Bill > S1386

This bill transfers the Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental Health, fundamentally changing its operational and administrative oversight. The bill establishes that the Commissioner of Mental Health will now be responsible for the hospital's operation, including providing medical and mental health treatment for individuals sent to the facility. It mandates that the hospital will be managed according to mental health department regulations and will provide forensic services, such as court-ordered evaluations of competence, criminal responsibility, and specialized risk assessments. The bill creates a new division of forensic mental health services within the Department of Mental Health, with a focus on developing services that can be provided in community settings or alternatives to inpatient facilities. Additionally, the legislation removes multiple references to the medical director of Bridgewater State Hospital in existing laws and establishes new protocols for patient transfers and commitment procedures. The bill ensures that the transfer will be completed by December 31, 2026, allowing time for a structured transition of the hospital's management and operations from a corrections-based model to a mental health-focused approach.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1386