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Sen. Webber pushes for increased oversight of MDHHS after DOJ investigation into Michigan psychiatric care hospitals sparks disability rights concerns.
DOJ Investigation into Psychiatric Hospitals Raises Accountability Issues
LANSING, Mich. — A new federal investigation into Michigan’s psychiatric care hospitals has reignited calls for increased oversight and reform within the state’s mental health system. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is examining whether the state unnecessarily institutionalizes adults with serious mental illnesses, potentially violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The inquiry will assess if the state has failed to offer adequate community-based mental health services, which would enable patients to transition out of psychiatric facilities and live independently.
The investigation has drawn strong reactions from Sen. Michael Webber, R-Rochester Hills, who serves as Minority Vice Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee. Webber described the probe as part of a troubling trend highlighting Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) shortcomings in serving the state’s vulnerable residents. “Federal oversight to protect patients at our psychiatric hospitals underscores the need for change,” Webber said. “We must ensure MDHHS is accountable and serving patients’ needs, not leaving them at risk of prolonged institutionalization.”
New Legislation Targets Oversight and Patient Rights
In response to longstanding concerns over Michigan’s psychiatric care, Sen. Webber has introduced legislation aimed at improving patient protections and oversight. His proposals include Senate Bill 1048, which would bar MDHHS executive office staff from serving on the state’s Recipient Rights Advisory Committee. It also seeks to permanently add representatives from organizations like Disability Rights Michigan, the Mental Health Association in Michigan, and Arc Michigan to the committee.
A complementary bill, Senate Bill 1049, co-sponsored by Sen. Rick Outman, R-Six Lakes, would mandate that voluntarily hospitalized psychiatric patients receive written notice of their rights—a practice currently required only for involuntarily admitted patients.
Civil Rights and Mental Health Advocates Weigh In
The DOJ’s investigation underscores broader national discussions about the rights of individuals with mental health disabilities and how states provide care. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division emphasized the importance of community-based care, noting, “The ADA ensures people are served in the most integrated settings, not confined unnecessarily when they’re ready to return home.”
Mental health advocates have long criticized Michigan’s reliance on institutional care, arguing that expanded community-based services could lead to better patient outcomes and reduce the strain on state facilities. The Justice Department’s focus on Michigan could influence broader reforms across other states grappling with similar challenges.
Residents with concerns or experiences involving state-run psychiatric hospitals are encouraged to contact Disability Rights Michigan or the DOJ through its Civil Rights Division’s portal.
Related Context and Potential Impacts
The outcome of the DOJ’s probe may reshape how Michigan and other states approach mental health care. If findings confirm ADA violations, Michigan could face federal mandates to restructure its care model, emphasizing community integration over institutionalization.
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