Tag: AOT

Behavioral Health Bills Advance, Other Bills Discussed in State Legislature

Member News

Several bills impacting healthcare and hospitals were advanced through committees in the state Senate during the week of Oct. 28.

The Senate Health Policy Committee unanimously approved Senate Bills (SB) 916 – 918, led by Sen. Hertel (D-Saint Clair Shores). The bills would expand the availability of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) in Michigan. AOT has been proven to decrease the number of individuals involved in the criminal justice system with behavioral health needs and can decrease the pressure on emergency departments for issues related to behavioral health. The bills expand the healthcare providers eligible to provide testimony for AOT and adds a new mechanism to divert individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses to AOT. The MHA supports the legislation as it awaits a vote of the full Senate.

Additionally, the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee took testimony on Senate Bills 651 – 654, led by Sen. Singh (D-East Lansing). The bills are spearheaded by the Keep Michigan Kids Tobacco Free Alliance and would create new licensing for establishments that sell tobacco products while enhancing the penalties on those retailers for selling to individuals under age 21. The legislation also removes punitive penalties on youth to reduce barriers for those who are seeking help for nicotine addiction. The MHA supports the legislation to improve Michigan’s public health as it awaits a vote of the committee.

Members with questions on state legislation can contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

House Campaign Committee Chairs Address Legislative Policy Panel

Member News
House Campaign Committee Chairs Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland) and Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park) present during the MHA Legislative Policy Panel meeting.

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met at the MHA Capital Advocacy Center May 15 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals.

The meeting was highlighted by presentations from each political party’s House Campaign Committee Chair. Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland) represented the Republications and Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park) presented for the Democrats. Each lawmakers highlighted the importance of the upcoming election, as all 110 Michigan House of Representatives seats will be on the ballot.

Regarding action items, the panel made two recommendations. The first is for the MHA to support House Bills (HB) 4746 to expand the range of healthcare professionals who can testify that a patient required Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) and modifies the procedures for diverting individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses to AOT. The panel also recommends the MHA continues to work to ensure patient safety and equitable access is protected, including a collaboration with hospitals, in legislation that proposes the integration of community midwifery care into the healthcare continuum.

The panel received additional updates on state legislative activities regarding Medicaid funding, the state budget and the state workforce.

For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

MHA Releases Assisted Outpatient Treatment Utilization Infographic

Member News

In partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the MHA conducted a survey during Spring 2023 to gather insights on Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) utilization within hospitals and health systems.

AOT offers outpatient care for individuals with serious mental illness, aiming to reduce risks stemming from not following a prescribed regimen. As a proven method, AOT promotes recovery, reduces harmful behaviors and minimizes costly hospitalizations and emergency room visits. It is imperative this collaborative initiative promotes clear streamlined communication between hospitals, health systems, community mental health (CMH) agencies, law enforcement and correctional facilities. Participants were asked to share data for each individual hospital or health system.

Based on the survey results, the MHA created an infographic report that summarizes the strengths and gaps within the existing behavioral health system on AOT utilization. Findings will be used to inform the MHA’s policy and advocacy activities to advocate for improvements to the behavioral health system in Michigan.

Members with questions regarding AOT should contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.