Bill > H1817

This bill amends Chapter 123 of the General Laws concerning the civil commitment of mentally ill persons, specifically addressing procedures related to Bridgewater State Hospital. It introduces a definition for "Place of Detention," clarifying that this term refers to facilities for those accused or convicted of crimes, such as jails and prisons, but explicitly excludes Bridgewater State Hospital and the Massachusetts Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center. The bill also grants the medical director of Bridgewater State Hospital the authority to petition the Brockton District Court for the commitment and retention of a patient if the director believes that failing to hospitalize the individual would result in a likelihood of serious harm due to mental illness. Furthermore, the bill repeals existing sections 7(b) and 13 of Chapter 123, and modifies section 14 by removing language that previously required a petition for further commitment to Bridgewater State Hospital within a specific period.