Massachusetts to Hold Two Hearings on Aversive Therapy This Week

Featured Announcement: 

Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Amendment of Regulations 

In accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, the Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”)proposes to amend its regulations under the authority of M.G.L. c. 19B, §§ 1 and 14. The regulations are proposed for amendment to establish the highest practicable professional standards for use of behavior modification procedures for persons with intellectual disability in public or private facilities for the care and treatment of such persons. The proposed amendments will prohibit the use of (Level III) behavioral interventions on a prospective basis. Proposed amendments will allow continued use of Level III interventions for individuals who, as of September 1, 2011, have an existing court-approved behavior plan that includes Level III interventions, and will allow their renewal each year so long as Level III interventions remain a part of their court-approved behavior plan.

The proposed amendments will also make technical corrections and other appropriate edits to the existing regulations where required.

PUBLIC HEARINGS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED:

Wednesday, July 20, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at:

Worcester Public Main Library

The Saxe Room

3 Salem Square

Worcester, MA 01608

Friday, July 22, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at:

John W. McCormack Bldg

21st Floor Conference Room

One Ashburton Place

Boston, MA 02108

Written comments may be submitted by mail to the Office of the General Counsel, Department of Developmental Services, 500 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, or by facsimile (617) 624-7573 until 5:00 p.m., August 1, 2011. Please contact the Department at least 10 days in-advance of the hearing date if you anticipate attending and wish to request a sign language or other interpreter attend.

Copies of the proposed regulation amendments are available upon request by telephone at (617) 624-7702, or by written request made to the Office of the General Counsel.

The Department may adopt a revised version of the proposed regulations taking into account relevant comments and any other practical alternatives that come to the Department’s attention.

By Order of the Department of Developmental Services

ELIN M. HOWE, COMMISSIONER