Recipient Rights
Your Rights Matter
When you receive mental health and/or substance use services, your rights are protected by Michigan’s Mental Health Code and other laws. Hiawatha Behavioral Health staff are responsible for protecting your rights and treating you with respect and dignity while you receive services. You are encouraged to ask questions about your treatment and your rights, and to share suggestions about what you feel is in your best interest.
The Mental Health Code also requires every Community Mental Health organization to have an Office of Recipient Rights. This office helps protect your rights and investigates complaints if someone feels their rights have been violated. If you believe your rights have been violated, you should contact a Recipient Rights Officer or Advisor for help.
Elizabeth Eidenier
Recipient Rights Officer
Phone: 906-635-3715
Melissa Marble
Assistant Recipient Rights Officer
Phone: 906-635-3779
Fax: 906-635-3760
Your Rights
Your rights specific to mental health services are identified in the Michigan Mental Health Code, the law that governs the delivery of public mental health and developmental disability services in Michigan. Some of your rights include:
- the right to be free from abuse and neglect
- the right to confidentiality (privacy)
- the right to be treated with dignity and respect
- the right to services that meet your needs
You have many other rights specific to your mental health services. More information about your rights is contained in the booklet titled “Your Rights when Receiving Mental Health Services in Michigan.” You will receive this booklet, and have your rights explained to you, when you first start services, and then once every year. You may ask for this booklet, or ask questions about your rights, at any time.
How Do I File A Complaint?
If you believe that any right has been violated, you or someone on your behalf should file a recipient rights complaint. Allegations of abuse and neglect need to be reported IMMEDIATELY. You may contact Hiawatha Behavioral Health's Office of Recipient Rights by telephone, letter, fax, or on a Recipient Rights Complaint Form. If you need help filing a rights complaint or you want to talk about a situation, call the Office of Recipient Rights.
Elizabeth Eidenier
Recipient Rights Officer
Phone: 906-635-3715
Melissa Marble
Assistant Recipient Rights Officer
Phone: 906-635-3779
Fax: 906-635-3760
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 Hiawatha staff member or the Recipient Rights Office will assist you.
*You may also report abuse or neglect of a child to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). You may also call 855-444-3911 any time day or night. This toll-free MDHHS phone number allows you to report abuse or neglect of any child or adult. One number. One call. One person can make a difference.
Contact Information
HBH Recipient Rights Officer
Chippewa County Office
3865 S. Mackinac Trail
Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783
Elizabeth Eidenier
Recipient Rights Officer
Phone: 906-635-3715
Fax: 906-632-1163
Melissa Marble
Assistant Recipient Rights Officer
Phone: 906-635-3779
Fax: 906-635-3760
Additional Resources
• MI Rights Information Handbooks & Podcasts
• Map to local CMH Recipient Rights Office
• Requirements for Reporting Abuse & Neglect
• MI Mental Health Code Chapters 7 & 7A
• MDHHS Recipient Rights for Substance Abuse
• MDHHS Office of Recipient Rights
• MI File A Complaint
Rights Policies & Procedures
Communication by Mail, Phone, and Visits in a Residential Setting
Comprehensive Examination
Confidentiality/Disclosure
Family Planning
Fingerprinting, Photographing, Audio Taping, Use of One Way Glass
Psychotropic Medication
Abuse/Neglect
Restraint/Seclusion
Informed Consent
Freedom of Movement
Property & Funds
Recipient Labor
Right to Access Entertainment Materials, Information, & News
Treatment by Spiritual Means
Change in Type of Treatment
Complaint & Appeal Process
Right to be Treated with Dignity & Respect
Recipient Rights Advisory Committee
Rights Protection System Policy & Procedure
Training for Recipient Rights Personnel
Services Suited to Condition/Second Opinion
Recipient Rights System-SUD
Recipient Rights-Confidentiality