Bill > H3956

This bill amends existing law to redefine and clarify civil commitments for individuals with alcohol or substance use disorders, which are defined as chronic or habitual consumption of alcohol or controlled substances or inhalation of toxic vapors that substantially injure health, interfere with functioning, or result in a loss of self-control. The bill replaces outdated language with these new definitions and introduces provisions for court-ordered commitments to treatment facilities for up to 90 days, followed by up to a year of case management services, with periodic reviews of the commitment's necessity. It also outlines procedures for transferring patients to different facilities and specifies that if no suitable treatment facilities are available, individuals may be committed to secure facilities, including the Massachusetts correctional institution at Bridgewater for males, ensuring they are housed and treated separately from those serving criminal sentences, while also allowing for voluntary treatment at any facility.