CMHSP PREADMISSION SCREENING

Senate Bill 1121

Sponsor:  Sen. Tony Stamas

House Committee:  Health Policy

Senate Committee:  Health Policy

Complete to 6-5-06

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 1121 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 5-16-06

A community mental health services program (CMHSP) is required to have one or more preadmission screening units that operate 24 hours a day in order to screen individuals being considered for admission into hospitals or alternative treatment programs.  Currently, a CMHSP can only employ mental health professionals to staff the prescreening units. 

"Mental health professional" includes, in addition to several professions in which individuals are trained and experienced in the area of mental illness or developmental disabilities, a licensed master's social worker.  Senate Bill 1121 would amend the Public Health Code to also allow CMHSPs to employ licensed bachelor's social workers to provide preadmission screening services.

(Under the code, "mental health professional" means an individual trained and experienced in the area of mental illness or developmental disabilities and who is a licensed physician, a licensed psychologist, a registered professional nurse, a licensed master's social worker, a licensed professional counselor, or a licensed marriage and family therapist.)

MCL 330.1409

FISCAL IMPACT:

Senate Bill 1121, as passed by the Senate, does not have any fiscal impact on the state or local units of government.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Margaret Alston

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.