MA H2231

Department of Mental Health required to establish minimum of 14 regional peer respites, with at least 1 in each county, providing voluntary, short-term residential support for adults experiencing emotional or mental distress

At least 2 peer respites must serve LGBTQIA+ individuals and at least 2 must serve BIPOC communities, each managed by members of those respective communities with lived experience

Peer respites must be nonprofit, peer-run programs controlled by a majority of individuals with lived mental health experience, operating 24 hours in home-like environments and providing non-clinical services

Department must fund peer respites sufficiently to provide services, recruit and train peer supporters, conduct informational sessions, and compensate staff at rates ensuring retention of skilled workers

Annual report due October 1 to legislative committees on implementation progress, challenges, and strategies, to be published on the department's website