Bill > H2211

This bill proposes to modernize and expand the rights of individuals receiving services from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health by updating Section 23 of Chapter 123 of the General Laws. The bill enhances six fundamental rights: (1) telephone access, now including video phone and personal device usage with transcription capabilities; (2) mail and communication rights, expanding to include electronic mail and computer/device access; (3) visitation rights, allowing visits even outside normal hours and with greater flexibility; (4) environmental rights, ensuring accommodations respect gender identity and provide culturally relevant personal care products; (5) professional interaction rights, adding peer supporters and recovery coaches to the list of professionals individuals can interact with; and (6) enforcement mechanisms, introducing a system of fines for facilities that violate these rights. The bill also establishes a new regulatory framework that includes creating a fund from collected fines, which will be distributed to benefit individuals in mental health facilities, and mandates the Department of Mental Health to contract with legal or advocacy organizations to investigate complaints and manage the fund. Additionally, the bill provides detailed definitions for key terms like "confidential calls," "peer supporter," and "culturally relevant personal care items" to ensure clear implementation and interpretation of the expanded rights.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2211