AK SB231

Minors undergoing evaluation or inpatient mental health treatment have the right to confidential telephone or video communication with parents, guardians, or approved adults for at least one hour per week over not more than four occasions, unless prohibited by law, court order, or deemed therapeutically unadvisable by an overseeing physician.

Treatment facilities must notify the Department of Health in writing within one business day of any use of seclusion or restraint on a minor, including chemical, mechanical, or physical restraint, and must also notify the minor's parent or guardian.

The Department of Health shall annually publish a report on its website documenting aggregate totals of seclusion and restraint uses at each treatment facility where minors receive evaluation or inpatient treatment.

The Department of Health must conduct unannounced inspections at least twice yearly of treatment facilities where minors have stayed more than three nights in the preceding year, and must interview at least 50 percent of minor patients without facility staff present.

The Act takes effect July 1, 2024.