MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

House Bill 5927 (Proposed Substitute H-1)

Sponsor:  Rep. Gabe Leland

Committee:  Health Policy

Complete to 11-27-06

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5927 (PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE H-1)

The bill would amend the Mental Health Code to require the director of the Department of Community Health (DCH) to appoint a medical director of mental health services.  The appointee would have to be an appropriately credentialed psychiatrist.  The medical director of mental health services would have to do all of the following:

·                    Advise the director of the DCH on mental health policy and treatment issues.

·                    Serve as a resource on mental health clinical matters to all divisions within the DCH, other state departments, and the mental health field.

·                    Promote the use of mental health care and treatment best practices that are scientifically validated and recovery oriented.

MCL 330.1104

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 5927 will have no fiscal impact as DCH already has an interim Medical Director of Mental Health Services.  This bill simply provides statutory authorization for this staff position within the Mental Health Code as is the case for the director of DCH and director of the State Office of Recipient Rights.

                                                                                           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.