S 1438 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to protect patients with Alzheimer's, dementia, and other psychiatric illnesses

This bill amends Massachusetts state laws to protect residents with Alzheimer's, dementia, or other psychiatric illnesses from involuntary transfers. Specifically, it prohibits healthcare facilities from moving these patients off-site for medication adjustments unless they have explicit approval from the patient, their guardian, or their legal representative. The law applies to both nursing homes and other residential care facilities covered under the relevant state chapters. By requiring consent before such transfers, the legislation aims to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not relocated without proper authorization.
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 15, 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 Public Health
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors