The bill amends the Mental Health Code of Michigan, specifically sections 409 and 972, to enhance the operations and standards of community mental health services programs and crisis stabilization units. It mandates that each community mental health services program establish preadmission screening units that are available 24/7 to assess individuals for voluntary admission into hospitals or crisis services. The bill specifies that these units must employ qualified mental health professionals and outlines the procedures for assessment, including a requirement for a timely evaluation within three hours of a request. If the initial assessment is not completed in that timeframe, a clinically qualified individual may conduct the assessment instead. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for second opinions on hospitalization decisions and emphasizes the use of telehealth services for assessments.

Furthermore, the bill establishes minimum standards for certifying crisis stabilization units, which include requirements for emergency receiving functions, voluntary and involuntary admissions, and prohibitions against misrepresenting the unit as a hospital. It also outlines standards for staffing, patient rights, safety protocols, and billing practices, ensuring that these units operate effectively while maintaining compliance with state regulations. The changes aim to improve the quality of mental health services and ensure that individuals in crisis receive appropriate care in a timely manner. The amendments will take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted into law.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 330.1409, 330.1972