Gov. Snyder signs bill to help provide substance abuse treatment

On Tuesday, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation to help families provide substance abuse services to family members unwilling to enter treatment programs. "Substance abuse treatment is an emotional process for both individuals and their family members," Snyder said. "These bills will help people get the treatment they need." House Bill 4486, sponsored by state Rep. John Walsh, gives families an option to get assistance for family members who are unwilling to enter substance abuse treatment programs. The bill establishes a procedure under which a person's family members can petition for involuntary substance abuse treatment. The court can order involuntary treatment for up to 72 hours or until a hearing occurs in cases where there is convincing evidence of substance abuse or if people appear to be a danger to themselves or others. The bill is now Public Act 200 of 2014. For additional information on legislation, visit legislature.michigan.gov. Published: Thu, Jun 26, 2014