Families Rights Matter2 Proposes National HIPAA Modernization Plan for Crisis Care

What Happened

Families Rights Matter2, an advocacy group led by Army veteran Leon Shelmire Jr., has introduced a comprehensive 10-Point HIPAA Modernization Plan.

The plan calls for its enactment into law across all U.S. states and territories, aiming to reform how families are involved during psychiatric emergencies.

This initiative responds to widespread reports of families being excluded from critical care decisions, often with tragic results. Each point in the proposal is directly linked to real-world incidents highlighted in major news outlets, illustrating the potential for improved outcomes through updated legislation.

The Core Points

Mandatory family communication during psychiatric emergencies.
Standardized national HIPAA training for all healthcare providers.
Emergency consent exceptions for adults incapable of informed decisions.
Requirements for safety updates and consideration of family input in treatment plans.
National definitions for 'incapacity' and mandatory intervention after repeated crisis holds.
Modernizing HIPAA for crisis lines and establishing mental health units in police departments and correctional facilities.

Context in 60 Seconds

Recent national news has underscored significant shortcomings in mental health crisis response, particularly concerning how current HIPAA interpretations can inadvertently isolate families from their loved ones' care. This often leads to fragmented treatment, repeated emergency interventions, and preventable tragedies.

The proposed national plan seeks to standardize patient care and family communication protocols. Its core aim is to prevent future crises by integrating families more effectively into the mental health support system across all U.S. jurisdictions.

Families Rights Matter2 Proposes National HIPAA Modernization Plan for Crisis Care

What Happened

Families Rights Matter2, an advocacy group led by Army veteran Leon Shelmire Jr., has introduced a comprehensive 10-Point HIPAA Modernization Plan.

The plan calls for its enactment into law across all U.S. states and territories, aiming to reform how families are involved during psychiatric emergencies.

The Core Points

Mandatory family communication during psychiatric emergencies.
Standardized national HIPAA training for all healthcare providers.
Emergency consent exceptions for adults incapable of informed decisions.
Requirements for safety updates and consideration of family input in treatment plans.
National definitions for 'incapacity' and mandatory intervention after repeated crisis holds.
Modernizing HIPAA for crisis lines and establishing mental health units in police departments and correctional facilities.