Marvin Mandel, Governor                       2125

No. 64
(Senate Joint Resolution 12)

Senate Joint Resolution requesting the Governor, the President of
the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates to appoint
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE TO ES-
TABLISH a Commission to be known as the Human Practices
Commission for the purpose of investigating and overseeing the
treatment, care and the condition of patients in hospitals for the
mentally ill and mentally retarded.

Whereas, For a period of ten years or more A CONSIDERABLE
LENGTH OF TIME there have been recurring reports of inhumane
treatment being rendered in various hospitals for the mentally ill
and mentally retarded; and

Whereas, Patients in hospitals for the mentally ill and mentally
retarded are human beings and thus entitled to dignified and humane
treatment; and

Whereas, Primarily because of lack of sufficient funds or facilities
there has been no continuing or concerted effort to alleviate the
alleged existing conditions; and

Whereas, Without a continuing and concerted effort to improve
the condition and circumstances of patients in hospitals for the
mentally ill and mentally retarded, no significant and lasting positive
correctional procedure can be obtained; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the General Assembly of Maryland, That it recom-
mends that the Governor, President of the Senate and Speaker of
the House of Delegates THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
MENTAL HYGIENE IS REQUESTED TO establish a Commission
to be known as the Humane Practices Commission for the purpose of
investigating and overseeing the treatment, care and condition of
patients in hospitals for the mentally ill and mentally retarded.
The Commission should consist of three members appointed by the
Governor, SHALL INCLUDE THREE MEMBERS representative
of voluntary citizens groups which shall include one group con-
cerned with the mentally ill, one group concerned with the mentally
retarded, and the third group concerned with handicapped persons,
generally. The Commission shall also have as members two Senators
appointed by the President of the Senate, and two Delegates ap-
pointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; and be it further
GENERALLY; AND BE IT FURTHER

Resolved, That the Commission shall report on a regular basis to
the Governor and the General Assembly as to its findings; and be it
further

Resolved, That copies of this Resolution be sent to the Governor,

AND THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HY-
GIENE.

Approved April 28, 1970.