Bill > H2203

This bill establishes a Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Pilot Program through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to research and develop psilocybin services for adults with specific mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, end-of-life distress, and depression. The pilot program will allow adults 21 and older to receive psilocybin therapy in controlled, community-based settings under the supervision of university researchers, with a focus on federally approved pathways and natural psilocybin sources. Participating universities will be responsible for protocol design, securing institutional review board approvals, training facilitators, and collecting data, while maintaining strict protocols for participant screening, informed consent, and dosing. The department will establish professional standards, training frameworks, and selection criteria for universities, with preference given to public universities within the Commonwealth. The pilot will last at least two years, and the department will provide annual peer-reviewed reports to legislative committees, examining the program's statewide efficacy, community impacts, and potential for MassHealth coverage. Funding can come from various sources including appropriations, grants, and donations, and will be used for program administration, facilitator training, data analysis, and community education. The program aims to explore the therapeutic potential of psilocybin while ensuring participant safety and comprehensive research.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2203