Mental Health - Treatment Plans for Individuals in Facilities - Participation of Family Members or Other Individuals

SB 549 requires Maryland mental health facilities to inform patients about their right to include family members or other chosen individuals in treatment planning meetings. Facilities must provide a clear form and information about advance directives when patients consent, and reconfirm consent at least every seven days. The bill mandates facilities to share meeting schedules and allow authorized participants to join treatment team discussions, while limiting providers from withholding information only if they believe consent was forced. Patients can withdraw consent anytime, orally or in writing.