RECIPIENT RIGHTS

 Your Rights Matter!

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, training, monitoring, and complaint resolution.

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.

Download a copy of Your Rights When Receiving Mental Health Services in Michigan, distributed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Recipient Rights Complaint Form

If you believe that one of your rights has been violated, you (or someone on your behalf) may use this form to make a complaint. A rights officer/advisor will review the complaint and may conduct an investigation.

Resources and Information

  • 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 understand English.

  • You have options when it comes to concerns about your rights.

    • You can ask someone at our front desk to speak to someone in the Office of Recipient Rights.

    • You can also call or write the Office of Recipient Rights.

      • Address: 1200 N. West Ave., Jackson, MI 49202

      • Phone: (517) 789-1237

      • Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Recipient Rights Staff

    Ashlee Griffes, Recipient Rights Officer - (517) 796-4516

    Ashley DuFore, Recipient Rights Specialist - (517) 789-1231

    LaShanda Walker, Recipient Rights Specialist - (517) 796-4527

    Rachel Henry, Recipient Rights Specialist - (517) 780-3325

    Audra Hornbeck, Recipient Rights Coordinator - (517) 789-1237

  • Links to the current Your Rights books:

    Your Rights - English

    Your Rights - Spanish

    Your Rights - Arabic

    Link to MDHHS podcasts about your rights:

    MDHHS Your Rights Podcasts

    More Downloads & Resources

    Abuse & Neglect | Requirements for Reporting

    Bill of Rights

    Residential Bill of Rights

    Code of Responsibilities

    Recipient Rights Check Request Form

    Recipient Rights Complaint Form

    Whistleblower's Protection Act

  • Recipients Rights Advisory Committee (RRAC)

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

    Would you like to become a member of RRAC? Click here to download the application or contact the Recipient Rights office at (517) 789-1237 for more information.

    For more information on the Recipient Rights Advisory Committee, please see the RRAC Charter.
    CLICK HERE to download PDF

  • CLICK HERE for information on Recipient Rights orientation and the Recipient Rights annual training for LifeWays employees and providers.

See the Recipient Rights Photo Booklet below to see examples of your rights.