Recipient Rights Officer

MyMichigan Health•Sault Ste. Marie, MI

7h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the CEO, COO, CNO, or Recipient Rights Director, the Recipient Rights Officer will assure that MyMichigan Medical Centers Mental Health Units operate a Recipient Rights System that is in compliance with the Michigan Mental Health Code (P.A. 258 of 1974, as amended), particularly Chapters 7 and 7a. Receive reports and investigate apparent or suspected violations of rights. Act to assist recipients of mental health services in obtaining resolution of complaints, and act on behalf of recipients to obtain remedies for apparent violations. Endeavor to safeguard the rights guaranteed by the Mental Health Code through activities of prevention, monitoring and education of the Mental Health Unit staff. Serve as consultant to the executive director or hospital director and to staff of the community mental health services program or licensed hospital in matters related to recipient rights. This position serves as the Alternate for the full-time Discharge Coordinator/RRO. The RRO function reports directly to the President of MyMichigan Medical Center Sault.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Recipient Rights training required within 90 days of hire or transfer
Basic I and II as provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) within 90 days of hire.
All staff employed to provide recipient rights services must complete a minimum of 8 hours of training annually. Training topics must be relevant to directly providing rights protection, in topics that assist in the effective operation of the rights office, or in areas that enhance the rights staffs knowledge of the delivery of behavioral health services.
Competency in Microsoft Windows.

Nice To Haves

One-year professional experience in investigation and advocacy within a private or public human services (or comparable experience) preferred.
Working knowledge of the Mental Health Code and the ability to interpret and apply statutes, rules, policies and procedures preferred.
Leadership skills needed to effectively lead a team.
Knowledge of current regulatory and accreditation standards in health care.
Written and verbal communication skills necessary to interact successfully with individuals and groups at all levels of the organization in order to share ideas, concepts and actions in a clear and understandable manner.
All Rights staff are encouraged to attend Building Blocks and Developing Effective Training (DET) courses.
MyMichigan Health employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.

Responsibilities

Receives and acknowledges all complaints of apparent or suspected violations of rights.
Reviews incident reports regarding recipients. Whenever such reports indicate a potential violation of rights has occurred, assure that an intervention or investigation is initiated.
Prepares and/or review Mental Health Unit policies, procedures, and standards relating to the rights of recipients.
Oversees the development, organization, and implementation of training on recipient rights for employees, contract employees, volunteers or other agents of the Mental Health Unit, within 30 days of hire. When possible, develop training for consumers and family members. Ensure training of the rights advisory and appeals committee members.
Works cooperatively with outside agencies such as Michigan Protection and Advocacy, state departments and local law enforcement agencies, and other advocacy or regulatory groups to ensure protection of rights of recipients being served by the MyMichigan Medical Centers Mental Health Units.
Works with the other Recipient Rights Officers to ensure full coverage of all requirements.
Assures that all contracts for mental health services entered into by the MyMichigan Medical Centers Mental Health Units contains language which protects and promotes the rights of mental health service recipients, by mandating training of contract staff and adherence to the rights protection system.
Alerts the Director to Mental Health Unit practices that may potentially violate rights.
Reviews the circumstances surrounding the death of, or serious injury to a recipient. If there is an apparent or suspected violation of rights conducts an investigation.
Reviews reports from accrediting bodies where information pertinent to rights protection is contained.
Conducts announced and unannounced visits to the mental health unit.
Develop and conduct training as required in response to complaint trends.
Investigates, or if appropriate, intervenes to resolve allegations of rights violations as specified by the Mental Health Code.
Determine responsibility for rights violations and recommend actions necessary to remediate violations in a timely manner and prevent recurrences.
If necessary, assists the complainant or others with standing to appeal, in the appeal process.
Assures adherence to proper due process procedures required for appeals made to the appeals committee.
If necessary, assist the appellant in filing an appeal to the Department of Community Heath Step 2 Appeal when appeals have been exhausted at the local level.
Acts as staff Liaison to the Recipient Rights Advisory Committee.
Assists the Recipient Rights Advisory Committee in reviewing the funding of the Recipient Rights Office.
Prepares an annual report of the rights activity for review by the Advisory Committee and subsequent submission to the MyMichigan Medical Centers Board and the Department of Community Health.
Prepares a semiannual report of rights activity for review by the Advisory Committee and submission to the Department of Community Health.
Facilitates education for hospital staff, medical staff, contract staff, and hospital board on the Recipient Rights Program and Mental Health Code compliance.
Maintains current understanding of Joint Commission standards and facilitates and participates in Joint Commission surveys.
Participates in Medical Center and MyMichigan Health committees and teams.
Continuous professional development as demonstrated by self-directed learning and participation in continuing education.
All other duties as assigned.