Legislation Introduced Addressing Mental Health

Liz Gullett

Jan 20, 2023

Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) introduced a three-bill package aimed at addressing the growing mental health crisis in Michigan. “In recent years, we’ve seen an uptick in mental health issues, particularly among our young people,” Senator Anthony said. “It’s high time that we take mental health seriously in our state. These bills do just that.”

The package would make the following changes:

- SB 27 – Amends the insurance code to require insurers provide coverage for mental health and substance use disorders.
- SB 28 – Amends the mental health code to end the use of “Chemical Restraint” or using drugs on patients for disciplinary or convenience reasons, and instead requires administrators to only use drugs for diagnosed medical reasons.
- SB 29 – Amends the revised school code to grant public school students five absences for behavioral or mental health reasons.

SB 27 and SB 28 were referred to the Senate Health Policy Committee and SB 29 was referred to the Senate Education Committee for consideration.

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