Lawmakers, advocates push for protections for Michigan psychiatric patients

Lawmakers and advocates in Michigan are pushing for legislative bills aimed at improving protections for psychiatric patients. Introduced by Rep. Jamie Thompson, the bills propose adding advocacy group members to the State Recipient Rights Advisory Committee and ensuring patients receive written copies of their rights. The legislation arises from an ongoing audit of the Office of Recipient Rights, currently delayed until August 2025, following concerns about patient care and transparency, particularly relating to the Hawthorn Center for children. The bills have also been introduced in the Senate by Senators Michael Webber and Rick Outman, reflecting a bipartisan effort to enhance oversight and safeguard patient rights in psychiatric hospitals.