AK HB52

Minors in psychiatric hospitals must be allowed at least two cumulative hours per week of confidential telephone or video communication with parents, legal guardians, or other approved adults, unless prohibited by law, court order, or deemed therapeutically unadvisable

Psychiatric hospitals must notify the Department of Health and the minor's parent or guardian within 72 hours of any use of seclusion or restraint (chemical, mechanical, or physical) on a minor, including the type of psychotropic medication used for chemical restraints

Department of Health must conduct unannounced inspections at least twice yearly of psychiatric hospitals treating minors who have stayed more than three nights, interviewing at least 50% of minor patients without staff present

Department of Health must publish an annual report by November 1 containing aggregate data on seclusion and restraint use, inspection findings, and the number of minors (including those in state custody) receiving care at in-state and out-of-state psychiatric hospitals

Effective date is July 1, 2026