MA Introduces Legislation to Protect Disabled Patients in Healthcare Settings

Boston, Massachusetts May 18, 2023 (Issuewire.com) - Disabled patients are among the most vulnerable in health and long-term care settings, with over 44% of elderly patients reporting physical abuse of some form. Legislation has been introduced in Massachusetts that would ban this treatment, securing Human Rights for all disabled patients. 

Bill (H180) would ban "physical contact or punishment that is otherwise prohibited by law, or would be prohibited if used on a non-disabled person". This Bill would also ban the use of aversive skin shock therapy. Massachusetts is the only state in the country that continues to allow the use of aversive skin shock therapy, a treatment that the Association for Behavior Analysis International in their 2022 Position Statement "strongly opposed under any condition".

"Protecting the rights of disabled patients in health care facilities is long overdue," said Lisa McGonagle. "It is tragic this legislation is even needed to protect those who can't protect themselves." "There is no medical evidence supporting the use of aversive shock therapy," said McGonagle. "That Massachusetts is the only state allowing this treatment is unthinkable." 

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