Bill > H243

This bill updates terminology and investigative practices related to the protection of persons with disabilities in Massachusetts, making numerous technical amendments to Chapter 19C of the General Laws. Key provisions include redefining terms such as "abuse" and "abuse per se" to provide more precise and comprehensive descriptions of potential mistreatment, establishing a special investigative unit within the Disabled Persons Protection Commission with at least 5 state police officers, and modifying investigation and reporting procedures for potential abuse of persons with disabilities. The bill expands the definition of who can be considered a "disabled person" (ages 18-59 with intellectual or developmental disabilities), clarifies the responsibilities of mandated reporters, and updates protocols for investigating and referring potential abuse cases. The changes aim to improve protections for vulnerable individuals by streamlining investigative processes, ensuring more comprehensive reporting, and providing clearer guidelines for agencies and caretakers dealing with potential abuse situations. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information during investigations and establishes more flexible mechanisms for addressing potential abuse, such as allowing the commission to refer matters to appropriate agencies and investigate allegations more comprehensively.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H243