Notice of Privacy Practices

Meridian Health Services

1255 N. Oakland Blvd., Waterford, MI 48327

Phone: (248) 599-8999

Effective Date: April 2026


THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL AND SUBSTANCE USE

INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND

HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE

REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.


Meridian Health Services (“Meridian,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting

the privacy and confidentiality of your health information, including mental health and

substance use disorder information. This Notice of Privacy Practices explains your

rights and our legal duties under federal and state law, including the Health Insurance

Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 42 CFR Part 2, the Michigan Mental Health

Code, and Medicaid managed care requirements.



OUR LEGAL DUTIES

We are required by law to:

• Maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (PHI)

• Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices

• Follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect

• Notify you following a breach of unsecured PHI



HOW WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION


1. Treatment


We may use and share your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your 

care. This includes sharing information with physicians, counselors, nurses, case 

managers, Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs), Community Mental Health (CMH) 

entities, and other health care professionals involved in your treatment as permitted by 

law.


2. Payment


We may use and disclose your health information to bill and collect payment for 

services, including disclosures to Medicaid, managed care organizations, PIHPs, 

designated Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), grant funders 

when required, and other payers.


3. Health Care Operations


We may use and disclose information for health care operations, including quality 

improvement, utilization review, staff training, accreditation (such as CARF or Joint 

Commission), licensing, audits, compliance monitoring, and business management 

activities.



SPECIAL PROTECTIONS FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER 

RECORDS


Records related to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment are protected under 42 CFR 

Part 2, a federal law that provides additional confidentiality protections.

  • We generally may not disclose SUD records without your written consent, even for treatment, payment, or operations, unless a specific legal exception applies.
  • Redisclosure of SUD information is prohibited unless expressly permitted by law.
  • Your consent may be revoked at any time, except to the extent that action has already been taken in reliance on it.



MICHIGAN-SPECIFIC PRIVACY AND RECIPIENT RIGHTS


In addition to federal law, Meridian Health Services complies with applicable Michigan 

laws and Medicaid requirements, including:


  • The Michigan Mental Health Code, which provides additional confidentiality protections and guarantees recipient rights for individuals receiving behavioral health or substance use services.
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) policies governing Medicaid-funded services.
  • Requirements of Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs) and other Medicaid managed care entities.


Under Michigan law, clients have the right to:

  • Be informed of their rights and responsibilities
  • Access their records as permitted by law
  • Receive services that are respectful of dignity, autonomy, and cultural needs
  • File grievances and appeals without fear of retaliation


Meridian maintains a Recipient Rights process consistent with state and PIHP 

requirements.


Recipient Rights Contact Information


Clients or their representatives may contact:


Recipient Rights Officer


Amy VanKuren

Meridian Health Services

1255 N. Oakland Blvd., Waterford, MI 48327

Phone: (248) 599-8999

avankuren@communityprograms.org



Clients may also file a Recipient Rights complaint directly with their assigned Prepaid 

Inpatient Health Plan (PIHP) Recipient Rights Office. PIHP contact information is 

available from Meridian staff upon request or through the Michigan Department of 

Health and Human Services (MDHHS).



OTHER USES AND DISCLOSURES PERMITTED OR REQUIRED BY 

LAW


We may disclose your information without your authorization in limited circumstances, 

including:

  • As required by federal or Michigan law
  • Public health reporting to MDHHS or local health authorities
  • Health oversight activities, including audits and investigations by state or federal agencies
  • Reporting abuse, neglect, or domestic violence as required by law
  • To prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to health or safety
  • Judicial or administrative proceedings
  • Limited law enforcement purposes
  • Coroners, medical examiners, or funeral directors


USES AND DISCLOSURES THAT REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION


We will obtain your written authorization before:


  • Using or disclosing your information for purposes not described in this Notice
  • Using or disclosing psychotherapy notes when required
  • Using your information for marketing or fundraising


You may revoke an authorization in writing at any time.



YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION


You have the right to:


  • Access and inspect your health records
  • Request an amendment to your records
  • Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
  • Request confidential communications
  • Receive an accounting of disclosures
  • Receive a paper copy of this Notice, even if you agreed to receive it electronically



To exercise these rights, contact Meridian’s Privacy Officer at the address listed below.



NONDISCRIMINATION AND RESPECT


Meridian Health Services provides services without discrimination as required by 

federal and Michigan law, including Medicaid nondiscrimination requirements. Services 

are provided without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or 

expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected status. All 

clients have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.



CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE

We reserve the right to change this Notice and make the revised Notice effective for all 

information we maintain. Updated Notices will be available at our locations and on our 

website.



COMPLAINTS OR QUESTIONS


If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint without 

fear of retaliation.


Privacy Officer


Meridian Health Services

1255 N. Oakland Blvd.

Waterford, MI 48327

Phone: (248) 599-8999


You may also file a complaint with:

  • The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), or
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.



ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT


You may be asked to acknowledge receipt of this Notice. Your signature does not affect 

your rights to care or confidentiality.



This Notice applies to all Meridian Health Services programs and locations