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HD 2257

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marjorie Decker

DMH would oversee all prison mental health services, set minimum standards, and audit facilities at least every six months to ensure care quality.

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Bill Summary · HD 2257

Summary: An Act relative to ensuring quality mental health services in state correctional facilities (HD 2257)

Overview

This proposed Massachusetts bill would shift and strengthen oversight of mental health services for prisoners. It places the Department of Mental Health (DMH) in a central supervisory role over mental health care delivered to individuals in state correctional facilities and requires structured audits to ensure compliance with minimum service standards. The measure also clarifies supervision of mental health professionals by DMH.

Key provisions

  • DMH oversight and contract review (Section 1):

    • The DMH Commissioner would have supervision over all mental health services provided to prisoners in the custody of the Department of Correction (DOC).
    • The DMH Commissioner would review and approve any contract between the DOC and another entity related to the provision of mental health services.
    • The DMH Commissioner would establish minimum standards for the effective delivery of mental health services to prisoners.
    • At least once every six months, the DMH Commissioner would audit each state correctional facility to assess compliance with the established minimum standards.

  • Supervision of mental health professionals (Section 2):

    • Amends General Laws to require that, in addition to being a “qualified mental health professional,” a relevant practitioner in the corrections context would operate under the supervision of DMH.
    • This ensures that mental health providers within state facilities are overseen by DMH, aligning clinical practice with DMH standards.

Who would be affected

  • Prisoners in state correctional facilities who receive mental health services, as those services would be governed by DMH-established standards and audited for compliance.
  • Mental health professionals working in state facilities (providers, contractors, and staff) who would be subject to DMH supervision and standards.
  • The Department of Correction (DOC) which would work under DMH oversight for the provision and contracting of mental health services.
  • The Department of Mental Health (DMH) as the central supervisory and standards-setting authority for in-custody mental health care.

Implementation and timeline

  • The bill would implement a standards-based framework for in-custody mental health care, with DMH establishing minimum standards.
  • Audits of each state correctional facility would occur at least every six months to verify compliance.
  • The exact effective date and funding implications are not specified in the text provided; implementation would likely depend on enactment and any subsequent appropriations or regulations.

Fiscal and operational considerations

  • Potential costs include increased DMH staffing and resources to conduct audits, contract review, and ongoing supervision.
  • DOC may face changes to contracting processes and service delivery models to align with DMH standards.
  • Implementation timing would hinge on passage and any accompanying fiscal language.

Status note

  • The text excerpt appears in the 2025-2026 General Court materials (House Docket No. 2257) and reflects a proposed measure. The prompt lists an introduction date of November 29, 2025, but the bill text shows filing in January 2025. Status beyond “proposed bill” is not provided here.

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

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