Bill > HB4534

This bill amends Michigan's Mental Health Code to create a new diversion program for individuals with mental illness who are charged with certain misdemeanor offenses. The bill allows prosecutors, defendants, or defense counsel to request an assessment to determine if a defendant meets criteria for assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) instead of criminal prosecution. For eligible misdemeanor offenses, including those against health professionals, a qualified health professional can evaluate the defendant to see if they qualify for AOT. If approved, the defendant would receive mandated mental health treatment for 90 days (or 180 days for serious misdemeanors) instead of facing criminal charges. The community treatment program will have sole discretion over the treatment plan, and the pending criminal charges will be dismissed after the treatment period if the defendant complies with the AOT program. The bill defines a "qualified health professional" as a psychiatric nurse practitioner or physician assistant working under a psychiatrist's supervision. The legislation is tied to three other House Bills and will take effect 90 days after enactment, but only if all related bills are also enacted into law.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4534