Court Opinion

ID: 9693331
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-25 16:37:28.564426+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:19:44.964779
License: Public Domain

Bronson, J.
(concurring in part; dissenting in part). I agree with the opinion of the majority in all respects except its holding that the Adult Foster Care Facility Licensing Act permits the placement of mentally ill persons in small group homes.
I do not find persuasive the analysis of legisla*773tive intent in Oxford Twp v Dep’t of Social Services, 120 Mich App 103; 327 NW2d 409 (1982). I cannot accept the contention that "mentally ill” means the same thing as "emotionally disturbed”. See MCL 400.703(4); MSA 16.610(53X4). The fact that "emotionally disturbed” is not defined separately in the act is no reason to equate its use with that of "mentally ill”. Where a term is not defined in a statute, courts must ascribe tó words their plain and ordinary meaning. People v Pettway, 94 Mich App 812, 817; 290 NW2d 77 (1980). In its common usage, "emotionally disturbed” simply does not convey the same meaning that "mentally ill” does. "Mental illness” is defined in the licensing act as "a substantial disorder of thought or mood which significantly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to cope with the ordinary demands of life”. MCL 400.705(4); MSA 16.610(55X4). I believe that the Legislature, by using the term "emotionally disturbed”, indicated a less severe degree of impairment.
I would affirm.