MA H2211

Amends Chapter 123, Section 23 of Massachusetts General Laws to expand communication rights for Department of Mental Health clients, including access to video phones with transcription, personal phones/devices, and electronic mail in addition to traditional telephone and postal mail

Requires accommodations appropriate to a person's stated gender identity and access to culturally relevant personal care products, including items for different skin/hair types, gender-affirming items like binders, and menstrual hygiene products

Expands visitation rights to allow visitors outside normal visiting hours and adds peer supporters, recovery coaches, therapists, and holistic providers to the list of professionals clients may receive communications from

Establishes a fine system of at least $100 per incident for facilities that continue violating patient rights after receiving warning and opportunity to correct, with fines deposited into a fund for distribution to benefit facility residents

Requires the Department of Mental Health to contract with legal or advocacy organizations for a minimum of three new full-time positions to investigate complaints, assess fines, and manage fund distributions