Substance Use Disorder Programs

The Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS) accepts and processes complaints of recipient rights violations against state licensed substance use disorder (SUD) programs. 

Please follow the guidance provided below to address a complaint of a rights violation. A complaint needs to be evaluated by other entities, as shown below, prior to filing the complaint with BCHS.

The compliant process overview is based on the requirements set forth in statute and administrative rules listed in the Resources below. The following highlights the procedures for a complaint of a recipient rights violation:

• A complaint of a recipient rights violations must be made on LARA/SUB-504 by the complainant or on behalf of the complainant.The completed form is submitted to the rights advisor at the licensed SUD program.
• Within 10 days of the date the complaint is submitted, the rights advisor of the licensed SUD program will initiate an investigation.
• Within 25 working days of the date the compliant is submitted, the rights advisor will provide the complainant with an investigation report on LARA/SUB-505.
• If the complainant is not satisfied with the proposed complaint resolution from the rights advisor, an appeal to the coordinating agency may be made within 15 days of receipt of the investigation report.
• The coordinating agency will review the original complaint and the appeal request. The coordinating agency will issue its findings through an investigation report on LARA/SUB-506 to the complainant and the rights advisor of the licensed SUD program.
• If the complainant is not satisfied with the proposed complaint resolution from the coordinating agency, an appeal may be made on LARA/SUB-507 and submitted to BCHS within 15 days of receipt of the coordinating agency investigation report.

Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs
Bureau of Community and Health Systems
State Licensing Section
611 W. Ottawa Street
PO Box 30664
Lansing, MI 48909

Phone: 517-241-1970
Fax: 517-241-3354
Email: bchs-statelicensing@michigan.gov

• State Licensing Administrative Rules 
• Article 6, Substance Abuse; Public Health Code (PA 368 of 1978)
• Chapter 2A, Substance Use Disorder Services; Mental Health Code (PA 258 of 1974)