Budget Amendment ID: FY2015-S4-782-R1

Redraft EHS 782

Bridgewater State Hospital Working Group

Ms. Forry moved that the proposed new text be amended <w:p><w:r><w:t xml:space="preserve">moves to amend the bill by inserting after section 86 the following section:-

“SECTION 86A. (a) There shall be 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 the inmates at the hospital and the development and implementation of specialized or general training requirements for all hospital employees coming into contact with the inmates at the hospital. The working 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 the hospital.

(b) The working group shall consist of the following 9 members: (i) the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on public safety and homeland security, who shall serve as co-chairs; (ii) the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on mental health and substance abuse; (iii) 1 member of the house of representatives, who shall be selected by the house minority leader; (iv) 1 member of the senate, who shall be selected by the senate minority leader; (v) the commissioner of mental health or a designee; (vi) the commissioner of correction or a designee; and (vii) the commissioner of public health or a designee. As necessary, the working group: (A) shall meet with affected stakeholders; (B) shall consult and collaborate with nongovernmental organizations that have expertise that may benefit the working group; and (C) may create advisory groups that include affected stakeholders.

(c) The working group shall file a report not later than March 1 2015, including recommendations and any proposed legislation, with the clerks of the house and senate and the house and senate chairs of the committees on ways and means.”.