Bill > HB52

This bill aims to enhance the rights and safety of minors receiving psychiatric care in Alaska by establishing new regulations for psychiatric hospitals. Specifically, it grants minors undergoing evaluation or inpatient treatment the right to at least two cumulative hours of confidential weekly communication with their parent, legal guardian, or an approved adult, unless legally or therapeutically prohibited, and requires hospitals to facilitate these communications. The bill also mandates that the Department of Health (DOH) publish an annual report detailing the use of seclusion and restraint on minors, including specific data on each hospital's usage and any chemical restraints employed, which are defined as medications used to control behavior or restrict movement, excluding those for ongoing treatment of psychiatric illness. Furthermore, the DOH will conduct unannounced inspections of psychiatric hospitals treating minors at least twice a year, interviewing at least 50% of minor patients without staff present unless safety requires it, and these inspections will be part of the annual report. The bill also requires psychiatric hospitals to report any use of seclusion or restraint on a minor, including chemical restraints, to the DOH and the minor's parent or guardian within 72 hours, specifying the type of psychotropic medication used for chemical restraints. Finally, the Department of Family and Community Services will provide data on minors in state custody receiving psychiatric care to the DOH for inclusion in the annual report.