The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Michigan Behavioral Health Standard Consent Form
Sharing individual health information is an important part of delivering quality health care. Individuals and their health care providers share information with each other to diagnose health issues, make decisions on treatments, and coordinate care.
Health care providers may share many kinds of health information with other providers for the purposes of payment, treatment, and health care operations. However, providers must receive specific consent to share an individual's health records containing certain types of information. In Michigan, federal and state laws require providers to receive consent to share information such as mental health records (for purposes other than treatment, payment, and coordination of care) or information on treatment or referrals for alcohol and substance use disorder. More information and tools to navigate federal and state health information laws in Michigan can be found on the Protected Health Information Consent Tool webpage.
On January 1, 2015, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released a standard consent form for the sharing of health information specific to behavioral health and substance use treatment in accordance with Public Act 129 of 2014. In Michigan, all providers are required to accept this new standard form (MDHHS-5515).
On November 30, 2018, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services published a new policy bulletin related to the standard consent form. The bulletin (MSA 18-44) notes that all Medicaid providers who are requesting release of behavioral health and/or substance use disorder related information are required to accept, honor, and use the standard consent form in cases when such consent is required.
Further questions on MDHHS-5515 or behavioral health information sharing in Michigan? For any questions you may have, please contact MDHHS-BHConsent@michigan.gov.
STANDARD CONSENT FORM
RELATED EDUCATIONAL DOCUMENTS ON THE STANDARD CONSENT FORM
- Background Information on MDHHS-5515
- 1-Page Handout for Consumers
- Frequently Asked Questions for Michigan Residents About MDHHS-5515
- Frequently Asked Questions for Providers and Other Organizations About MDHHS-5515
- Michigan's Vision for Improving Physical and Behavioral Health Integration through Information Sharing
SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON PRIVACY AND CONSENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALKING, OR OTHER CRIMES
Although sharing health information among providers has many benefits, it may also present safety risks for individuals who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other crimes. The following documents provide guidance for talking with individuals about the potential risks and benefits of information sharing and enabling them to make informed decisions about health information sharing.