Boston, MA – Senator Nick Collins is encouraging Massachusetts residents to participate in an upcoming public hearing on An Act Relative to Life-Saving Treatment (S.1042), to be held on Tuesday, June 3, by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.

This legislation would reform Massachusetts’ civil commitment process for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, ensuring fairer treatment and reducing likelihood of relapse.

Key provisions of the legislation include:

Remote Court Access: Allows individuals subject to civil commitment petitions to attend court hearings remotely, reducing trauma and logistical barriers during medical crises.

Post-Overdose Support: Requires all patients who have experienced an overdose and received opioid reversal medication and are admitted to the hospital, be evaluated by a licensed social worker before they are discharged from the hospital.

Judicial Oversight of Discharge: Mandates that a judge who orders a civil commitment must approve an early discharge. This would ensure individuals who are struggling with substance use disorder remain in treatment long enough to sustain their recovery.

“Right now, too many people are discharged from the hospital without a safe and achievable plan for a sustained recovery,” said Senator Collins. “This legislation would make sure trained professionals evaluate whether patients have the support and safe environment to go to before being discharged to the streets. This legislation will save lives by helping to prevent future overdoses”

Hearing Details – Joint Committee on the Judiciary