S 1409
An Act to reform mental health supports and increase public safety
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 proposes to require psychiatric evaluations in hospital emergency rooms when a restraint authorization is given. The goal is to improve mental health support and potentially increase public safety by assessing the underlying causes of behavior that necessitate restraints. It is intended to enhance the care provided to individuals experiencing mental health crises. The bill was referred to the Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery committee and subsequently concurred by the House.
Key provisions
- Mandates psychiatric evaluations in hospital emergency rooms when a restraint authorization is granted.
- Addresses mental health support for individuals requiring restraints.
- Aims to improve the assessment of underlying causes of behavior necessitating restraints.
- Related to the study order S2813
Who is affected
- Individuals experiencing mental health crises
- Hospital emergency room staff
- Psychiatrists and mental health professionals
- Patients requiring restraint
Notable changes
- Introduces a requirement for psychiatric evaluations following restraint authorization.
- Potentially shifts the focus from simply applying restraints to understanding and addressing the root causes of the behavior.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Robyn K. Kennedy
Cosponsors
Gary Lowell
Jr. William J. Driscoll
Patricia D. Jehlen
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.1409 194th (Current)
An Act to reform mental health supports and increase public safety
By Ms. Kennedy (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1409) of Gary Lowell, for legislation to mandate psychiatric evaluations in a hospital emergency room if a restraint authorization is given. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenting Legislator is not a sponsor of this measure.
Presenter: Robyn K. Kennedy (By Request)
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill S.1409
| 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 |
| 12/8/2025 | Senate | Accompanied a study order, see S2813 |
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.