MA S2974

Commitment hearings must commence within 5 days of petition filing for most cases, or within 14 days for certain subsequent commitments and specific petition types under sections 15, 16, and 18

Independent medical examinations for indigent persons must be requested within 24 hours of counsel appointment and completed within 3 business days

Attorneys must receive complete medical records of patients or residents within 24 hours of request, replacing the previous standard allowing inspection

Guardianship hearings for patients in inpatient mental health facilities must be conducted within 7 days of petition filing

Department of Children and Families and Office of the Child Advocate must develop expedited processes for administering antipsychotic medication to children in DCF custody who are hospitalized in psychiatric facilities