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DLRS Home > Grievance Process Guide for Recipients of Mental Health Services > Grievance Resolution Options

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Grievance Process Guide for Recipients of Mental Health Services - Grievance Resolution Options

You have the option of choosing one of two ways to have your grievance resolved: 1) Mediation, or 2) Administrative Hearing. You may also change your mind at any time during the resolution process and choose the other option, if you so desire.

Mediation
Mediation is a facilitated form of negotiation. In mediation, an impartial third-party (a mediator) attempts to help disputing parties reach a mutually satisfactory resolution. The parties and their lawyers (if the parties choose to have lawyers involved) retain control over the dispute and its resolution. Settlement is reached with the full involvement and approval of the parties. As the parties and the mediator explore potential resolutions together, the mediator helps the parties to work out the details of their own settlement. Every attempt will be made to hold the mediation meeting at a time and place convenient for you.

Administrative Hearing
An administrative hearing is a formal process conducted by an impartial hearing officer from the State of Maine Department of Labor. The hearing must be conducted in accordance with state law and must be electronically recorded. The administrative hearing will take place at a location that is convenient for the parties and at a time when the hearing officer is available.

At the time you submit the Grievance Form, you must indicate on the form whether you choose mediation or an administrative hearing as a means to resolve your grievance. If you do not indicate one or the other, the Grievance Coordinator will contact you, because you must make a selection in order to have your grievance resolved.