Shelby Review

State Representative Tom Kuhn, alongside Representatives Mark Tisdel and Donni Steele, has introduced a set of mental health bills aimed at reforming Michigan's mental health system through earlier intervention and enhanced outpatient care. These legislative efforts, embodied in House Bills 4412 to 4414, target reducing the strain on emergency services, law enforcement, and homeless shelters by ensuring individuals obtain necessary treatment prior to crisis situations.

"This is about saving lives, supporting families, and keeping people connected to care—before they end up in an emergency room, jail, or on the streets," said Rep. Kuhn, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing early intervention and expanding access to Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT).

The bills propose several key reforms, such as facilitating law enforcement actions based on reliable information, broadening the eligibility for mental health professionals to testify for AOT petitions, and encouraging mediation to maintain the patient-provider relationship. Additional measures include empowering families to request extensions of treatment orders and strengthening hospital evaluations to reduce repeat hospitalizations.

"These changes will help build a more compassionate and effective mental health system that prioritizes long-term stability and recovery," added Kuhn. The legislation is influenced by the work of retired Judge Milton L. Mack Jr., who played a significant role in mental health reform, particularly through the implementation of Kevin’s Law, which increased court-ordered outpatient treatments in the state.

Judge Mack remarked, "These bills will empower families and providers of care to seek help before it is too late. The most important benefit is to the individual suffering from a serious mental illness. Early intervention, relying on community treatment, is the best hope for recovery."

Receiving widespread support, the package is backed by a diverse group of organizations such as the Mental Health Diversion Council, the Mental Health Association in Michigan, the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan, and the Michigan Probate Judges Association, all committed to bolstering the state's mental health services.