§ 22 §1719 — Patients' rights

This section applies to hospitals licensed pursuant to chapter 405 that are nonstate mental health institutions as defined in Title 34‑B, section 3801, subsection 6 and that are not subject to the grievance procedures of the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services.
1.
Adoption of rules.
The commissioner shall adopt rules for the enhancement and protection of the rights of adult patients receiving inpatient mental health services from a hospital subject to the requirements of this section. The commissioner shall hold a public hearing before adopting rules under this section and shall give notice of the public hearing pursuant to Title 5, section 8053. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.
2.
Rights protected.
The rules adopted pursuant to subsection 1 must meet the requirements of Title 34‑B, section 3003, subsection 2, paragraphs A to K and must provide for the same opportunity for hearing and type of hearing as described in rules of the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services relating to grievances filed by adult mental health consumers.
3.
Delegation.
The department shall delegate to the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services responsibility for hearing and resolving all grievances that are submitted in a timely manner by patients receiving inpatient mental health services in hospitals subject to the requirements of this section.
4.
Final agency action.
Final resolution of a grievance by the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services under the rules adopted pursuant to subsection 1 is the final agency action of the department for the purposes of judicial review under Title 5, section 11001.

Legislative History

PL 2003, c. 649, §1 (NEW).