Bill > H2099

This bill creates a two-year pilot program at Taunton State Hospital to accept medically stable, high-acuity behavioral health and dual diagnosis (mental illness and substance abuse) patients from overcrowded emergency departments in the Southeast region of Massachusetts. The program aims to provide appropriate care for these patients until they can be transferred to a more suitable setting, which should be no more than 14 days after admission. The program will be operated by the Department of Mental Health and staffed by registered nurses, psychiatrists, and other necessary personnel. The bill also allows Taunton State Hospital to accept patients classified under Section 12 of Chapter 123 of the General Laws during this pilot program. After two years, the Department of Mental Health will submit a report to the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery to evaluate the program's success in decreasing emergency department overcrowding and the quality of care provided.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H2099