The Michigan Legislature introduced two bills to establish a specialized transportation system for patients experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Senate Bill 928 would create a licensure structure for Behavioral Health Transport (BHT) vehicles, while Senate Bill 927 would establish a reimbursement mechanism for their services. These bills address a critical gap in Michigan’s behavioral health system.
The Problem
Michigan currently has two categories of medical transport: Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT), designed for predictable, scheduled trips such as outpatient appointments, and Emergency Medical Transport via ambulance, designed for acute physical health emergencies. Neither is well-suited for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Patients in crisis cannot schedule their transport needs in advance—as NEMT requires—yet more than 99% do not require the level of medical intervention an ambulance provides.
Michigan has seen a 65.5% increase in transports for patients in a mental health crisis over the past five years, placing increased strain on Emergency Medical Services systems. Hospitals report patients waiting 48–72 hours for transport to psychiatric beds, with confirmed placements lost because transport could not be arranged in time. Emergency Medical Services providers are being pulled away from the high-acuity medical emergencies their training and equipment are designed for.
BHT Solution and Benefits
Behavioral Health Transport vehicles are built specifically for patients in crisis and feature safety equipment for both the patient and driver. BHT units operate with consistent availability and pick-up can typically be arranged within hours of a request. Early adopters report a strong preference for BHT over ambulance transport, citing a calmer environment, reduced stigma, and greater dignity for individuals in crisis.
Senate Bill 928 creates a licensure structure for BHT vehicles, establishing the regulatory foundation needed to define and recognize this new category of certified transport. Senate Bill 927 builds on that foundation by creating a reimbursement mechanism, enabling BHT providers enrolled with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to bill for services.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.mha.org/newsroom/senate-introduces-legislation-on-behavioral-health-transport-vehicles/