S1387
An Act enabling physician assistants to authorize psychiatric holds and ensure adequate training on their use
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would allow physician assistants (PAs) in Massachusetts to authorize psychiatric holds, a process currently limited to physicians and mental health professionals. It also mandates that PAs receive adequate training on how to properly implement and utilize these holds. The goal is to improve access to mental health care by expanding the pool of professionals who can initiate this critical intervention.
Key provisions
- Authorizes physician assistants to issue psychiatric holds.
- Requires adequate training for PAs on the use of psychiatric holds.
- Addresses mental health and substance use care within the state.
Who is affected
- Physician Assistants
- Mental Health Professionals
- Patients needing psychiatric care
- Hospitals and Mental Health Facilities
Notable changes
- Expands the scope of professionals who can authorize psychiatric holds.
- Introduces a requirement for specific training on the use of psychiatric holds.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
John J. Cronin
Cosponsors
Bruce E. Tarr
James B. Eldridge
John F. Keenan
John J. Cronin
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill S.1387 194th (Current)
An Act enabling physician assistants to authorize psychiatric holds and ensure adequate training on their use
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1387) of John J. Cronin, Steven George Xiarhos, Bruce E. Tarr and John F. Keenan relative to authorizing physician assistants to issue psychiatric holds and ensure adequate training on their use. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: John J. Cronin Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill S.1387
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 9/26/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 1/8/2026 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
Similar Bills
H.2206 194th (Current)
An Act enabling physician assistants to authorize psychiatric holds and ensure adequate training on their use
H.2007 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act enabling physician assistants to authorize psychiatric holds and ensure adequate training on their use
H.2371 194th (Current)
An Act removing barriers to care for physician assistants
H.2531 194th (Current)
An Act relative to physician assistant interstate compact
S.1502 194th (Current)
An Act relative to removing barriers to care for physician assistants
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.