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April 16, 2026 Clouds | 76°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Bill S.1042 194th (Current)

An Act relative to life saving treatment

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1042) of Nick Collins for legislation to require that patients admitted to a medical facility for suffering an overdose receive an evaluation by a licensed social worker before discharge. The Judiciary.

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Bill Information

Presenter:
Nick Collins
This legislation would reform Massachusetts’ civil commitment process for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, ensuring fairer treatment and reducing risks of overdose recurrence. The language allows hospital patients to attend hearings pursuant to MGL Chapter 123, Section 35, remotely, minimizing stress and logistical barriers during medical crises. The proposed bill requires that all patients who have experienced an overdose received opioid reversal medication and were admitted to a hospital must be evaluated by a licensed social worker and meet with a recovery coach or navigator prior to being discharged. This would allow trained professionals to ensure individuals have an adequate support system and safe living to decrease the likelihood of a repeat overdose. Additionally, the legislation requires that the superintendents of Department of Public Health-licensed treatment facilities cannot discharge a patient earlier than their civil commitment unless otherwise approved by the judge who made the order. Currently, said superintendents have sole discretion to discharge patients early without judicial approval, often too early for patients to sustain their recovery and increase the likelihood of relapse.
* The bill summary was created by the Primary Sponsor of the bill; no committee of the General Court certifies the accuracy of its contents.

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