Advertisement

Hearing Set For Bills To Improve Care For People With Mental Illness

Two bills that supporters say will improve care for those suffering from acute mental illness are the subject of a public hearing at the Statehouse on Monday.

One bill would create a test program to provide care for psychiatric patients currently boarding in hospital emergency departments.

Supporters cite a recent study that found more than 40,000 patients with acute mental illness are boarding for days or weeks in emergency departments each year.

The second bill would create a special unit to provide care for patients who are difficult to manage.

Behavioral health care advocates and nurses are expected to testify.

Both bills result from recommendations made by a special Mental Health Advisory Committee in 2014, which included representatives from throughout the mental health system.

The hearing starts at 1 p.m.

Advertisement

More from WBUR

Listen Live
Close