Bill > H2408

This bill amends Section 12 of Chapter 123 of the General Laws, which pertains to the temporary involuntary hospitalization of individuals who may pose a risk of serious harm due to mental illness. The key provisions of this bill include: 1. Expanding the list of professionals who can apply for the temporary involuntary hospitalization of an individual, including qualified psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists, licensed independent clinical social workers, and police officers in emergency situations. 2. Requiring the applicant to communicate with the receiving facility before transporting the individual to determine the appropriate facility and whether restraint is necessary. 3. Limiting the duration of the authorization to restrain an individual to no more than 12 hours after the restraint has been initiated, and prohibiting the renewal of this authorization. The purpose of these changes is to provide greater flexibility and clarity in the process of temporarily hospitalizing individuals who may pose a risk of serious harm due to mental illness, while also introducing safeguards to ensure the appropriate use of restraint.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H2408