Michigan Senate Bill SB0806

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/9/24
• Refer: 4/9/24

Caption

Health facilities: hospitals; psychological evaluation on a minor in a hospital emergency room longer than a certain period of time due to a mental health episode; require. Amends secs. 409 & 972 of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1409 & 330.1972).

Impact

The bill establishes the standards for operating crisis stabilization units, tasking the Department of Health with certifying these units based on various operational criteria, including staffing, supervision, and emergency protocols. Among other requirements, units must provide psychosocial assessments and be capable of stabilizing patients within a specified timeframe. By enforcing these standards, SB0806 aims to enhance the quality of mental health care available in emergency situations, while also providing a framework to ensure patients’ rights are respected and adhered to during the crisis response process.

Summary

Senate Bill 0806, which amends sections 409 and 972 of the 1974 PA 258 - the Mental Health Code, introduces significant changes to how mental health services are administered in Michigan, particularly around the processes for admitting minors into hospitals following mental health episodes. The bill mandates that community mental health services programs establish 24-hour availability of preadmission screening units tasked with assessing individuals for potential hospitalization or other crisis services. This provision seeks to ensure prompt access to mental health care, particularly for minors during emergencies.

Contention

Challenges to the bill's implementation could center around the potential strain on resources, particularly where community mental health services programs may have limited funding or staffing to meet the enhanced service standards. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the balance between ensuring rapid access to care and maintaining thorough assessment protocols that guarantee patient safety and appropriate treatment pathways. Debates surrounding patient confidentiality and the rights of minors in mental health treatment could also arise as stakeholders examine how these legislative changes interact with existing protections.