Amendment ID: S2899-5

Amendment 5

Minimizing Suffering During Commitment Process

Ms. Lovely moves that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

Section 35 of chapter 123 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking, in lines 43-45 the words:- "The court shall order examination by a qualified physician, a qualified psychologist or a qualified social worker”, and inserting in place thereof the following:-

Upon appearance or apprehension, the court shall have the individual examined by a physician or a qualified advanced practice registered nurse designated to have the authority to admit to a facility. If the physician or qualified advanced registered nurse reports that the failure to hospitalize or provide medical treatment to the individual would create a likelihood of serious harm, the court shall order the individual with alcohol or substance use disorder to be committed to a facility designated by the department of public health for treatment during the pendency of the petition.