LANSING, Mich. — A package of bills announced Wednesday aims to help people experiencing mental health crises reach the care they need.
Right now, Michigan does not offer emergency transportation in those situations, leaving it up to ambulance crews or police.
That can take first responders out of service for hours.
“As a paramedic for 40 years, I understand the cost taxpayers bear every time we are called to a mental health crisis,” Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Pennfield Township) said. “By replacing costly emergency transports with targeted behavioral health transportation, we are prioritizing saving lives and tax dollars.”
The bipartisan legislation proposed in both the house and senate provides a framework for the services.
Among the provisions, it allow a Medicaid to reimburse companies who transport patients, including interfacility transfers, psychiatric admissions and mental health evaluations.
The bills also lay out standards for transportation, such as mental health first aid, CPR, trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques and vehicle regulations to keep patients secure.
Supporters say the bills free up emergency services for other calls and treat crises with the seriousness and compassion they deserve.
“These bills will provide a safer and more affordable solution to people in crisis,” Sen. Mark Huizenga (R-Walker) said. :The heart of the plan is simple, people deserve timely and professional mental health care, and our emergency departments need relief from the responsibilities that they were never intended to carry”
Supporters note the bills could take a financial burden off of hospitals and ambulance services, who often eat the cost of holding or transporting mental health patients.
“This is good for patients; this is good for taxpayers; and this is good for Michigan,” Huizenga said.