This bill aims to enhance the rights of minors undergoing evaluation or inpatient treatment at psychiatric hospitals in Alaska. It establishes that minors have the right to confidential communication with their parents or legal guardians for at least two cumulative hours each week, unless restricted by law or deemed therapeutically unadvisable by the responsible professional. Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Health to prepare and publish an annual report detailing the use of seclusion and restraint on minors, findings from hospital inspections, and data on minors receiving residential care in psychiatric facilities.

The legislation also introduces new requirements for psychiatric hospitals regarding the notification of seclusion or restraint incidents, including the use of chemical restraints, and specifies that hospitals must inform both the Department of Health and the minor's guardian within 72 hours of such incidents. Furthermore, it mandates unannounced inspections of psychiatric hospitals at least twice a year, ensuring that minors are interviewed without staff presence unless safety requires it. The bill defines "chemical restraint" and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026, for its provisions.

Statutes affected:
HB0052A, AM HB 52, introduced 01/21/2025: 47.32.030, 47.32.200, 47.32.110, 47.32.010
HB0052B, AM CSHB 52(HSS), introduced 04/30/2025: 47.32.030, 47.32.200, 47.32.110, 47.32.010, 47.32.900