Bill > S1401

This bill proposes several changes to improve the timeliness and efficiency of inpatient mental health care in Massachusetts. Specifically, the bill requires mental health facilities to develop care plans consistent with available physician resources and national standards for evening and night hospital coverage. It establishes stricter timelines for independent medical examinations, mandating that such examinations be requested within 24 hours of counsel appointment and completed within 3 business days. The bill also reduces the timeframe for certain legal proceedings related to mental health treatment, shortening the period for a specific hearing from 14 to 5 days and requiring that hearings for patients in inpatient mental health facilities be conducted within 7 days of petition filing. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Children and Families to develop a streamlined process for administering antipsychotic medication to children in their custody who are hospitalized in psychiatric facilities. These changes aim to expedite mental health treatment, ensure more timely medical and legal processes, and improve overall patient care in mental health settings.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1401