MA S1381

Expands the categories of professionals authorized to evaluate patients and apply for emergency 3-day psychiatric hospitalization under Section 12 of Chapter 123 to include licensed mental health counselors and licensed independent clinical social workers, in addition to physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and psychologists

Allows these expanded professionals to restrain or authorize restraint of individuals and apply for hospitalization when they determine failure to hospitalize would create a likelihood of serious harm to the person or others due to mental health issues

Permits hospitalization applications even without patient examination if refused, based on facts and circumstances in emergency situations

Adds licensed mental health counselors to Section 22 of Chapter 123, granting them authority alongside police officers in certain emergency mental health response situations

Requires applicants to communicate with receiving facilities prior to transport when practicable, including describing circumstances, clinical history, and proposed use of restraints