HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 1984.05.24 - 17318May 24, 1984
Miscellaneous Resolution # 84166
BY: James E. Lanni, County Commissioner - District #11
IN RE: OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 4224 WHICH SPECIFIES THAT MENTALLY
ILL PERSONS BE INCLUDED IN ADULT FOSTER CARE FACILITIES
TO THE OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Mr. Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS, when the Adult Foster Care Facility Licensing Act was passed
by the State Legislature and signed into law in 1979, it made no mention of
receiving "mentally ill" persons for care in such facilities; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 4224 would amend the Adult Foster Care Facility
Licensing Act by including "mentally ill" persons as eligible instead of
"emotionally disturbed" persons who were specified in the 1979 Act; and
WHEREAS, numerous hearings were held on the legislation that resulted
in the 1979 Act so it is very clear that the lawmakers who were involved in the
Adult Foster Care Facility Licensing Act intended that "mentally ill" persons
should not be included in the law; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 11 2 2 4 which has passed the House and is now in
the Senate Committee on Education and Health, requires only that an operator
of a foster care facility be of good moral character, physically and mentally
stable and at least 18 years of age, but has no requirement for expertise in
relations with the "mentally ill" and
WHEREAS, this bill would require the State Department of Mental Health
to promulgate rules for certification of specialized programs for mentally ill
residents of foster care facilities and provides for payment to the facility for
offering specialized programs but is not specific on the amount to be paid; and
WHEREAS, according to the State Department of Mental Health, 767 of
the 3,733 licensed foster care facilities currently provide specialized programs
and have attained certification but there is no mandate in the bill for the
balance of the facilities to offer specialized programs and seek certification.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners take a position opposing House Bill 4224.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be sent to
the four State Senators from Oakland County and to the county's legislative agent.
Mr. Chairperson, I move the adoption of the foregoing resolution.
#84166 May 24, 1984
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the General Government
Committee. There were no objections.