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Library of Publications

MAMH Testimony in Support of H.1485, An Act Relative to Supported Decision-making Agreements for Certain Adults with Disabilities

November 1, 2023

Danna Mauch

MAMH testimony in support of legislation that would establish a framework for supported decision-making agreements in Massachusetts which allow people with disabilities to maintain autonomy in significant life decisions.

Report of the Community Policing and Behavioral Health Advisory Council

October 20, 2023

Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and Technical Assistance Collaborative

This legislative study provides an in-depth review of the Massachusetts crisis system and offers recommendations to maximize the use of best practices for a system that is organized, integrated, and accessible.

MAMH Testimony in Support of S.760, An Act Relative to Applied Behavioral Health Clinic Rates

October 17, 2023

Danna Mauch

MAMH testimony in support of legislation that would require Mass Health to increase rates paid for certain behavioral health outpatient services by 5% and ensure that rates paid to mental health clinics licensed by DPH remain not less than 20% of comparable services.

MAMH Testimony in Support of H.144/S.75, An Act to Lift Kids Out of Deep Poverty

October 12, 2023

Danna Mauch

MAMH testimony in support of legislation that would help families afford necessities for their children by setting a floor for cash assistance at 50% of the federal poverty line, then adjusting grants annually for inflation so they do not lose their value over time.

MAMH Testimony in Support of H.3602/S.1238, An Act Establishing Peer-Run Respite Centers Throughout the Commonwealth

October 3, 2023

Danna Mauch

Written testimony supporting legislation that would help ensure that individuals experiencing mental health crises have access to voluntary, community-based, peer-driven services.

The History of Bridgewater State Hospital

October 2, 2023

Jennifer Honig, JD, Massachusetts Association for Mental Health

Bridgewater State Hospital is Massachusetts’ prison for men with serious psychiatric needs who also have pending criminal charges or convictions or who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity.

MAMH Testimony in Support of S.864, An Act Promoting Housing Stability and Homelessness Prevention in Massachusetts

September 27, 2023

Danna Mauch

Written testimony supporting legislation that would provide a right to counsel for tenants, as well as owner-occupants of 1 to 3-unit buildings.

MAMH Testimony in Support of H.1460, An Act Relative to Reforming the Competency to Stand Trial Process

September 25, 2023

Danna Mauch

Written testimony in support of legislation that would allow the Department of Mental Health (DMH) to move forensic patients more efficiently through the competency evaluation and restoration processes.

MAMH Testimony in Support of H.2264/S.1407, An Act to Create Equitable Approaches to Public Health

September 20, 2023

Danna Mauch

Written testimony in support of legislation that would create a competitive grant program to support alternatives to community emergency services, increasing the availability of non-law enforcement, unarmed, community-based options to respond to 911 calls.

MAMH Testimony in Support of S.109, An Act Relative to Supported Decision-making Agreements for Certain Adults with Disabilites

September 18, 2023

Danna Mauch

Written testimony supporting legislation that would establish a legal framework for supported decision-making in Massachusetts.

MAMH Testimony in Support of H.3870/S.2434, An Act Establishing a Designation of a State Protection and Advocacy System

September 12, 2023

Danna Mauch

Written testimony supporting legislation that has targeted specific areas where Protection & Advocacy staff have experienced frustration in obtaining basic information necessary to ensure public safety.

MAMH Testimony in Support of H.1759/S.1047, An Act Establishing Medical Civil Rights

September 12, 2023

Danna Mauch

Written testimony supporting legislation that would ensure the right of an individual who is in distress, whether physically or mentally, to access emergency medical services and would place an obligation on law enforcement officers to address the person's health needs.