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SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2310 FILED ON: 1/17/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1173
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Joan B. Lovely
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act relative to minimizing suffering during the commitment process.
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PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :Joan B. LovelySecond Essex 1 of 2
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2310 FILED ON: 1/17/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1173
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1173) of Joan B. Lovely for
legislation relative to minimizing suffering during the commitment process. The Judiciary.
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. 1041 OF 2023-2024.]
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
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An Act relative to minimizing suffering during the commitment process.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 Section 35 of chapter 123 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition,
2is hereby amended by striking, in lines 43-45 the words:- "The court shall order examination by a
3qualified physician, a qualified psychologist or a qualified social worker”, and inserting in place
4thereof the following:-
5 Upon appearance or apprehension, the court shall have the individual examined by a
6physician or a qualified advanced practice registered nurse designated to have the authority to
7admit to a facility. If the physician or qualified advanced registered nurse reports that the failure
8to hospitalize or provide medical treatment to the individual would create a likelihood of serious
9harm, the court shall order the individual with alcohol or substance use disorder to be committed 2 of 2
10to a facility designated by the department of public health for treatment during the pendency of
11the petition.