This bill makes several amendments to the General Laws in Chapter 40.1-5, which is the "Mental Health Law." The amendments include adding definitions for "advanced practice registered nurse" (APRN) and "qualified mental health professional" (QMHP), as well as specifying the roles and qualifications for these professionals in the field of psychiatric/mental health. The bill also updates and clarifies the definitions of "facility" and "department" to include community mental health centers and outlines the process and criteria for approval to operate under the Mental Health Law. Additionally, the bill adds a definition for "NICS database" and updates the definition of "mental health professional" to include psychiatric nurse clinicians and licensed APRNs.

The bill also amends current law regarding the admission and treatment of individuals in mental health facilities. It allows social workers to be employed by community mental health centers or licensed hospitals conducting emergency psychiatric assessments for individuals being considered for admission to an inpatient mental health facility. The bill also clarifies the definition of a social worker and includes provisions related to the rights of patients admitted or certified to a mental health facility, such as access to outdoor space and the maintenance of comprehensive medical records. The bill also amends current law regarding emergency certification of individuals in need of immediate psychiatric care and treatment, outlining the process for confirming the admission of the person to a facility. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that allows for civil court certification of individuals who are alleged to be in need of care and treatment in a facility.