Bill > S1419

This bill modifies Section 9A of Chapter 111E of Massachusetts law regarding protective custody, specifically clarifying the duration and scope of protective custody for individuals in medical or mental health emergencies. The bill adds language specifying that protective custody shall continue "for the duration of necessary transport, screening, and evaluation for treatment" and explicitly includes "evaluation" as part of the treatment process. These amendments appear to provide more precise legal guidance about the circumstances and length of time an individual can be held in protective custody, ensuring that medical and mental health professionals have clear authority to maintain custody of a person during critical assessment and potential treatment stages. By adding these specific phrases, the bill aims to create more comprehensive and explicit protections for individuals who may require immediate medical or mental health intervention.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1419