AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS RECEIVING SERVICES FROM PROGRAM OR FACILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 23 of chapter 123 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2012 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after clause (e) the following clause:-
(f) reasonable daily access to the outdoors, as weather conditions reasonably permit, at inpatient facilities in a manner consistent with the person’s clinical condition and safety as determined by the treating clinician and with the ability of the facility to safely provide access. The department shall promulgate regulations defining what shall constitute reasonable access and regulations implementing sufficient precautions to ensure the safety of staff members charged with accompanying patients outdoors.
SECTION 2. Said section 23 of said chapter 123, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in line 68, the word “(e)” and inserting in place thereof the following word:- (f).
SECTION 3. Said section 23 of said chapter 123, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in line 71, the words “and (c)” and inserting in place thereof the following words :- , (c) or (f).
Approved, January 7, 2015.