Amendment #892 to H4000

Bridgewater State Hospital Working Group

Representatives Malia of Boston, Balser of Newton, Khan of Newton, Garlick of Needham, Madden of Nantucket, Heroux of Attleboro, Kocot of Northampton, Hunt of Sandwich, Campbell of Methuen, Cronin of Easton, Fox of Boston and Fiola of Fall River move that the bill be amended by adding the following section:

SECTION XX: (a) There is hereby established a legislative-executive working group to examine and make recommendations relative to Bridgewater state hospital, including the provision of mental health services, the care and protection of those housed at the hospital and the development and implementation of specialized or general training requirements for all hospital employees coming into contact with those confined at said hospital. The work group shall consider and make recommendations for ways to effectuate better coordination and cost containment of mental health services, care and protection, initial and in-service trainings, record keeping and oversight of said hospital.

(b) The working group shall consist of the following: 3 members of the house of representatives, 1 of whom shall be designated as co-chair by the speaker of the house of representatives, and 1 of whom shall be selected by the minority leader; 3 members of the senate, 1 of whom shall be designated as co-chair by the senate president, and 1 of whom shall be selected by the minority leader; the commissioner of the department of mental health, or a designee, the commissioner of the department of corrections, or a designee. As necessary, the working group shall: (i) meet with affected stakeholders; (ii) consult and collaborate with nongovernmental organizations that have expertise that can benefit the commission; and (iii) may create advisory groups that include affected stakeholders, as necessary.

(c) The working group shall file a report, including recommendation and any proposed legislation or proposals for the establishment of special commissions, not later than March 1 2015. Copies of said report shall be filed with the Clerk of the Senate, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Senate and House Committees on Ways and means and with the Senate and House Chairs of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse.