Rowe Introduces Bill to Protect Rights of Pennsylvanians Receiving Mental Health Care

September 26, 2019

HARRISBURG – Freshman lawmaker Rep. David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union) today introduced his first bill, which is aimed at protecting the rights of Pennsylvanians receiving mental health care by declaring that persons in treatment have a right to be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

“This bill strengthens the Mental Health Procedures Act and ensures some of our most vulnerable patients are protected from abuse,” said Rowe. “I am proud to be standing for these victims who deserve justice and will be working to get my bill passed by the House this session.”

House Bill 1895 amends Section 113 of the Mental Health Procedures Act to protect the rights of Pennsylvanians receiving mental health care by stating that persons in treatment have a right to be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Patient advocacy groups have noted that a current legal loophole causes victims of abuse great difficulty in holding their perpetrators accountable. The bill will now be part of the House Republican Caucus legislative package of victim protection bills for the 2019-20 session.

Learn more at pahousegop.com/protectingvictims.

Representative David H. Rowe
85th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Basley
717.772.9843
abasley@pahousegop.com
RepDavidRowe.com