S 1235 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to Protect Patient Rights and Safety and to Promote Accountability by Preventing Misuse and Abuse

This bill requires that every evaluation of a person detained at a mental health facility under Chapter 123 of the General Laws be recorded on video. The resulting video recordings must be included as part of the individual's official medical record. This change directly affects patients undergoing involuntary evaluations and the facilities that conduct them. By mandating video documentation, the legislation aims to ensure transparency and accountability during the assessment process.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Feb 12, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors