Residential treatment units and secure treatment units for the treatment of mentally ill inmates in need of mental health services; mental health training for department of correction staff

Section 17A. (a) The commissioner shall establish programs in state correctional facilities, as defined in section 1 of chapter 125. The programs shall include, but not be limited to, residential treatment units, as are necessary for the treatment of mentally ill inmates confined therein who are in need of mental health services but who do not require hospitalization for the treatment of mental illness, as determined by a qualified mental health professional. Such inmates shall be offered therapy and programming in settings that are appropriate to their clinical needs while maintaining the safety and security of the facility. (b) All department of correction staff who work in secure treatment units and residential treatment units shall receive mental health training. Such training may include information about the types and symptoms of mental illnesses, the goals of mental health treatment, medication and side effects, co-occurring disorders, de-escalation techniques and how to effectively and safely manage inmates with mental illness.