February 14, 2007
  
  
  ADM File No. 2002-09
  
  Administrative Order No. 2007-1
  
  Expanded Use of Interactive 
  Video Technology
                      
  
       By order entered February 14, 2007, this Court has adopted new rules authorizing
  the use of interactive video technology (IVT) for specified hearings in delinquency
  proceedings, child protective proceedings, and probate matters.  In addition to the use of
  IVT specifically authorized under new Rules 3.904 and 5.738a of the Michigan Court
  Rules, this Court encourages courts in appropriate circumstances to expand the use of
  IVT in those proceedings and matters to hearings not enumerated in the new rules by
  seeking permission from the State Court Administrative Office.  The goal of the
  expanded use of IVT is to promote efficiency for the court and accessibility for the
  parties while ensuring that each party's rights are not compromised.
  
       Effective May 1, 2007, each court seeking to expand its use of IVT beyond the
  uses set forth in new MCR 3.904 and 5.738a must submit a local administrative order for
  approval by the State Court Administrator, pursuant to MCR 8.112(B), describing the
  administrative procedures for each type of hearing for which IVT will be used.  Upon a
  court's filing of a local administrative order, the State Court Administrative Office shall
  either approve the order or return the order to the chief judge of the circuit court or the
  probate court for amendment in accordance with requirements and guidelines provided
  by the State Court Administrative Office.
  
       The State Court Administrative Office shall assist courts in implementing the
  expanded use of IVT, and shall report to this Court regarding its assessment of any
  expanded IVT programs.  Those courts approved for an expanded program of IVT use
  shall provide statistics and otherwise cooperate with the State Court Administrative
  Office in monitoring the expanded-use programs.
  
       Staff Comment:  Former Administrative Order Nos. 2001-4, 2003-4, 2004-3, and
  2006-7 were rescinded with the adoption of MCR 3.904 and 5.738a, which allow courts
  to implement IVT programs without the approval of the State Court Administrative
  Office.  However, the Court believes that the use of IVT should be encouraged in
  appropriate circumstances for additional hearings in delinquency proceedings, child
  protective proceedings, and probate matters.  Adoption of this administrative order
  authorizes courts to seek to use IVT in expanded settings not currently allowed under the
  rules, and requires SCAO to approve and monitor those expanded-use programs for
  evaluation and assessment as the Court considers further amendments of the rules in the
  future.
  
       The staff comment is not an authoritative construction by the Court.