The bill amends the Mental Health Code of Michigan, specifically section 100a, to update definitions and clarify terms related to mental health services. Key insertions include the definition of "abilities," which refers to an individual's qualities and skills, and "abuse," which is defined as nonaccidental harm or sexual contact with a recipient of mental health services by employees or volunteers of relevant organizations. The bill also introduces the term "adaptive skills," encompassing various life skills such as communication, self-care, and social skills, and clarifies the role of "assisted outpatient treatment" (AOT) in providing court-ordered outpatient services, including medication management and therapy.

Additionally, the bill revises the definition of "conversion therapy," explicitly stating that it does not include counseling that supports individuals undergoing gender transitions or that facilitates identity exploration. It also updates language to be more inclusive, changing terms like "his or her" to "the individual's" to reflect a more gender-neutral approach. Other definitions related to mental health services, such as "community mental health authority" and "crisis stabilization unit," are also clarified to ensure consistency and clarity in the law. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the understanding and delivery of mental health services in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 330.1100