The legislation proposes significant changes to the existing framework within Chapter 123 of the General Laws. By setting a limit on the duration a person can be held involuntarily without proper authorization, the bill seeks to promote the timely release of individuals from emergency departments. This change is expected to enhance patient rights and improve access to care for mental health services, likely reducing the backlog in emergency departments caused by lengthy holds.
Summary
House Bill 2198, introduced by Representative Marjorie C. Decker, aims to address the issue of emergency department boarding in Massachusetts. The primary goal of the bill is to ensure that individuals are not held involuntarily for extended periods in emergency departments due to mental health evaluations. Specifically, the bill mandates that no person can be held beyond 72 hours at facilities not authorized to perform evaluations, establishing a clear timeframe for the treatment of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2198 may arise regarding the adequacy of resources and support systems needed to handle mental health crises outside the emergency department setting. Critics might argue that reducing boarding times could lead to increased challenges in finding appropriate follow-up care for individuals exiting emergency rooms, raising concerns about potential increases in recidivism or lack of proper care pathways. On the other hand, proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step in securing humane treatment for individuals and addressing systemic issues within emergency mental health services.