Bill > H2210

This bill aims to improve the timeliness and efficiency of inpatient mental health care by making several key changes to existing Massachusetts law. The bill requires mental health facilities to develop coverage plans consistent with available physician resources and national standards for evening and night care. It also streamlines legal procedures for patients in mental health facilities by reducing waiting periods and removing potential delays. Specifically, the bill mandates that an independent medical examination requested by an indigent person must be completed within 3 business days, reduces the maximum period for certain legal proceedings from 14 to 5 days, and requires hearings for patients in inpatient mental health facilities to be conducted within 7 days of filing a petition. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Children and Families to develop a facilitated process for administering antipsychotic medication to children in their custody who are hospitalized in psychiatric facilities. These changes are designed to ensure more prompt and responsive mental health treatment, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and indigent individuals.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2210