Amendment ID: S2817-27-R1

Redraft Amendment 27

PTSD Commission

Messrs. Finegold, Cyr, Montigny, Payano, Pacheco and O'Connor, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Tarr move that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 123 the following section:-

"SECTION 123A. (a) There shall be a special commission to study post-traumatic stress disorder in the commonwealth.

(b) The commission shall consist of: the secretary of health and human services, or a designee, who shall serve as chair; the secretary of public safety and security, or a designee; the secretary of veterans’ services, or a designee; the commissioner of mental health, or a designee; the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery; a representative of the National Guard appointed by the adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard; and 9 members to be appointed by the secretary of health and human services, 1 of whom shall be an expert from the Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders Laboratory at Harvard University in consultation with their relevant specialty chapters, 1 of whom shall be a representative of Boston Children's Hospital, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Police Association, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of Jane Doe Inc.: The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, 1 of whom shall be a representative from Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Corrections Officers Federated Union, 1 of whom shall be a representative of a research advocacy or support organization primarily serving individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder and 1 of whom shall be a representative of Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base program.

(c) The commission shall: (i) assess and summarize the advances made in research on and treatment and diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder; (ii) assess and summarize the advances made in access to care for individuals with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder; (iii) assess and summarize research services and support activities for post-traumatic stress disorder across the commonwealth, including coordination of the commonwealth's activities and programs with respect to post-traumatic stress disorder; and (iv) develop a comprehensive strategic plan to improve health outcomes for individuals with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder including, but not limited to, recommendations to: (A) advance research on post-traumatic stress disorder; (B) improve the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder; (C) improve public awareness and recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder; (D) improve mental health care delivery for individuals with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder; (E) improve the early and accurate diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder; and (F) systematically advance the full spectrum of biomedical research on post-traumatic stress disorder.

(d) The commission shall submit its findings and recommendations to the clerks of the house of representatives and senate not later than July 1, 2025.”