Bill > S1051

This bill establishes a two-year pilot program at Taunton State Hospital to alleviate overcrowding in emergency departments, specifically by transferring medically stable patients with high acuity behavioral health conditions or dual diagnoses (meaning they have both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder) from emergency departments in the Southeast region. These patients, who cannot find another suitable placement within four hours of arriving at an emergency department, will be cared for at the pilot program until an appropriate long-term placement is found, which should not exceed fourteen days. The program will be run by the department and staffed by its professionals, with protocols and staffing plans developed by a committee including various state departments and professional organizations. Taunton State Hospital will be authorized to accept patients under Section 12 of Chapter 123 of the General Laws, which pertains to involuntary commitment for mental health evaluation and treatment. During the second year of the program, an independent entity will report on its effectiveness in reducing emergency department overcrowding and the quality of care provided, using data from the department and local hospitals.