The bill mandates the creation of a competitive grant program overseen by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This program allows local governments, regional emergency services, certified behavioral health clinics, and nonprofit organizations in partnership with local authorities to receive funding to enhance their crisis response capabilities. Possible uses of grant funds include recruiting and training behavioral health professionals, implementing a co-response model in emergency call systems, and creating educational outreach concerning non-law enforcement responses.
Summary
House Bill 5706, titled the 'Mental Health Emergency Responder Act', aims to establish a grant program to support eligible entities in the development and expansion of behavioral health crisis response programs. Notably, these programs are designed to operate without a primary reliance on law enforcement. This approach is significant as it represents a shift towards handling mental health crises with specialized responders rather than police, potentially reducing confrontations and promoting mental health support for individuals in crisis.
Contention
While proponents argue that this bill addresses the urgent need for improved mental health crisis support and reduced police involvement, there may be concerns from law enforcement regarding the shift in responsibility for addressing behavioral health emergencies. Furthermore, the bill includes language that explicitly states it will not compel local or state governments to alter existing legal frameworks concerning emergency detention, which might limit some localities in their response capabilities. Overall, the implementation of this bill could transform how mental health emergencies are addressed in communities across the state.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.
Health: licensing; behavioral health transportation licensing requirements; provide for. Amends 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1001 - 330.2106) by adding ch. 9B. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0927'26
Health occupations: health professionals; limited license for certain individuals engaging in the practice of applied behavior analysis; provide for. Amends secs. 16343a, 18253 & 18257 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16343a et seq.).