An Act reducing emergency department boarding
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to reduce the amount of time people spend waiting in emergency departments (boarding) in Massachusetts. It establishes a 72-hour limit on restraints in emergency departments unless a voluntary admission is offered and the individual or their legal guardian is informed of their rights. The bill also outlines procedures for individuals restrained, including the right to request an emergency hearing in district court if they believe the restraint is being misused.
Key provisions
- Limits restraints in emergency departments to a maximum of 72 hours.
- Requires facilities to offer voluntary admission before restraint.
- Mandates notification to the Committee for Public Counsel Services regarding restrained individuals.
- Establishes a process for requesting and holding emergency hearings in district court.
- Requires facilities without evaluation authorization to notify the Committee for Public Counsel Services after 48 hours of restraint.
- Allows for discharge of a patient if they are not in need of care.
- Provides a mechanism for withdrawing an attorney appointment if the individual voluntarily waives representation.
Who is affected
- Individuals seeking emergency medical care
- Emergency department staff
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Patients with mental health or substance use disorders
- Legal guardians and families of patients
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
4 on record
Primary sponsor
Substance Use and Recovery Joint Committee on Mental Health
Cosponsors
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