The bill amends the Mental Health Code of Michigan, specifically section 134a, to implement stricter regulations on the employment of individuals with criminal histories in psychiatric facilities. It prohibits these facilities from hiring or granting clinical privileges to individuals convicted of certain serious crimes, including violent felonies, sexual offenses, and drug-related crimes, unless a designated period has passed since the completion of their sentencing, parole, or probation. The bill also categorizes specific misdemeanors that disqualify individuals from employment, with varying disqualification periods based on the severity of the offense.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that psychiatric facilities conduct criminal history checks on job applicants and obtain their written consent for these checks, which the facilities must finance. It includes provisions for notifying applicants of any findings and their right to appeal decisions based on their criminal history. The bill allows for conditional employment before the completion of these checks under certain conditions, while ensuring that individuals do not have direct patient access until their background checks are finalized. It also establishes penalties for facilities that neglect to perform the required checks and outlines the responsibilities of employees regarding the reporting of criminal offenses. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the safety and integrity of healthcare services in psychiatric settings through comprehensive background checks and accountability measures.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 330.1134