Michigan House Bill HB4413

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/1/25
• Refer: 5/1/25

Caption

Mental health: other; hospital evaluations for assisted outpatient treatment; expand. Amends secs. 206a & 429 of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1206a & 330.1429).

Impact

This bill would modify existing procedures under the Mental Health Code to ensure that recipients are informed of their right to mediation upon the initiation of services and at least annually thereafter. By requiring that mediation be offered prior to pursuing other forms of dispute resolution such as local appeals or Medicaid hearings, it aims to streamline conflict resolution. The bill also specifies that mediation must occur within a designated time frame, further promoting efficiency in addressing concerns about mental health services. This shift could lead to increased accountability for providers and better outcomes for service users.

Summary

House Bill 4413 proposes significant amendments to Michigan's Mental Health Code, specifically addressing the dispute resolution process for recipients of mental health services. The bill introduces a mandate for community mental health service providers to offer mediation opportunities to individuals and their representatives when conflicts arise concerning the planning and delivery of mental health services. This approach aims to facilitate a more amicable resolution of disputes, potentially improving the relationship between service providers and recipients.

Contention

Though the bill has the potential to improve conflict resolution, it may also face opposition from stakeholders concerned about the effectiveness and fairness of mediation processes in high-stakes situations like mental health treatment. Critics may argue that mediation should not replace traditional legal or formal appeal processes, particularly in cases where such disputes involve critical decisions about an individual’s treatment. Additionally, there may be concerns about the adequacy of training for mediators and the neutrality of the mediation process, which are essential for ensuring that the rights of all parties are respected during disputes.