will send you a letter confirming that we got it and explain what will happen next.
If it is a rights complaint, the Rights Office may step in to help you or start an investigation. During an investigation, the Rights Officer will talk with the person who filed the complaint, the person whose rights may have been violated, and anyone else with helpful information. They will also review clinical records if needed.
Investigations are typically completed within 90 days. Once it is done, the person who filed the complaint, the person whose rights may have been violated, and the person’s guardian (if they have one) will receive a letter with the results. This letter will also explain how to appeal the decision if you don’t agree with it.
Contact Information
The Office of Recipient Rights protects the rights guaranteed by the MI Mental Health Code. They do this through advocacy, education, monitoring, and by looking into reports of possible violations. If you have questions or concerns about your rights, contact the Office of Recipient Rights for VBCMH at:
Recipient Rights
Attention: Candice Kinzler
Direct Phone: 269-655-3315
Customer Service Toll-Free: 1-800-922-1418
Fax: 269-256-6526
Michigan Relay Center (MRC): 711
Thank you for joining us in protecting the rights of those receiving mental health services. Your support helps ensure we respect individuality and develop community.
Behavioral Health Mediation Services Card (English)
Behavioral Health Mediation Services Card (Spanish)
Behavioral Health Mediation Services Card (Arabic)
Michigan Resources
Abuse and Neglect in Michigan
Requirements for Reporting Abuse & Neglect
MI Rights Information Handbooks & Podcasts
MDHHS Office of Recipient Rights
Contacts for Local Rights Officers by County
MDHHS Recipient Rights for Substance Abuse
MI Mental Health Code Chapters 7 & 7A
How To File A Complaint in Michigan
Rights Policies & Procedures
A Guide to Medical and Legal Decisions
Advance Directive Brochure
Advance Directives Policy & Procedures
Compliance Monitoring & Staff Access
Corporate Compliance Code of Conduct
Corporate Compliance Plan
Customer Service Policies & Procedures
Fraud, Abuse, and Waste
Grievance and Appeal Process
HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
No Show & Cancellation Policy
Report of Grievance or Appeal Form