Bill > H3204

This bill amends section 140 of chapter 165 of the Massachusetts General Laws to allow nursing homes, rest homes, and other long-term care facilities to administer scheduled psychotropic medications without prior written informed consent in certain circumstances. These include when a resident is admitted to the facility from a hospital where they were already prescribed and receiving the medication, in emergency situations, or for hospice care residents who need immediate administration of psychotropic medication to prevent extreme distress, discomfort, or pain. However, the facility must still obtain verbal informed consent prior to administration and written informed consent as soon as practicable, but no later than 3 consecutive calendar days following administration. If written consent cannot be obtained within that timeframe, the dosage must be reduced in a clinically appropriate manner and documented to terminate the psychotropic medication.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H3204