Section 3. The department may transfer any person from any facility to any other facility which the department determines is suitable for the care and treatment of such person; provided that no transfer to a private facility shall occur except with the approval of the superintendent thereof. At least six days before a transfer from a facility occurs, the superintendent shall give written notice thereof to the person and to the nearest relative, unless said person knowingly objects, or guardian of such person; provided, however, if the transfer must be made immediately because of an emergency, such notice shall be given within twenty-four hours after the transfer. Except in emergency cases, no person who at any time prior to transfer has given notice of his intention to leave a facility under the provisions of section eleven shall be transferred until a final determination has been made as to whether such person should be retained in a facility.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Section 3 - Transfers; Notice; Emergencies
Section 4 - Periodic Review; Notice
Section 5 - Commitment or Retention Hearings; Right to Counsel; Medical Examination; Notice
Section 6 - Retention of Persons; Validity of Orders; Hearing
Section 7 - Commitment and Retention of Dangerous Persons; Petition; Notice; Hearing
Section 8 - Proceedings to Commit Dangerous Persons; Notice; Hearing; Orders; Jurisdiction
Section 9 - Review of Matters of Law; Application for Discharge; Notice; Hearing
Section 10 - Voluntary Admissions; Consultation With Attorney; Discharge; Outpatients; Veterans
Section 11 - Voluntary Admissions; Withdrawal; Notice; Examination; Retention
Section 14 - Transfers From Bridgewater State Hospital to Other Facilities
Section 18a - Facility Residents; Contribution Towards Cost of Counsel
Section 19 - Parties or Witnesses; Determination of Mental Condition
Section 20 - Extradition of Mental Institution Escapees
Section 21 - Transportation of Mentally Ill Persons; Restraint
Section 23a - Competent Interpreter Services in Hospitals Which Provide Acute Psychiatric Services
Section 24 - Legal Capacity of Persons Admitted or Committed
Section 25 - Guardian or Conservator; Appointment
Section 27 - Administration of Estate of Deceased Inpatient or Resident
Section 28 - Violent or Unnatural Death of Patients; Notice to District Attorney
Section 29 - Instruction and Education; Work Programs; Sale of Work Products
Section 30 - Unauthorized Absence of Patients; Notification of Police, Et al.; Return
Section 31 - Medicine and Drugs; Indigent Patients
Section 32 - Charges for Care of Persons in Facilities
Section 34 - Commitment or Transfer to Veterans Administration or Other Federal Agency
Section 35 - Commitment of Alcoholics or Substance Abusers
Section 36 - Patient Records; Inspection; Maintenance and Retention
Section 36a - Court Records of Examination or Commitment; Privacy
Section 36b - Duty to Warn Patient's Potential Victims; Cause of Action