By Ms. Khan of Newton, petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1886) of Kay Khan and others relative to inpatient admissions to psychiatric hospitals and facilities licensed by the department of mental health.  Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PETITION OF:

Kay Khan

John W. Scibak

Douglas W. Petersen

Barbara A. L'Italien

Mary E. Grant

William N. Brownsberger

Christine E. Canavan

Alice Hanlon Peisch

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In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.

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An Act relative to inpatient admissions to psychiatric hospitals and facilities licensed by 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.  Chapter 123 of the General Laws as appearing in the 2004 Official Edition is hereby amended by inserting after section 23B the following section:-

Section 23C. Within a reasonable time following the admission of a patient to a health care facility, or part thereof, operated by, licensed by or contracting with the department of mental health, including admissions to state hospitals or community mental health centers, the person so admitted shall be presented with a release of confidentiality form, allowing for the involvement of family members and outpatient providers for the better coordination of treatment. The Department of Mental Health shall promulgate regulations for the implementation and enforcement of this section.