This bill makes several amendments to the General Laws in Chapter 40.1-5 entitled "Mental Health Law." The amendments include adding definitions for "advanced practice registered nurse" (APRN) and "qualified mental health professional" (QMHP), specifying the roles and qualifications for these professionals in the field of psychiatric/mental health. The bill also updates the definitions of "facility" and "department" to include community mental health centers and clarifies that facilities must be approved by the director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals to operate under the Mental Health Law. The bill also adds a definition for "NICS database," referring to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

The bill also amends current law regarding the admission and treatment of individuals in mental health facilities. It allows social workers with advanced degrees to be employed by community mental health centers or licensed hospitals conducting emergency psychiatric assessments. The bill includes provisions regarding the rights of patients, such as the right to access outdoor space after 30 days of hospitalization and the right to prevent the release of their name to the mental health advocate or next of kin. The bill also clarifies that admission or certification to a facility does not deem a person incompetent for managing their affairs or other purposes. The bill includes provisions regarding emergency certification and the qualifications of applicants for certification. It also outlines the requirements for the application and the examination and evaluation process for individuals in need of immediate care and treatment. The bill introduces a new section allowing for civil court certification and outlines the procedures for filing a petition and conducting hearings. The bill also amends current law regarding the certification and treatment of individuals with psychiatric disabilities, specifying that individuals who do not need immediate care and treatment or do not pose an imminent likelihood of serious harm should be discharged. The bill allows for an applicant to request confirmation in custody and outlines procedures for transportation to a designated facility. The bill also introduces a new section allowing for civil court certification and outlines the procedures for filing a petition and conducting hearings. The bill amends current law regarding the certification of individuals in need of mental health care and treatment, specifying the procedures for securing examination and certification and clarifying the procedures for court hearings and the issuance of an order committing the person to a facility. The bill allows for appeals to the supreme court and requires the submission of certain information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) database. The bill also proposes amendments regarding mental health treatment and firearms prohibition, granting courts the authority to grant petitions for instructions for the provision or withholding of medical and/or psychiatric treatment. The bill establishes the right to treatment for patients in mental health facilities, requiring the development of individualized treatment plans and periodic review proceedings. The bill also addresses discharge and recertification procedures. The bill has an effective date of January 1, 2024.