HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1724        FILED ON: 1/13/2009

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 1934

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Nine

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An Act relative to inpatient admissions to psychiatric hospitals and facilities licensed by the department of mental health..

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1.  Chapter 123 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 23B the following section:-

 Section 23C. Within a reasonable time following the admission of a patient to a health care facility, or part thereof, operated by, licensed by or contracting with the department of mental health, including admissions to state hospitals or community mental health centers, the person so admitted shall be presented with a release of confidentiality form, allowing for the involvement of family members and outpatient providers for the better coordination of treatment. The Department of Mental Health shall promulgate regulations for the implementation and enforcement of this section.