MEDICAL EVALUATION WITHOUT COURT ORDER WHEN CHILD EXPOSED TO "METH" PRODUCTION
House Bill 5930
Sponsor: Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker
Committee: Family and Children Services
Complete to 4-18-06
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5930 AS INTRODUCED 3-30-06
The bill would amend Section 6 of the Child Protection Law—which deals with instances of children suspected of being abused or neglected being seen at a hospital or by a physician—to address cases where a child has been exposed to or had contact with methamphetamine production.
The bill applies to cases when a written report evaluating the condition of a child suspected of being abused or neglected is made by a person other than a physician or when a physician's report is not complete. Currently, the act allows the Department of Human Services in such cases to request a court order for a medical evaluation of a child. The act requires the department to have a medical evaluation made without a court order if the child's health is seriously endangered and a court order cannot be obtained.
Under House Bill 5930, the department would also be required to have a medical evaluation of a child made without a court order if the child is displaying symptoms suspected to be the result of exposure to or contact with methamphetamine production. Such symptoms would include respiratory distress or breathing difficulty; red, watering, or burning eyes; chemical or fire burn; altered gait, staggering, or falling; or slurred speech.
MCL 722.626
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would have no fiscal impact.
Fiscal Analyst: Bob Schneider
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.