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H 2201

An Act relative to ensuring quality mental health services in state correctional facilities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marjorie Decker and 3 co-sponsors

Transfers oversight of prison mental health to the Department of Mental Health, setting standards, auditing facilities every six months, and supervising providers and contracts.

Accompanied a study order, see H5338 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2201

Bill Summary: H 2201 — An Act relative to ensuring quality mental health services in state correctional facilities

Purpose and intent
- Establish stronger state-level oversight of mental health services for prisoners in state correctional facilities.
- Centralize supervision under the Department of Mental Health (DMH) to set standards, review contracts, and audit service delivery to ensure quality care.

Key provisions

1) DMH supervision and standards for correctional mental health services (Chapter 19, amended)
- The Commissioner of Mental Health gains supervision over all mental health services provided to prisoners in the custody of the Department of Correction (DOC).
- The Commissioner will review and approve any contract between DOC and another entity that provides mental health services.
- The Commissioner must establish minimum standards for the effective delivery of mental health services to prisoners.
- At least once every six months, the Commissioner must audit each state correctional facility to determine compliance with the established minimum standards.

2) Supervision of mental health professionals (Chapter 127, amended)
- In Section 17A, paragraph (a) is amended to add that the “qualified mental health professional” involved in corrections facilities will be under the supervision of DMH.
- This reinforces DMH oversight of the professionals delivering mental health care within state prisons.

Affected parties and scope

  • Prisoners in state correctional facilities who receive mental health services.
  • Department of Correction (DOC), which contracts for and delivers some mental health services.
  • Department of Mental Health (DMH), which would assume supervisory authority, standards-setting, contract review, and regular audits.
  • Mental health service providers and contractors working in or with correctional facilities.
  • Public agencies and correctional facilities subject to DMH minimum standards and audits.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the joint committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery (February 27, 2025).
  • Senate concurrence noted on February 27, 2025 (administrative action context).
  • Bill H 2201 is associated with House Docket No. 2257; a related bill HD 2257 is identified as replacing it.
  • Hearing scheduled: October 14, 2025, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, in hearing room A-2.
  • If enacted, the changes would take effect upon passage and govern future contracts and audits, with six-month audit cycles for facilities.

Potential impact

  • Improved consistency and quality of mental health care in state prisons through standardized minimum standards and regular DMH audits.
  • Greater DMH involvement in contracting decisions and supervision of mental health professionals in correctional settings.
  • Increased accountability for DOC contractors and facility compliance with standards.
  • Additional administrative responsibilities for DMH and potential cost implications related to audits and contract oversight.

Next steps for readers

  • Monitor the October 14, 2025 hearing for further discussion, amendments, and potential advancement.
  • Track progress through the House committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery and any subsequent floor actions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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