Bill > H1553

This bill makes several changes to the provisions related to civil commitments for mental illness in Massachusetts. It: 1) Defines key terms related to mental health professionals, facilities, and civil commitment procedures. 2) Clarifies the court's authority to order commitment of a person to a facility or the Bridgewater State Hospital, including the required findings and timeframes for such commitments. 3) Establishes additional procedures and safeguards for voluntary admissions, including requiring facilities to inform patients of their right to consult an attorney and the possibility of extended commitment. 4) Outlines the process for emergency restraint and hospitalization of individuals who pose a risk of serious harm due to mental illness, including requiring a court hearing within 3 days if the person believes the admission was an abuse of the law. 5) Addresses the hospitalization of mentally ill prisoners, including allowing for voluntary admission and reducing a prisoner's sentence if they are discharged prior to the sentence expiration. Overall, the bill aims to clarify and strengthen the procedures and protections around civil commitments for mental illness in Massachusetts.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1553