SECTION 1. Section 1 of chapter 127 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2006 Official

 Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the definition of "Commissioner" the following

 definition: -

 "Mental health professional," a psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) or licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) who is licensed to practice in the

 commonwealth pursuant to chapter one hundred and twelve.

 SECTION 2. Said section 1 of said chapter 127, as so appearing , is hereby further amended by

 inserting after the definition of "Parole board" the following definition: -

 "Residential treatment unit," a therapeutic housing unit within a correctional facility that is

  operated for the purpose of providing treatment and rehabilitation for I I prisoners.

 SECTION 3. Section 39 of said chapter 127, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out

 the first paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-

 Except as provided in section 39A of this chapter, at the request of the superintendent of any

 correctional institution of the commonwealth, the commissioner may authorize the transfer, for

 such period as s/he may determine, to a segregated unit within any correctional institution of the

 commonwealth, of any inmate whose continued retention in the general institution population is

 detrimental to the program of the institution.

 SECTION 4. Said chapter 127, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 39

  the following section:

  Section 39A. Diversion to residential treatment units

  (a) When an inmate is confined to a segregated unit, the superintendent shall arrange for a mental

 health professional to assess the mental health of the inmate and to review the inmate's mental

  health record within twenty-four hours. Inmates remaining in such confinement shall be

  reassessed at a minimum of two times per week thereafter. Mental health assessments shall be

 conducted in a confidential manner.

 (b) As part of all mental health assessments conducted pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section,

 mental health professionals shall identify for diversion or removal from such segregated unit any

 inmate who meets the criteria set forth in paragraph (c) of this section. Inmates identified for

 diversion or removal from a segregated unit shall, within thirty days of the assessment,

 be diverted or removed from such unit and placed in a residential treatment unit or provided with

 clinically appropriate treatment in general population. While awaiting transfer, the mental health status of such inmates shall be afforded the opportunity to speak to a mental health clinician at least five (5) days per week.  Such inmates shall also be afforded the opportunity for in-cell programming and additional out-of-cell recreation.