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House bill would let mental health counselors practice

loreanto
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Adobe Stock
Credit loreanto / Adobe Stock
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Adobe Stock

The state House adopted a bill that’s supposed to settle a controversy over mental health services in Michigan. The bill would stop proposed changes in a state rule on what licensed professional counselors can do. The bill says counselors could diagnose conditionsand help develop treatment plans. That would also allow them to be reimbursed by insurance companies for their work.

State Representative Aaron Miller (R-Sturgis) says the system has worked for 30 years in Michigan, and there’s no reason to change it.

“If you’re looking for a simple solution, there is a simple solution," he said. "Let’s take the current practice, and let’s codify it into law.”

The bill now goes to the state Senate. If it’s approved there, it will go to Governor Gretchen Whitmer to be signed or vetoed.

Copyright 2019 Michigan Radio

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.