The proposed bill amends the Mental Health Code by introducing Chapter 9B, which establishes comprehensive regulations for behavioral health transport services in Michigan. It defines key terms such as "behavioral health transport," "eligible individual," and "behavioral health transport vehicle," and specifies that these services are intended for individuals in mental health crises requiring secure transportation. The bill mandates that transport agencies maintain vehicles that meet safety and medical standards, uphold confidentiality, provide annual reports to the legislature, and comply with national best practices. It also sets forth licensing requirements for these agencies, including application fees and documentation, while prohibiting the use of physical or chemical restraints during transport.

Additionally, the bill outlines the necessary qualifications for staff employed by behavioral health transport agencies, including age, education, background checks, and valid driver licenses, along with required training in areas such as mental health first aid and trauma-informed care. It specifies that a behavioral health transport vehicle can only transport one individual at a time, with exceptions for minors or long-distance transports requiring additional attendants. The bill also mandates that agencies document staff training compliance and make this information available to the department. The department is responsible for creating rules to implement these regulations, and the bill will only take effect if related legislation is enacted.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 330.1001, 330.2106
House Introduced Bill: 330.1001, 330.2106