MHLAC HOME  MHLAC Trainings The next MHLAC Training "Applied Science for Lawyers: Neurology and Psychiatry in the Courtroom" February 6, 2009 MCLE 8:30 -5:00. Details available soon. MENTAL HEALTH PARITY Expanded: A new law, effective July 1, 2009, adds four new conditions (eating disorders, PTSD, substance abuse, autism) to the list of “biologically-based" mental disorders that must be covered to the same extent as physical illnesses. It also allows the Department of Mental Health Commissioner to add new conditions to the list of parity diagnoses (in the past, the DMH Commissioner was only permitted to add conditions in “consultation” with Division of Insurance Commissioner). The new law leaves in place the old language relating to kids under age 19. The law still only applies to plans which are regulated by Massachusetts mandated benefit laws (self-insured plans - usually those plans offered by large employers - are not subject to state law). In the News: ER Rights Legislation The Handbook on Guardianship and the Alternatives -Updated December 2007 Edition. NOW AVAILABLE - View electronic copy or Contact the MHLAC for information regarding printed copies. Available soon- Second Edition - View electronic copy of first edition here Just for Youth: Advocating for Youth in the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services Send order form to MHLAC for printed copy of the second edition when it becomes available. Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee has endorsed the policy paper, "Children's Mental Health in the Commonwealth: The Time is Now" written by MSPCC and Children's Hospital Boston. please visit. NEW! A guide for tenants with mental health issues. NEW Brochures on Your Rights Rosie D - US District Court rules Massachusetts mental health system violates Federal Medicaid Rights of 15,000 children with emotional disabilities. MHLAC clients prevail in suit to obtain home based mental health services. Summary of decision Full decision Rosie D Website New! Free Legal Assistance for DYS-Involved Youth.     Microsoft Word     PDF file DYS Newsletter issue #1 as a PDF file DYS Newsletter issue #2 as a PDF file DYS Newsletter issue #3 as a PDF file NOW AVAILABLE: THE PARENTS' HOW-TO GUIDE TO CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN MASSACHUSETTS New! Information on mental health managed care. Added 7/11/04: Important Articles MHLAC NEWS MHLAC Training Announcement Clubhouse Family Legal Support Project Join MHLAC email list for updates Prescription Drug Savings Plan Revised Handbook on Minors Rights Latest Advisor Now Available Managed Care Hotline Mental Health News in the Media Recent Briefs MHLAC PAGES Mental Health Advocacy Links MHLAC Officers/Members Legislative Legal Representation Administrative Managed Care Intake Information Training Contact the MHLAC PUBLICATIONS The Advisor Mental Health Law Guide Revised Handbook on Minors Rights DMH Annual Report 2001 Other Publications Order Publications

THE MENTAL HEALTH LEGAL ADVISORS COMMITTEE THE MENTAL HEALTH LEGAL ADVISORS COMMITTEE In 1973, the Massachusetts Legislature established the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee (MHLAC) to secure and protect the legal rights of persons involved in mental health and retardation programs in the Commonwealth. MHLAC, appointed by the justices of the Supreme Judicial Court, consists of fourteen judges and lawyers who are knowledgeable and experienced in mental health law. The work of MHLAC is carried out by a small staff of lawyers who seek to make full use of the law to ensure that the rights of persons who are or may be regarded as mentally disabled are recognized and protected. Over the past 35 years, MHLAC has fulfilled its statutory mission through legal representation of individuals, families, and associations of people involved in the mental health system; participation in the legislative process to promote and advance their legal rights; and participation in state and federal administrative processes to ensure that rights granted are effectively implemented and that services that individuals are entitled to are actually delivered. MHLAC's advocacy work reaches individuals and families who have experienced such problems as denial of access to community-based care and discrimination on the basis of disability. MHLAC also aids adults and minors in public and private facilities who need legal advice about commitment and discharge and the rights to receive or refuse treatment. The recently-enacted Act to Protect the Five Fundamental Rights mandates that all programs and facilities doing business with the Department of Mental Health ensure access to attorneys and advocates of MHLAC and other legal service organizations. The legal staff of MHLAC provides legal referrals, information, and advice to individuals, lawyers, mental health professionals and the general public. MHLAC reviews new developments in mental health, housing, family, and disability civil rights law through its legal journal, the Advisor, and publications such as the Mental Health Law Guide and the Managed Care Packet. MHLAC and its staff contribute to a wide range of education and training for judges, lawyers, and others to maintain quality legal representation and improve the administration of justice when issues related to mental health and disability are presented. MHLAC also serves as Committee for Public Counsel Services Regional Coordinator for attorneys handling civil commitment and mental health treatment cases in Suffolk, Middlesex and Essex counties. TOP