An Act enabling physician assistants to authorize psychiatric holds and ensure adequate training on their use
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill would allow physician assistants (PAs) in Massachusetts to authorize psychiatric holds, a process used to temporarily detain individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. It also mandates that PAs receive adequate training on how to properly administer and utilize these holds. The bill aims to improve access to mental healthcare and ensure appropriate interventions in crisis situations.
Key provisions
- Authorizes physician assistants to issue psychiatric holds.
- Requires specific training for PAs on the use of psychiatric holds.
- Addresses mental health and substance use recovery.
- Aligns with similar legislation in other states.
Who is affected
- Physician Assistants
- Mental Health Professionals
- Individuals experiencing mental health crises
- Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
- Patients in need of psychiatric care
Notable changes
- Currently, only physicians can authorize psychiatric holds.
- The bill expands the scope of practice for PAs in crisis intervention.
- It emphasizes the importance of specialized training for PAs in this area.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
11 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
James B. Eldridge
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