Bill > SB44

This bill enhances protections and oversight for minors receiving psychiatric hospital treatment by establishing several key provisions. First, it guarantees minors the right to have at least one cumulative hour of confidential telephone or video communication per week with a parent, legal guardian, or approved adult, unless prohibited by law or deemed therapeutically inappropriate. The bill also requires the Department of Health to publish an annual report detailing the use of seclusion and restraint in psychiatric hospitals, including aggregate totals of seclusion or restraint at each facility, types of psychotropic medications used for chemical restraints, and findings from hospital inspections. Additionally, the Department of Family and Community Services must collect and provide data on minors in state custody receiving psychiatric hospital care, both in-state and out-of-state. The bill mandates that the Department of Health conduct at least two unannounced inspections annually of psychiatric hospitals treating minors, during which they must interview at least 50% of minor patients without hospital staff present. Furthermore, psychiatric hospitals are now required to notify the Department of Health and the minor's parent or guardian within one business day of using any form of seclusion or restraint (chemical, mechanical, or physical), with specific details about chemical restraints. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to improve transparency, patient rights, and oversight in pediatric psychiatric care.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB44