Michigan Lawmaker Demands Transparency on Mental Health Hospital Safety

State senator says he was "misled and stonewalled" over patient protections at psychiatric facilities

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A Michigan state senator is raising concerns that promised corrections to the state's mental health hospitals are not being implemented, putting patients at risk. Senator Michael Webber sent a letter to the state's health department demanding transparency and documentation on issues like timely responses to abuse allegations and improved communication between oversight offices and hospitals.

Why it matters

The scrutiny stems from an unannounced active shooter drill at a child psychiatric hospital in 2022 that caused panic among staff and patients. This incident, along with other problems uncovered in a state audit, revealed significant safety and transparency issues at Michigan's mental health facilities that lawmakers are now trying to address.

The details

In his letter, Senator Webber expressed worry that although the state admitted to problems and created a plan to fix them, there is no evidence these fixes have been implemented. He is demanding documentation on timely notifications and responses to abuse allegations, as well as improved communication between oversight offices and hospitals. Webber criticized the department's delayed and incomplete compliance plan, stating he cannot trust it because the department has shown a willingness to ignore current law and its own guidelines for protecting patient rights.

  • In December 2022, staff and patients at the Hawthorn Center were not informed about an active shooter drill, causing panic.
  • On February 19, 2026, Senator Webber sent a letter to the state health department demanding transparency.

The players

Senator Michael Webber

A Michigan state senator who is raising concerns about safety and transparency issues at the state's mental health hospitals.

Elizabeth Hertel

The director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the state's mental health facilities.

Hawthorn Center

A child psychiatric hospital in Michigan where an unannounced active shooter drill caused panic in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“We know the old policies and procedures were not followed, and so essentially, trying to continue to hold their feet to the fire of how are they gonna protect patients within their care.”

— Senator Michael Webber (clickondetroit.com)

“Show us the proof. Show us the plan and not just say, 'Hey, we're gonna do better. We've got new procedures, new policies in place.'”

— Senator Michael Webber (clickondetroit.com)

What’s next

Senator Webber says he will continue to push the state health department for documentation and evidence that promised safety and transparency improvements at Michigan's mental health hospitals have been implemented.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about patient safety and lack of transparency at state-run mental health facilities, even after acknowledged problems and promises of reform. Lawmakers are demanding concrete proof of changes to restore confidence and ensure vulnerable patients are properly protected.