The bill amends the Mental Health Code of Michigan, specifically sections 206a and 429, to enhance the mediation process for disputes involving recipients of mental health services. It mandates that recipients or their representatives be offered the opportunity to request mediation to resolve disputes with community mental health services programs or their contracted service providers regarding the planning and provision of services. The bill specifies that the community mental health services program must notify recipients of their right to mediation at the initiation of services and annually thereafter. Additionally, it establishes requirements for mediators, including their training and independence from the dispute, and outlines the timeline for mediation processes, stating that mediation must begin within 10 business days of a request and be completed within 30 days, with a maximum extension of 60 days.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the procedures for hospitals designated to detain individuals for examination under specific sections of the Mental Health Code. It clarifies that a physician or licensed psychologist must examine the individual within 24 hours of their presentation, and if they do not certify the individual as requiring treatment, the hospital must release them immediately. The amendments aim to streamline the examination process and ensure timely assessments while maintaining the rights of individuals undergoing mental health evaluations.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 330.1206, 330.1429