Mass. Senate Passes Shock Therapy Bill

The Massachusetts Senate has passed legislation allowing shock therapy and similar techniques to be used only in extreme cases.

The bill, which the Senate approved Tuesday, would create a new class of "behavioral treatment interventions."

Those techniques could only be used if less intrusive methods fail, or when people present a clear risk of harm or injury to themselves or others.

Besides shock therapy, the restricted treatments would include those that use food and sleep deprivation.

Opponents of the measure say the treatment is inhumane.

Gov. Deval Patrick said Tuesday he has misgivings about shock therapy and said it seems like a throwback treatment.

The bill will now be sent to the House.