A bill to amend 1974 PA 258, entitled “Mental health code,” by amending sections 206a and 429 (MCL 330.1206a and 330.1429), section 206a as added by 2020 PA 55 and section 429 as amended by 2022 PA 214.
Senate Bill No. 917 aims to amend the Michigan Mental Health Code (1974 PA 258) specifically sections 206a and 429. The bill focuses on establishing a mediation process to resolve disputes between mental health service recipients and providers. Key provisions include:
Informing recipients or their representatives of their right to request mediation at the start of services and annually thereafter. The Department of Health is tasked with funding and contracting mediation organizations to ensure mediators are trained and impartial. Mediation must begin within 10 business days of a request and conclude within 30 days, with a possible extension to 60 days if both parties agree. If mediation resolves the dispute, a legally binding agreement must be signed by all parties and provided within 10 business days. If unresolved, a document indicating the dispute could not be resolved must be provided within the same timeframe. Mediation organizations are required to report aggregate data and outcomes to the Department every six months for evaluation.
Co-sponsored by Sens.
Referred to the Committee on Health Policy
