Chapter 319j

(P.A. 74-280, S. 21, 25; P.A. 77-544, S. 3–6, 15, 16; 77-614, S. 302, 323, 587, 610; P.A. 78-127, S. 1–3, 6; P.A. 78-303, S. 85, 86; 78-331, S. 29, 58; P.A. 80-11; 80-23; 80-92, S. 2–6; P.A. 81-96, S. 1, 2; 81-473, S. 4, 5, 36, 43; P.A. 82-346, S. 3, 7; 82-472, S. 170, 183; P.A. 83-160, S. 2, 3; P.A. 85-411, S. 1, 2; 85-579, S. 2, 4, 5; P.A. 86-39; 86-371, S. 12–14, 36, 45; P.A. 88-58; P.A. 89-200, S. 1, 2; P.A. 90-209, S. 12, 13; 90-227, S. 5–7; P.A. 91-266; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-12, S. 9, 55; P.A. 92-161, S. 1, 2; 92-216, S. 1, 3; May Sp. Sess. 92-16, S. 24, 89; P.A. 93-262, S. 54, 87; 93-381, S. 38, 39.)

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Sec. 17a-640. Transferred to Chapter 368a, Sec. 19a-5a.

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Sec. 17a-641. (Formerly Sec. 17-155oo). Coordination of transfer activities. Section 17a-641 is repealed, effective July 1, 1993.

(P.A. 86-371, S. 38, 45; P.A. 93-381, S. 38, 39.)

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Sec. 17a-642. Transferred to Chapter 368a, Sec. 19a-5c.

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Sec. 17a-643. (Formerly Sec. 17-155qq). Drug and Alcohol Abuse Criminal Justice Commission established. Section 17a-643 is repealed, effective July 1, 1993.

(P.A. 88-175; P.A. 93-381, S. 38, 39.)

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Sec. 17a-644. Transferred to Chapter 368a, Sec. 19a-4f.

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Sec. 17a-645. Transferred to Chapter 325, Part I, Sec. 18-81g.

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Sec. 17a-646. Transferred to Chapter 368a, Sec. 19a-5b.

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Sec. 17a-647. Transferred to Chapter 368a, Sec. 19a-4a.

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Secs. 17a-648 to 17a-658. Transferred to Chapter 368a, Secs. 19a-127 to 19a-127j, inclusive.

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Sec. 17a-659. Transferred to Chapter 368a, Sec. 19a-4g.

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Sec. 17a-660. Awareness programs for health care providers re substance abuse during pregnancy. Section 17a-660 is repealed, effective July 1, 1993.

(P.A. 90-183, S. 4; P.A. 93-381, S. 38, 39.)

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Sec. 17a-661. Transferred to Chapter 368v, Sec. 19a-509e.

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Sec. 17a-662. Transferred to Chapter 368a, Sec. 19a-2d.

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Sec. 17a-663. Regional planning boards. Section 17a-663 is repealed, effective July 1, 1993.

(P.A. 90-227, S. 2, 7; P.A. 93-381, S. 38, 39.)

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Secs. 17a-664 and 17a-665. Transferred to Chapter 368a, Secs. 19a-2e and 19a-2f.

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Sec. 17a-666. Transferred to Chapter 368a, Sec. 19a-4h.

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Sec. 17a-667. Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council. (a) There is established a Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council which shall be within the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

(b) The council shall consist of the following members: (1) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, or the secretary's designee; (2) the Commissioners of Children and Families, Consumer Protection, Correction, Education, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Public Health, Emergency Services and Public Protection, Aging and Disability Services and Social Services, and the Insurance Commissioner, or their designees; (3) the Chief Court Administrator, or the Chief Court Administrator's designee; (4) the chairperson of the Board of Regents for Higher Education, or the chairperson's designee; (5) the president of The University of Connecticut, or the president's designee; (6) the Chief State's Attorney, or the Chief State's Attorney's designee; (7) the Chief Public Defender, or the Chief Public Defender's designee; (8) the Child Advocate, or the Child Advocate's designee; and (9) the cochairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health, criminal justice and appropriations, or their designees. The Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Commissioner of Children and Families shall be cochairpersons of the council and may jointly appoint up to seven individuals to the council as follows: (A) Two individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder or representing an advocacy group for individuals with a substance use disorder; (B) a provider of community-based substance abuse services for adults; (C) a provider of community-based substance abuse services for adolescents; (D) an addiction medicine physician; (E) a family member of an individual in recovery from a substance use disorder; and (F) an emergency medicine physician currently practicing in a Connecticut hospital. The cochairpersons of the council may establish subcommittees and working groups and may appoint individuals other than members of the council to serve as members of the subcommittees or working groups. Such individuals may include, but need not be limited to: (i) Licensed alcohol and drug counselors; (ii) pharmacists; (iii) municipal police chiefs; (iv) emergency medical services personnel; and (v) representatives of organizations that provide education, prevention, intervention, referrals, rehabilitation or support services to individuals with substance use disorder or chemical dependency.

(c) The council shall review policies and practices of state agencies and the Judicial Department concerning substance abuse treatment programs, substance abuse prevention services, the referral of persons to such programs and services, and criminal justice sanctions and programs and shall develop and coordinate a state-wide, interagency, integrated plan for such programs and services and criminal sanctions.

(d) Such plan shall be amended not later than January 1, 2017, to contain measurable goals, including, but not limited to, a goal for a reduction in the number of opioid-induced deaths in the state.

(P.A. 97-248, S. 3, 12; P.A. 98-250, S. 35, 39; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-2, S. 35, 72; P.A. 00-27, S. 6, 24; 00-104; P.A. 04-234, S. 2; P.A. 13-26, S. 2; P.A. 15-198, S. 9; P.A. 16-43, S. 4; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 17-2, S. 305; P.A. 18-169, S. 29; P.A. 19-157, S. 56; P.A. 22-81, S. 27.)

History: P.A. 97-248 effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 98-250 added Commissioners of Consumer Protection, Motor Vehicles and Transportation to the council, effective July 1, 1998; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-2 amended Subsec. (b)(7) by adding “and ranking members” and replacing “the budgets of state agencies” with “appropriations”, effective July 1, 1999; P.A. 00-27 made technical changes in Subsec. (b), effective May 1, 2000; P.A. 00-104 amended Subsec. (b) by designating the Commissioner of Children and Families as a cochairperson of the council, deleting provision re scheduling the first meeting of the council, and making technical changes; P.A. 04-234 replaced Board of Parole with Board of Pardons and Paroles, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 13-26 amended Subsec. (b) by making a technical change and amended Subsec. (c) by deleting provisions re submission of report and making a technical change, effective July 1, 2013; P.A. 15-198 amended Subsec. (a) to replace “Office of Policy and Management for administrative purposes only” with “Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services” and amended Subsec. (b) to delete references to Commissioners of Higher Education, Motor Vehicles and Transportation, add reference to Commissioner on Aging, delete reference to chairperson of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, add reference to chairperson of the Board of Regents for Higher Education and president of The University of Connecticut, add provision allowing cochairpersons to appoint up to 7 individuals to council and delete provision re Office of Policy and Management to provide staff to council, effective June 30, 2015; P.A. 16-43 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provisions re establishing subcommittees and working groups and added Subsec. (d) re amendment of plan to contain measurable goals; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 17-2 amended Subsec. (b) by deleting reference to Commissioner on Aging, effective October 31, 2017; P.A. 18-169 amended Subsec. (b) by adding “, Rehabilitation Services”, effective June 14, 2018; P.A. 19-157 amended Subsec. (b) by replacing reference to Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services with reference to Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services; P.A. 22-81 amended Subsec. (b) by adding new Subdiv. (8) re Child Advocate and redesignating existing Subdiv. (8) as Subdiv. (9), effective July 1, 2022.

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(1) “Health care provider” means any person or organization that furnishes health care services and is licensed or certified to furnish such services pursuant to chapters 370, 372, 373, 375, 376, 376a, 376b, 377, 378, 379, 380, 383, 383a, 383b and 383c, or is licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 368d;

(2) “Pharmacist” means a pharmacist licensed pursuant to chapter 400j;

(3) “Opioid drug” has the same meaning as provided in section 20-14o; and

(4) “Opioid antagonist” has the same meaning as provided in section 17a-714a.

(b) On or before October 1, 2017, the Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council, established under section 17a-667, shall develop (1) a one-page fact sheet that includes, in clear and readily understandable language in at least twelve-point font size, the risks of taking an opioid drug, the symptoms of opioid use disorder and services available in the state for persons who experience symptoms of or are otherwise affected by opioid use disorder, and (2) strategies to encourage health care providers and pharmacists to disseminate the one-page fact sheet. Such one-page fact sheet shall be made available on the Internet web site of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for use by health care providers and pharmacists to disseminate to any person (A) whom such provider treats for symptoms of opioid use disorder, (B) to whom such provider issues a prescription for or administers an opioid drug or opioid antagonist, or (C) to whom such pharmacist dispenses an opioid drug or opioid antagonist or issues a prescription for an opioid antagonist.

(A) Developing a marketing campaign and making monthly public service announcements on the Internet web sites and social media accounts of the appropriate state agencies, as designated by the council, and any radio station and television station broadcasting to persons in the state, regarding (i) the risks of taking opioid drugs, (ii) symptoms of opioid use disorder, (iii) the availability of opioid antagonists in the state, and (iv) services in the state for persons with or affected by opioid use disorder; and

(B) Establishing a publicly accessible electronic information portal, in the form of an Internet web site or application, as a single point of entry for information regarding the availability of (i) beds at a facility in the state for persons in need of medical treatment for (I) detoxification for potentially life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol or drugs, and (II) rehabilitation or treatment for alcohol dependency, drug dependency or intoxication, and (ii) slots for outpatient treatment using opioid medication that is used to treat opioid use disorder, including methadone and buprenorphine. Such examination shall include the ability of the portal to (I) provide real-time data on the availability of beds and slots, including, but not limited to, the types of beds and slots available, the location of such beds and slots and the wait times, if available, for such beds and slots, and (II) be accessible to the public.

(2) Not later than January 1, 2019, the council shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health on the outcome of such examination.

(d) The Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council shall convene a working group to advise the council of any recommendations for statutory or policy changes that would enable first responders or health care providers to safely dispose of a person's opioid drugs upon their death. Not later than February 1, 2018, the council shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health regarding the recommendations of the working group.

(e) The Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council shall convene a working group to study substance abuse treatment referral programs that have been established by municipal police departments to refer persons with an opioid use disorder or seeking recovery from drug addiction to substance abuse treatment facilities. The working group shall (1) examine such referral programs, (2) identify any barriers faced by such referral programs, and (3) determine the feasibility of implementing such programs on a state-wide basis. Not later than February 1, 2018, the council shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and public safety and security regarding the findings of the working group.

(P.A. 17-131, S. 7; P.A. 18-48, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 17-131 effective July 1, 2017; P.A. 18-48 amended Subsecs. (b) to (e) by replacing “Alcohol and Drug Policy Council” with “Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council”, effective May 29, 2018.

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Secs. 17a-668 and 17a-669. Reserved for future use.

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Sec. 17a-670. (Formerly Sec. 19a-2d). Regional planning for substance abuse prevention and treatment. (a) The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall designate substance abuse planning regions within the state. Such regions and the boundaries of such regions may be redesignated by said department as it deems necessary.

(b) The department shall designate subregions within each region established pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. The boundaries of such subregions may be redesignated by said department as it deems necessary. Each subregion shall be located entirely within the boundaries of a substance abuse planning region.

(P.A. 90-227, S. 1, 7; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58.)

History: P.A. 93-381 replaced Connecticut alcohol and drug abuse commission with department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-662 transferred to Sec. 19a-2d in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-2d transferred to Sec. 17a-670 in 1997.

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Sec. 17a-671. (Formerly Sec. 19a-2e). Subregional planning and action councils. Section 17a-671 is repealed, effective May 24, 2022.

(P.A. 90-227, S. 3, 7; P.A. 93-381, S. 26, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58; P.A. 02-9, S. 1; P.A. 22-69, S. 30.)

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Sec. 17a-672. (Formerly Sec. 19a-2f). Scope of powers and duties. Nothing contained in sections 17a-670 to 17a-672, inclusive, shall be construed as removing from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services any power or duty regarding overall state-wide planning or the administration and control of treatment facilities operated by the department and other prevention, intervention and treatment programs granted to the department by the general statutes.

(P.A. 90-227, S. 4, 7; P.A. 93-381, S. 27, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58.)

History: P.A. 93-381 replaced Connecticut alcohol and drug abuse commission with department of public health and addiction services and made technical changes, effective July 1, 1993 (Revisor's note: A reference to Sec 17a-635 was deleted editorially by the Revisors to reflect its repeal by section 38 of the act); Sec. 17a-665 transferred to Sec. 19a-2f in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-2f transferred to Sec. 17a-672 in 1997.

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Sec. 17a-673. (Formerly Sec. 19a-4e). Treatment programs. Annual report of facilities. (a) The department shall establish comprehensive and coordinated programs for the treatment of alcohol-dependent persons, drug-dependent persons and intoxicated persons.

(b) The programs of the department shall be consistent with its state plan and shall include, but not be limited to: (1) Emergency treatment; (2) inpatient treatment; (3) intermediate treatment; and (4) outpatient and follow-up treatment, including appropriate rehabilitation services.

(c) The department shall provide for adequate and appropriate treatment for alcohol-dependent persons, drug-dependent persons and intoxicated persons admitted under sections 17a-680 to 17a-690, inclusive. Treatment may not be provided at a correctional institution except for inmates.

(d) The administrator of each treatment facility operated by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall make an annual report of its activities to the department in the form and manner the department specifies.

(e) All appropriate public and private resources shall be coordinated with and utilized in the program if possible.

(P.A. 74-280, S. 7, 25; P.A. 75-528, S. 5, 15; P.A. 77-544, S. 8, 16; P.A. 86-371, S. 2, 45; P.A. 90-209, S. 2; P.A. 93-381, S. 16, 39; 93-435, S. 58, 95; P.A. 95-257, S. 11, 58; P.A. 99-234, S. 6; P.A. 09-145, S. 13.)

History: P.A. 75-528 substituted “licensed” facilities for “approved” facilities in Subsec. (f); P.A. 77-544 included drug-dependent persons and programs and plans relative to drug abuse; P.A. 86-371 substituted references to the commission for references to the commissioner and department of mental health and made technical changes; P.A. 90-209 in Subsec. (a) substituted “alcohol-dependent persons” for “alcoholics”, in Subsec. (b) deleted the provision that emergency treatment be that provided by a medical facility, in Subsec. (c) substituted “alcohol-dependent persons” for “alcoholics”, substituted “sections 17a-621 to 17a-643, inclusive,” for “sections 17-155s to 17-155y, inclusive,” and “sections 19a-370 to 19a-393, inclusive,” as the provisions under which certain persons are admitted, in Subsec. (d) substituted “treatment facility” for “facility” and deleted Subsec. (f) re contracting for use of facilities; Sec. 17-155q transferred to Sec. 17a-622 in 1991; P.A. 93-381 substituted “department” for “commission” and made technical changes, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 93-435 amended Subsec. (d) by adding the words “of mental health” after the first reference to “department” and made technical changes, effective June 28, 1993; Sec. 17a-622 transferred to Sec. 19a-4e in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Mental Health with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-4e transferred to Sec. 17a-673 in 1997; P.A. 99-234 amended Subsec. (c) by deleting obsolete reference to Sec. 17a-677; P.A. 09-145 amended Subsec. (c) by deleting reference to Sec. 17a-465a.

See Sec. 17a-714a re legal protections for licensed health care professionals who prescribe opioid antagonists to drug users.

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Sec. 17a-673a. Opioid use disorder treatment program requirements. (a) As used in this section:

(1) “Treatment program” means a program operated by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services or approved by the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services for treatment of the physical and psychological effects of drug dependency or for the detoxification of a drug-dependent person, as defined in section 17a-680;

(2) “Opioid use disorder” means a medical condition characterized by a problematic pattern of opioid use and misuse leading to clinically significant impairment or distress; and

(3) “Opioid antagonist” means naloxone hydrochloride or any other similarly acting and equally safe drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of a drug overdose.

(b) A treatment program that provides treatment or detoxification services to any person with an opioid use disorder shall (1) educate such person regarding opioid antagonists and the administration thereof at the time such person is admitted to or first receives services from such program, (2) offer education regarding opioid antagonists and the administration thereof to the relatives and significant other of such person if the relatives and significant other have been identified by such person, and (3) if there is a prescribing practitioner affiliated with such program who determines that such person would benefit from access to an opioid antagonist, issue a prescription for or deliver to such person at least one dose of an opioid antagonist at the time such person is admitted to or first receives treatment services from such program.

(P.A. 19-191, S. 9.)

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Sec. 17a-673b. Peer navigator pilot program serving persons with opioid use disorder. Requirements. Report. (a) As used in this section:

(1) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services;

(2) “Department” means the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services;

(3) “Opioid use disorder” means a medical condition characterized by a problematic pattern of opioid use and misuse leading to clinically significant impairment or distress; and

(4) “Peer navigator” means a person who (A) has experience working with persons with substance use disorder, as defined in section 20-74, (B) provides nonmedical mental health care and substance use services to such persons, and (C) has a collaborative relationship with a health care professional authorized to prescribe medications to treat opioid use disorder.

(b) On or before January 1, 2023, the department shall establish, within available appropriations, a pilot program in urban, suburban and rural communities to serve persons with opioid use disorder in such communities. The department shall establish the pilot program in up to five such communities in accordance with such terms and conditions as the commissioner may prescribe.

(c) Each community in which the pilot program is established under subsection (b) of this section shall form a team of at least two peer navigators. The team shall work in the community to (1) increase engagement between providers of treatment services, health care and social services and persons with opioid use disorder, (2) improve the retention of such persons in treatment for opioid use disorder by addressing social determinants of health of such persons and emerging local conditions that affect such social determinants of health, and (3) increase the capacity of the community to support such persons by identifying and addressing systemic barriers to treatment services, health care, social services and social support of such persons. The team shall (A) travel throughout the community to address, in person, the health care and social needs of persons with opioid use disorder, and (B) be accessible to such persons through (i) a telephone number that has texting capabilities, and (ii) social media. Each peer navigator that participates in the pilot program shall receive regularly updated training, as determined by the commissioner, on noncoercive and nonstigmatizing methods for engaging those with opioid use disorder.

(d) On or before January 1, 2024, the commissioner shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health regarding the success of the pilot program in serving persons with opioid use disorder and any recommendations for continuing the pilot program or expanding the pilot program into other communities in the state.

(P.A. 21-113, S. 1; P.A. 22-108, S. 7.)

History: P.A. 21-113 effective July 1, 2021; P.A. 22-108 amended Subsec. (b) by changing deadline to establish pilot program to January 1, 2023, and Subsec. (d) by changing reporting deadline to January 1, 2024, effective May 24, 2022.

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Sec. 17a-674. (Formerly Sec. 19a-4a). Substance Use Disorder Revolving Loan Fund. (a) There is established a Substance Use Disorder Revolving Loan Fund. The fund shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the fund and may contain any other funds as provided in subsection (b) of this section. The fund shall be administered and used by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for loans to private nonprofit agencies for the cost of establishing group homes for four or more persons recovering from substance use disorders. Payments made on any loans made pursuant to this section shall be deposited in said fund.

(b) Federal block grant funds allocated to the department pursuant to section 4-28b may be deposited in said fund, and the department may accept contributions from any source, public or private, for deposit in said fund.

(c) A loan made pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be in an amount up to, but not exceeding ten thousand dollars, provided such amount does not exceed the maximum loan amount then in effect under federal law and for a term up to, but not more than two years. Each such loan shall be repaid in monthly installments and shall bear interest at a rate to be determined by the department, but not to exceed six per cent per year. The department may assess a penalty not to exceed five per cent of any amounts that are delinquent or past due for more than six months. Amounts received in repayment of a loan made under this section shall be applied first to the current monthly installment due, then to any interest due, then to the principal of the oldest outstanding loan. Such loan terms, interest requirements and penalty provisions shall be included in each loan agreement and in any contract for the administration of the program made pursuant to subsection (d) of this section. Each loan agreement shall specify that the recipient shall use such loan in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services of the federal government pursuant to the requirements of Public Law 100-690 for such loans.

(d) The department may administer said fund directly or through a contract with a private nonprofit agency. The department shall adopt such regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, as may be necessary to administer the program.

(P.A. 89-290; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58; P.A. 01-90, S. 1; P.A. 03-162, S. 1; P.A. 16-130, S. 6.)

History: P.A. 93-381 replaced Connecticut alcohol and drug abuse commission with department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-647 transferred to Sec. 19a-4a in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-4a transferred to Sec. 17a-674 in 1997; P.A. 01-90 amended Subsec. (c) by replacing former mandatory penalty requirements with provision authorizing the department to assess a penalty not to exceed 5% of any amounts delinquent or past due for more than six months, adding provision re application of loan payments and adding provision re mandatory contract terms; P.A. 03-162 amended Subsec. (c) by providing for maximum loan amount of $10,000, but not to exceed maximum amount under federal law, and loan term up to, but not more than, two years; P.A. 16-130 amended Subsec. (a) by changing “Substance Abuse Revolving Loan Fund” to “Substance Use Disorder Revolving Loan Fund” and replacing “substance abuse problems” with “substance use disorders”.

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Sec. 17a-674a. 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline Fund. Report. (a) There is established an account to be known as the “9-8-8 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline Fund” which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required to be deposited in, or transferred to, the account pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services solely for the following purposes: (1) Ensuring the efficient and effective routing of calls made to the 9-8-8 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by persons in the state to an appropriate crisis center; and (2) personnel and the provision of acute mental health, crisis outreach and stabilization services by directly responding to the 9–8–8 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

(b) The following moneys shall be deposited in, or transferred to, the 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline Fund: (1) Any appropriation made by the General Assembly to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for deposit in the fund; (2) any grants or gifts intended for deposit in the fund; and (3) interest, premiums, gains or other earnings on the fund.

(c) Moneys remaining in the 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline Fund (1) shall not revert to the General Fund at the end of any fiscal year and remain available in subsequent fiscal years for the purposes described in subsection (a) of this section, and (2) shall not be subject to transfer to any other fund, or to transfer, assignment or reassignment for any purpose other than the purposes described in subsection (a) of this section.

(d) On or before January 1, 2024, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, on the deposits and expenditures of the 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline Fund to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, public health, human services and children.

(P.A. 22-47, S. 25.)

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Sec. 17a-674b. Opioid Settlement Fund. Definitions. As used in this section and sections 17a-674c to 17a-674f, inclusive:

(1) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

(2) “Committee” means the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee established pursuant to section 17a-674d.

(3) “Department” means the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

(4) “Evidence-based” means meeting one of the following evidentiary criteria for an activity, practice, program, service, support or strategy: (A) Meta-analyses or systematic reviews have found the activity, practice, program, service, support or strategy to be effective; (B) evidence from a scientifically rigorous experimental study, including, but not limited to, a randomized controlled trial, demonstrates the activity, practice, program, service, support or strategy is effective; or (C) multiple observational studies from locations in the United States indicate the activity, practice, program, service, support or strategy is effective. As used in this subdivision, “effective” means helping persons avoid the development and progression of substance use disorders or drug-related harms, reducing the adverse consequences of substance use among persons who use substances, or managing, slowing the progression of, or supporting recovery from a person's substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health disorder.

(5) “Fund” means the Opioid Settlement Fund established pursuant to section 17a-674c.

(6) “Harm reduction” means a reduction of, or attempt to reduce, the adverse consequences of substance use, including, but not limited to, by addressing the substance use and conditions that give rise to such substance use. “Harm reduction” includes, but is not limited to, syringe service programs, naloxone distribution and public awareness campaigns about Good Samaritan laws.

(7) “Infrastructure” means the resources, including, but not limited to, personnel, buildings and equipment, required for an agency of the state, municipality, other government entity or nonprofit organization to provide substance use disorder prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction programs, services, supports and resources.

(8) “Prevention” means efforts to avoid the development and progression of substance use disorders and drug-related harms.

(9) “Recovery” means an active process of continual growth that addresses the biological, psychological, social and spiritual disturbances inherent in addiction.

(10) “Substance use disorder” means a pattern of use of alcohol or other substances that meets the applicable diagnostic criteria delineated in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

(11) “Treatment” means a service to intervene upon, care for, manage, slow progression of or support recovery from a substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health disorder. “Treatment” includes, but is not limited to, an individualized service to address a person's medical needs, including, screening for and diagnosing of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental or physical health disorders and pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapeutic interventions.

(P.A. 22-48, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 22-48 effective July 1, 2022.

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Sec. 17a-674c. Opioid Settlement Fund. Establishment. Report. Spending of funds. (a) There is established an Opioid Settlement Fund which shall be a separate nonlapsing fund administered by the committee.

(b) Any moneys intended to address opioid use, related disorders or the impact of the opioid epidemic that are received by the state from any judgment, consent decree or settlement paid by any defendant, which is finalized on or after July 1, 2021, related to the production, distribution, dispensing and other activities related to opioids shall be deposited into the fund. Moneys remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund.

(c) Notwithstanding any provision of subsection (b) of this section, if the commissioner and the Attorney General certify that the purposes of such judgment, consent decree or settlement are inconsistent with the intent of the provisions of this section and sections 17a-674d to 17a-674f, inclusive, the commissioner and Attorney General (1) shall report in writing to the committee such certification, including any identification by the commissioner and Attorney General of an alternate fund or account and explanation of the reasons for depositing such moneys in such alternate fund or account, and (2) may deposit such moneys into such alternate fund or account. The commissioner and Attorney General shall jointly report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health regarding the intended use of such moneys in such alternate fund or account prior to allocating such moneys for other purposes.

(d) Beginning on December 31, 2022, and annually thereafter, the State Treasurer shall report the following to the committee:

(1) An inventory of fund investments as of the most recent fiscal year; and

(2) The net income earned by the fund in the most recent fiscal year.

(e) Moneys in the fund shall be spent only for the following substance use disorder abatement purposes, in accordance with the controlling judgment, consent decree or settlement, as confirmed by the Attorney General's review of such judgment, consent decree or settlement and upon the approval of the committee and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management:

(1) State-wide, regional or community substance use disorder needs assessments to identify structural gaps and needs to inform expenditures from the fund;

(2) Infrastructure required for evidence-based substance use disorder prevention, treatment, recovery or harm reduction programs, services and supports;

(3) Programs, services, supports and resources for evidence-based substance use disorder prevention, treatment, recovery or harm reduction;

(4) Evidence-informed substance use disorder prevention, treatment, recovery or harm reduction pilot programs or demonstration studies that are not evidence-based, but are approved by the committee as an appropriate use of moneys for a limited period of time as specified by the committee, provided the committee shall assess whether the evidence supports funding such programs or studies or whether it provides a basis for funding such programs or studies with an expectation of creating an evidence base for such programs and studies;

(5) Evaluation of effectiveness and outcomes reporting for substance use disorder abatement infrastructure, programs, services, supports and resources for which moneys from the fund have been disbursed, including, but not limited to, impact on access to harm reduction services or treatment for substance use disorders or reduction in drug-related mortality;

(6) One or more publicly available data interfaces managed by the commissioner to aggregate, track and report data on (A) substance use disorders, overdoses and drug-related harms, (B) spending recommendations, plans and reports, and (C) outcomes of programs, services, supports and resources for which moneys from the fund were disbursed;

(7) Research on opioid abatement, including, but not limited to, development of evidence-based treatment, barriers to treatment, nonopioid treatment of chronic pain and harm reduction, supply-side enforcement;

(8) Documented expenses incurred in administering and staffing the fund and the committee, and expenses, including, but not limited to, legal fees, incurred by the state or any municipality in securing settlement proceeds, deposited in the fund as permitted by the controlling judgment, consent decree or settlement;

(9) Documented expenses associated with managing, investing and disbursing moneys in the fund; and

(10) Documented expenses, including legal fees, incurred by the state or any municipality in securing settlement proceeds deposited in the fund to the extent such expenses are not otherwise reimbursed pursuant to a fee agreement provided for by the controlling judgment, consent decree or settlement.

(f) (1) For purposes of this section, the fund balance shall be determined by the State Treasurer as of July first, annually.

(2) Except as permitted by subdivision (8) of subsection (e) of this section, or unless otherwise required by court order to refund to the federal government a portion of the proceeds, moneys in the fund shall be used for prospective purposes and shall not be used to reimburse expenditures incurred prior to July 1, 2022.

(3) Proceeds derived from any state settlement of claims against a defendant shall be allocated and disbursed only to those municipalities that execute an agreement to participate in such settlement and adhere to the terms of such agreement, provided the allocation or disbursement of such settlement proceeds for the benefit of persons within municipalities that do not execute an agreement to participate in such settlement or do not adhere to the terms of such agreement shall not be precluded or limited.

(4) Governmental and nonprofit nongovernmental entities shall be eligible to receive moneys from the fund for programs, services, supports and resources for prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction.

(5) Subject to the provisions of subdivision (6) of this subsection, fund disbursements shall be made by the commissioner upon approval of the committee. The commissioner shall not make or refuse to make any disbursement allowable under this subsection without the approval of the committee. The commissioner shall adhere to the committee's decisions regarding disbursement of moneys from the fund, provided such disbursement is a permissible expenditure under this section. The commissioner's role in the distribution of moneys after the distribution has been approved by the committee and after the review and approval required under subsection (e) of this section shall be ministerial and shall not be discretionary.

(6) Moneys expended from the fund for the purposes set forth in subsection (d) of this section shall be supplemental to, and shall not supplant or take the place of, any other funds, including, but not limited to, insurance benefits or local, state or federal funding, that would otherwise have been expended for such purposes. The commissioner shall not disburse moneys from the fund during any fiscal year unless the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management transmits to the committee a letter verifying that funds appropriated and allocated in such fiscal year's budget for substance use disorder abatement infrastructure, programs, services, supports and resources for prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction are in an amount not less than the sum of the funds for such purposes appropriated and allocated in the previous fiscal year's budget. As used in this subdivision, “supplemental” means additional funding, consistent with the provisions of this section, for substance use disorder abatement infrastructure or a substance use disorder abatement program, service, support or resource to ensure that funding in the current fiscal year exceeds the sum of federal, state, and local funds allocated in the previous fiscal year for such substance use disorder abatement infrastructure, program, service, support or resource.

(P.A. 22-48, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 22-48 effective July 1, 2022.

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Sec. 17a-674d. Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee. Membership. Duties. (a) There is established an Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee to ensure (1) that proceeds received by the state pursuant to section 17a-674c are allocated and spent on substance use disorder abatement infrastructure, programs, services, supports and resources for prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction, and (2) robust public involvement, accountability and transparency in allocating and accounting for the moneys in the fund.

(b) The committee shall consist of the following members:

(1) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, or the secretary's designee;

(2) The Attorney General, or the Attorney General's designee;

(3) The Commissioners of Children and Families, Mental Health and Addiction Services and Public Health, or said commissioners' designees, who shall serve as ex-officio members;

(4) The president pro tempore of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the majority leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives, the minority leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Senate and House chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, or their designees, provided such persons have experience living with a substance or disorder or are the family member of a person who has experience living with a substance use disorder;

(5) Seventeen individuals representing municipalities, who shall be appointed by the Governor;

(6) The executive director of the Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health, or a representative of the commission designated by the executive director; and

(7) Six individuals appointed by the commissioner as follows: (A) A provider of community-based substance use treatment services for adults, who shall be a nonvoting member; (B) a provider of community-based substance use treatment services for adolescents, who shall be a nonvoting member; (C) an addiction medicine licensed health care professional with prescribing ability, who shall be a nonvoting member; and (D) three individuals with experience living with a substance use disorder or family members of an individual with experience living with a substance use disorder.

(c) The commissioner shall be co-chairperson of the committee. The speaker of the House of Representatives and the president pro tempore of the Senate shall appoint a co-chairperson from among the individuals representing municipalities appointed pursuant to subdivision (5) of subsection (b) of this section. The co-chairpersons of the committee shall be nonvoting members.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of the general statutes, it shall not be a conflict of interest for a trustee, director, officer or employee of an organization, or for any person having a financial interest in such organization, to serve as a member of the committee, provided such trustee, director, officer, employee or person shall disclose such position or interest to all other members of the committee and abstain from deliberation, action and vote by the committee under this section that specifically concerns the organization of which such member is a trustee, director, officer or employee, or in which such member has a financial interest.

(e) All initial appointments to the committee shall be made not later than October 1, 2022. Each member of the committee, other than the ex-officio members, shall serve for a term of two years, shall serve no more than two consecutive terms and may serve until a successor is appointed, except that in the event of any vacancy, the appointing authority shall fill such vacancy for the unexpired portion of such term. Any member of the committee may be removed by the appointing authority for misfeasance, malfeasance or wilful neglect of duty.

(f) The committee shall have the following duties and powers:

(1) Recommend and approve policies and procedures for administration of the committee and criteria for the application, awarding and disbursement of moneys from the fund, to be used for the purposes set forth in section 17a-674c;

(2) Recommend and approve goals, objectives, rationales for such goals and objectives, sustainability plans and performance indicators relating to: (A) Substance use disorder prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction efforts, including, but not limited to, methods of engaging persons who utilize harm reduction services in treatment and recovery; (B) reducing disparities in access to prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction programs, services, supports and resources; and (C) improving health outcomes in traditionally underserved populations, including, but not limited to, persons who live in rural or tribal communities, are members of racial or ethnic minorities or were formerly incarcerated; and

(3) Approve the allocation of moneys from the fund.

(g) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 2-5, the department shall:

(1) Employ a full-time manager of the committee and provide public health research and policy expertise, support staff, facilities, technical assistance and other resources to (A) assist the manager of the committee in planning and supporting the functions of the committee, including ensuring that proceeds received by this state pursuant to section 17a-674c are allocated and spent on substance use disorder abatement infrastructure, programs, services, supports, and resources for prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction, and (B) ensure robust public involvement, accountability and transparency in allocating and accounting for the moneys in the fund;

(2) Utilize, where feasible, appropriations from the General Fund and existing infrastructure, programs, services, supports or other resources to address substance use disorders, overdoses and drug-related harms;

(3) Prepare for review and approval by the committee of the department's goals, objectives, rationales for such goals and objectives, sustainability plans and performance indicators relating to (A) substance use disorder prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction efforts, including, but not limited to, methods of engaging persons who utilize harm reduction services in treatment and recovery, and (B) reducing disparities in access to prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction programs, services, supports and resources;

(4) Evaluate applications and make recommendations to the committee for the awarding of contracts and disbursements of moneys from the fund exclusively for permissible expenditures set forth in section 17a-674c;

(5) Upon receipt of final approval by the committee, disburse moneys from the fund exclusively for permissible expenditures set forth in section 17a-674c;

(6) Approve suspensions of allocations of moneys from the fund to recipients found by the committee or commissioner to (A) be substantially out of compliance with applicable contracts, policies, procedures, rules, regulations or state or federal law, or (B) have used such awards for a purpose other than an approved purpose, provided the committee may resume approval of such allocations once the committee has determined the recipient has adequately remedied the cause of such suspension;

(7) Maintain oversight over the expenditure of moneys from the fund to ensure moneys are used exclusively for the purposes set forth in section 17a-674c, including, but not limited to, implementing procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of the infrastructure, programs, services, supports or resources that are funded pursuant to said section; and

(8) Implement and publish on the department's Internet web site policies and procedures for administration of the committee and for the application, awarding and disbursement of moneys from the fund, to be used for the purposes set forth in section 17a-674c.

(h) On or before October 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, recipients of moneys from the fund shall file with the committee an annual report for the prior fiscal year detailing the effectiveness of infrastructure, programs, services, supports or resources that were funded, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) A description of how the recipient used the moneys for their intended purposes;

(2) The number of individuals served, delineated by race, age, gender and any other relevant demographic factor, which shall be reported in a deidentified manner;

(3) A specific analysis of whether the infrastructure, program, service, support or resources reduced mortality or improved prevention, treatment, harm reduction or recovery outcomes; and

(4) If a plan to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure, program, service, support or resources funded exists, a summary of such plan.

(i) The committee shall hold quarterly public meetings. A meeting may be called by the chairperson or by a majority of the committee's members. Members may attend meetings in person, remotely by audiovisual means or, upon approval by the chairperson, by audio-only means. For each meeting of the committee, a majority of the voting members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If there is a quorum, then all actions of the committee shall be taken by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at the meeting. Each voting member shall have one vote. The committee shall terminate when all moneys received pursuant to section 17a-674c have been received and disbursed unless the Attorney General certifies that additional moneys are anticipated.

(j) The department shall create and maintain an Internet web site where the committee shall publish (1) meeting minutes, including, but not limited to, records of all votes to approve expenditures of moneys from the fund, (2) recipient agreements and reports required under subsection (h) of this section, (3) policies and procedures approved by the committee, and (4) the committee's annual reports.

(P.A. 22-48, S. 3.)

History: P.A. 22-48 effective July 1, 2022.

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Sec. 17a-674e. Disbursement of moneys from Opioid Settlement Fund. The department shall disburse moneys from the fund in a manner consistent with the limitations on uses of litigation proceeds set forth in any controlling court order. If a controlling court order permits expenditures other than or in excess of expenditures authorized under section 17a-674c, the department shall adhere to the limitations on use of moneys set forth in section 17a-674c. If the provisions of section 17a-674c permit expenditures other than or in excess of those authorized in a controlling court order, the department shall adhere to the limitations on use of moneys set forth in the court order.

(P.A. 22-48, S. 4.)

History: P.A. 22-48 effective July 1, 2022.

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Sec. 17a-674f. Opioid Settlement Committee. Report. (a) Not later than January 15, 2023, and annually thereafter, the committee shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, on the activities carried out by the committee pursuant to sections 17a-674c to 17a-674e, inclusive, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) The opening and closing balance of the fund for the most recent fiscal year;

(2) An accounting of all credits to, and expenditures from, the fund;

(3) An inventory of fund investments as of the most recent fiscal year and the net income the fund earned for the most recent fiscal year as determined by the State Treasurer pursuant to section 17a-674c;

(4) The name and a description of each recipient of moneys from the fund, and the amount awarded to such recipient;

(5) A description of each award's intended use, including, but not limited to, the (A) specific program, service or resource funded, (B) population served, and (C) measures that the recipient will use to assess the impact of the award;

(6) The primary criteria used to determine each recipient and its respective award amount;

(7) A summary of information included in the recipient report required under subsection (h) of section 17a-674d;

(8) All applications for an award of moneys from the fund received during the most recent fiscal year;

(9) A description of any finding or concern as to whether all moneys disbursed from the fund, other than expenses authorized under section 17a-674c, supplemented, and did not supplant or replace, any existing or future local, state or federal government funding;

(10) The performance indicators and progress toward achieving the goals and objectives developed pursuant to section 17a-674d, including, but not limited to, metrics on improving outcomes and reducing mortality and other harms related to substance use disorders;

(11) The dollar amount and the percentage of the fund balance incurred for expenses of administering and staffing the fund and the committee during the most recent fiscal year;

(12) The dollar amount and the percentage of the fund balance incurred for expenses associated with managing, investing and disbursing moneys in the fund during the most recent fiscal year; and

(13) An explanation of any funds certified by the commissioner and Attorney General pursuant to section 17a-674c as being inconsistent with the intent of this section and sections 17a-674c to 17a-674e, inclusive, and the account or fund where such funds were deposited.

(b) The commissioner shall post the report required under subsection (a) of this section on the department's Internet web site.

(P.A. 22-48, S. 5.)

History: P.A. 22-48 effective July 1, 2022.

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Sec. 17a-674g. Opioid Settlement Fund. Funding of trust for direct support and services for survivors and victims of opioid epidemic and certain family members of such survivors and victims. Nothing in sections 17a-674b to 17a-674f, inclusive, shall preclude the funding of a trust for direct support and services for survivors and victims of the opioid epidemic and the family members of such survivors and victims who have been directly impacted by such epidemic, pursuant to the settlement agreement dated March 11, 2022, between the Nine, identified in such settlement agreement as eight states, including this state, and the District of Columbia, and the Sackler parties.

(P.A. 22-48, S. 6.)

History: P.A. 22-48 effective July 1, 2022.

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Sec. 17a-675. (Formerly Sec. 19a-4b). Allocation of federal funds by department. Grants and contracts. Report. (a) The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall allocate by program and geographic location, in a manner consistent with the annual alcohol and drug plan, funds received by the department from the federal government and the state which are designated in the department's budget to be used for grants and contracts for alcohol and drug programs and services. The department shall also administer and supervise all federal and state grant and contract funds for alcohol and drug abuse community services including treatment services, except those services designated to be carried out by state agencies other than the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

(b) The department may: (1) Make grants to and contracts and other joint or cooperative agreements with individuals, organizations and state agencies for problems related to alcohol and drug abuse; (2) make grants and contracts from state or federal funds to public or private agencies as may be necessary in the performance of its duties and execution of its powers; (3) require quarterly reports from recipients of grants made or allocated by it and from all departments of the state whose activities are related to alcohol or drug abuse problems for the purpose of evaluating the implementation of the state plans. The department shall report its findings on or before January first of each year to the Governor and the General Assembly, with its recommendations for such executive and legislative action as it finds beneficial to the public interest.

(P.A. 93-381, S. 6, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 11, 58.)

History: P.A. 93-381 effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and replaced Commissioner and Department of Mental Health with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-4b transferred to Sec. 17a-675 in 1997.

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Sec. 17a-676. (Formerly Sec. 19a-4c). Applications for funds to the department by nonprofit organizations or municipal departments or units. Any nonprofit organization in Connecticut or any municipal department or unit which offers or proposes to offer education services, prevention services, public information, community intervention, employees' assistance, training or job development services to alcohol-dependent or drug-dependent persons in the state or treatment or rehabilitation services to such persons either as part of comprehensive community-based services on alcohol dependence or drug dependence or as part of a narcotic addiction treatment center in an area of high incidence of drug addiction, may apply to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for state and federal funds to establish, expand or maintain such services. The department may accept requests for funds from any nonprofit organization in Connecticut or any municipal department or unit which offers or proposes to offer the above services, and such services may be funded if they meet the requirements of the department and are in conformance with the state plans concerning alcohol and drug abuse. In the case of treatment or rehabilitation services, the department may accept requests for funds from such organizations, departments or units which offer or propose to offer certain selected services on a demonstration or research basis or which propose services contributing to alcohol and drug dependence services, and such services may be funded in whole or in part if they meet such requirements as the department shall specify by regulation. The application for funds shall be made on forms provided by the department and shall be accompanied by (1) a definition of the area to be served; (2) a plan setting forth the means by which the applicant proposes to coordinate its activities with those of other local agencies presently supplying such services; (3) a description of the services to be provided and the methods through which such services will be provided; and (4) an indication of the methods that will be employed to effect a balance in the use of state and local resources so as to foster local initiative, responsibility and participation. Upon approval of any such application, the department shall grant such funds within available appropriations for any fiscal year. No funds authorized by this section shall be used for the construction or renovation of buildings. The department may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, concerning minimum standards for eligibility to receive such state funds.

(P.A. 93-381, S. 7, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58.)

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Sec. 17a-677. (Formerly Sec. 19a-5a). Operation or funding of alcohol and drug abuse treatment facility. Section 17a-677 is repealed, effective October 1, 1999.

(P.A. 86-371, S. 37, 45; P.A. 90-209, S. 14; P.A. 93-381, S. 21, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 11, 58; P.A. 99-234, S. 13.)

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Sec. 17a-678. (Formerly Sec. 19a-5b). Programs and facilities exempt from certificate of need requirement. Section 17a-678 is repealed, effective October 1, 2010.

(P.A. 89-390, S. 14, 15, 37; P.A. 90-261, S. 11, 19; P.A. 93-381, S. 25, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 39, 58; P.A. 98-150, S. 16, 17; P.A. 06-64, S. 1; P.A. 10-179, S. 161.)

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Sec. 17a-679. (Formerly Sec. 19a-2g). Expenses for necessary transportation of alcohol-dependent persons for admission to a treatment facility. (a) The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services may, within available appropriations, pay the expenses of necessary transportation for any alcohol-dependent person admitted to a treatment facility pursuant to the provisions of section 17a-682 or 17a-684 or to any program funded by the department pursuant to section 17a-675, provided such program has given prior approval to the transportation provider and so certifies to the department, or for any person intoxicated by alcohol transported to a hospital for treatment, which expenses are certified by such hospital to the department, unless the Department of Administrative Services determines after investigation that such person is able to pay. The department may pay such expense pending the investigation provided if the department determines that the person is able to pay, the transportation provider shall reimburse the department. The department shall not pay expenses for the transport of any person who is able to pay, has private insurance, or is receiving Title XIX Medicaid benefits that cover the transportation services provided.

(b) The Office of Emergency Medical Services within the Department of Public Health shall be responsible for developing and implementing dispatch and field triage protocols to provide a mechanism for local response systems to utilize the least costly most appropriate form of transport for alcohol-dependent persons. Such dispatch and field protocols shall be developed on or before January 1, 1995.

(c) The department may adopt regulations, in accordance with provisions of chapter 54, concerning the payment of transportation expenses under this section.

(P.A. 93-381, S. 35, 39; P.A. 94-239, S. 2; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-5, S. 15, 30; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58; P.A. 99-234, S. 4, 14; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-2, S. 23, 72.)

History: P.A. 93-381 effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 94-239 and May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-5 both divided section in Subsecs., added provisions in Subsec. (a) requiring prior approval to the transportation provider and certification to the department and prohibiting payment by the department of any expenses for persons who are able to pay for the services, have insurance coverage or coverage under assistance programs, and added new Subsec. (b) making Office of Emergency Medical Services responsible for developing and implementing dispatch and field triage protocols to provide a mechanism for local response systems; May Sp. Sess. act further imposed January 1, 1995, deadline for development of protocols, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-2g transferred to Sec. 17a-679 in 1997; P.A. 99-234 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing reference to general assistance with reference to Medicaid benefits and amended Subsec. (b) by adding “within the Department of Mental Health” after “Office of Emergency Medical Services”; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-2 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing “shall pay” with “may, within available appropriations, pay”, effective July 1, 1999.

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Sec. 17a-680. (Formerly Sec. 19a-126). Definitions. For purposes of sections 17a-673 and 17a-680 to 17a-690, inclusive:

(1) “Alcohol-dependent person” means a person who meets the criteria for moderate or severe alcohol use disorder, as described in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders”;

(2) “Business day” means Monday to Friday, inclusive, except when a legal holiday falls on any such day;

(3) “Department” means the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services;

(4) “Dangerous to himself” means there is a substantial risk that physical harm will be inflicted by a person on himself or herself;

(5) “Dangerous to others” means there is a substantial risk that physical harm will be inflicted by a person on another person;

(6) “Drug or drugs” means a controlled drug as defined in section 21a-240;

(7) “Drug-dependent person” means a person who meets the criteria for moderate or severe substance use disorder, as described in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders”;

(8) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services;

(9) “Gravely disabled” means a condition in which a person, as a result of the use of alcohol or drugs on a periodic or continuous basis, is in danger of serious physical harm because (A) he or she is not providing for his or her essential needs such as food, clothing, shelter, vital medical care, or safety, (B) he or she needs, but is not receiving, inpatient treatment for alcohol dependency or drug dependency, and (C) he or she is incapable of determining whether to accept such treatment because his or her judgment is impaired;

(10) “Hospital” means an establishment licensed under the provisions of sections 19a-490 to 19a-503, inclusive, for the lodging, care and treatment of persons suffering from disease or other abnormal physical or mental conditions, and includes inpatient psychiatric services in general hospitals;

(11) “Incapacitated by alcohol” means a condition in which a person as a result of the use of alcohol has his or her judgment so impaired that he or she is incapable of realizing and making a rational decision with respect to his or her need for treatment;

(12) “Incompetent person” means a person who has been adjudged incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction;

(13) “Intoxicated person” means a person whose mental or physical functioning is substantially impaired as a result of the use of alcohol or drugs;

(14) “Medical officer” means a licensed physician in attendance at a treatment facility or hospital;

(15) “Respondent” means a person who is alleged to be alcohol-dependent or drug-dependent and for whom a petition for commitment or recommitment to an inpatient treatment facility has been filed;

(16) “Treatment” means any emergency, outpatient, intermediate and inpatient services and care, including diagnostic evaluation, medical, psychiatric, psychological and social services, vocational and social rehabilitation and other appropriate services, which may be extended to alcohol-dependent persons, drug-dependent persons and intoxicated persons;

(17) “Treatment facility” means (A) a facility providing treatment and operating under the direction and control of the department, or (B) a private facility providing treatment and licensed under the provisions of sections 19a-490 to 19a-503, inclusive.

(P.A. 74-280, S. 2, 25; P.A. 75-528, S. 4, 15; 75-569, S. 1; P.A. 77-544, S. 1, 16; P.A. 79-610, S. 27; P.A. 80-92, S. 1; P.A. 81-472, S. 30, 159; 81-473, S. 6, 43; P.A. 83-160, S. 4; P.A. 86-371, S. 1, 45; P.A. 90-209, S. 1; P.A. 93-381, S. 15, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8, S. 12, 88; P.A. 99-234, S. 7; P.A. 09-145, S. 14; P.A. 13-208, S. 22; P.A. 22-69, S. 27.)

History: P.A. 75-528 replaced “approved” facilities with “licensed” facilities in Subdivs. (2) and (3) and changed section references; P.A. 75-569 redefined “incapacitation” in Subdiv. (10) and “intoxicated person” in Subdiv. (12), deleted Subdiv. (15) defining “police officer” and renumbered Subdiv. (16) accordingly; P.A. 77-544 included drug advisory council in Subdiv. (6) and changed alcohol council to alcohol and drug abuse council in Subdiv. (9); P.A. 79-610 changed section references in Subdivs. (2) and (3); P.A. 80-92 changed alcohol and drug abuse council to alcohol and drug abuse commission in Subdiv. (5); P.A. 81-472 amended Subdiv. (9) to refer to the state alcohol and drug abuse “commission” rather than “council”; P.A. 81-473 amended Subdiv. (6) to refer to the combined state alcohol and drug advisory council established under Sec. 17-155ll and redefined “director” in Subdiv. (9) as executive director of alcohol and drug abuse commission rather than council; P.A. 83-160 repealed Subdiv. (6) which had defined “advisory council” as Connecticut state alcohol and drug advisory council which agency was abolished by the act; P.A. 86-371 deleted definitions of “commissioner” and “department” of mental health and removed references to those entities, renumbering as necessary, made other technical changes and redefined “medical facility” to delete the office of an intoxicated person's personal physician; P.A. 90-209 substituted the defined term “alcohol-dependent person” for “alcoholic”, deleted the defined terms “licensed private treatment facility”, “licensed public treatment facility”, “diagnostic facility” and “medical facility”, added “business day”, “dangerous to himself”, “dangerous to others”, “drug or drugs”, “drug-dependent person”, “gravely disabled”, “hospital”, “respondent” and “treatment facility” as defined terms, in the definition of “incapacitated by alcohol” deleted the provisions that the person be unconscious as a result of the use of alcohol, amended the definition of “intoxicated person” to include impairment as a result of the use of drugs, amended the definition of “medical officer” to be a physician at a treatment facility or hospital rather than at a medical facility and in the definition of “treatment” substituted alcohol-dependent and drug-dependent persons for alcoholics as persons to whom certain services may be extended; Sec. 17-155l transferred to Sec. 17a-621 in 1991; P.A. 93-381 replaced executive director and Connecticut alcohol and drug abuse commission with commissioner and department of public health and addiction services and made technical changes, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-621 transferred to Sec. 19a-126 in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-126 transferred to Sec. 17a-680 in 1997; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8 redefined “drug-dependent person” by deleting provision excluding persons dependent on specified drugs, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 99-234 deleted obsolete reference to Sec. 17a-677; P.A. 09-145 deleted reference to Sec. 17a-465a; P.A. 13-208 amended Subdiv. (1) by redefining “alcohol-dependent person”, amended Subdiv. (7) by redefining “drug-dependent person” and amended Subdivs. (4), (9), (11) and (17) by making technical changes; P.A. 22-69 deleted reference to Sec. 17a-484(d) in introductory language, effective May 24, 2022.

Annotation to former section 17a-621:

Cited. 30 CA 839.

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Sec. 17a-681. (Formerly Sec. 19a-126a). Regulations re treatment programs and facilities. Standards. Cooperation with Commissioner of Correction. Transfer of persons accused or convicted of nonviolent crimes. (a) The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall adopt and may amend and repeal regulations, pursuant to chapter 54, for acceptance of persons into the treatment programs and facilities operated or funded by the department, considering available treatment resources and facilities, for the purpose of early and effective treatment of alcohol-dependent persons, drug-dependent persons and intoxicated persons. In establishing the regulations the department shall be guided by the following standards:

(1) If possible a patient shall be treated on a voluntary rather than an involuntary basis;

(2) A patient shall be initially assigned or transferred to outpatient or intermediate treatment, unless he is found to require inpatient treatment;

(3) A person shall not be denied treatment solely because he has withdrawn from treatment against medical advice on a prior occasion or because he has relapsed after earlier treatment;

(4) An individualized treatment plan shall be prepared and maintained on a current basis for each patient; and

(5) Provision shall be made for a continuum of coordinated treatment services, so that a person who leaves a facility or a form of treatment will have available and utilize other appropriate treatment.

(b) The Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Commissioner of Correction shall cooperate in establishing treatment and rehabilitation programs for alcohol-dependent and drug-dependent persons confined in correctional institutions. Persons convicted of nonviolent crimes or confined in lieu of bond on nonviolent charges may be transferred by the Commissioner of Correction to the commissioner for treatment and rehabilitation upon agreement of the commissioner.

(P.A. 74-280, S. 9, 25; P.A. 75-569, S. 4; P.A. 77-544, S. 9, 16; P.A. 86-371, S. 3, 45; P.A. 90-209, S. 3; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; 93-435, S. 59, 95; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58.)

History: P.A. 75-569 added Subsec. (b) re cooperation between commissioner of mental health and commissioner of correction; P.A. 77-544 included treatment of drug-dependent persons; P.A. 86-371 substituted references to the executive director and the commission for references to the commissioner and the department of mental health; P.A. 90-209 substituted “alcohol-dependent persons” for “alcoholics” and in Subsec. (a) added that the regulations concern acceptance of persons into facilities operated or funded by the commission; Sec. 17-155s transferred to Sec. 17a-623 in 1991; P.A. 93-381 and 93-435 replaced Connecticut alcohol and drug abuse commission and executive director with department and commissioner of public health and addiction services, respectively, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-623 transferred to Sec. 19a-126a in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-126a transferred to Sec. 17a-681 in 1997.

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Sec. 17a-681a. Transferred to Chapter 319i, Part I, Sec. 17a-486.

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Sec. 17a-682. (Formerly Sec. 19a-126b). Voluntary admissions to treatment facilities operated by the department. Assistance on leaving. (a) An alcohol-dependent person or a drug-dependent person may apply for voluntary treatment directly to a treatment facility operated by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. If the proposed patient is a minor or an incompetent person, he, a parent, a legal guardian or other legal representative may make the application.

(b) Subject to regulations adopted by the department, the administrator of a treatment facility operated by the department may determine, on the advice of the medical officer of the facility, who shall be admitted for treatment. If a person is refused admission to a treatment facility operated by the department, the administrator, subject to regulations adopted by the department, shall refer the person to another treatment facility operated by the department or to a private treatment facility for treatment if possible and appropriate.

(c) If a patient receiving inpatient care leaves a treatment facility operated by the department, he shall be encouraged to consent to appropriate outpatient or intermediate treatment. If it appears to the administrator in charge of the treatment facility, on the advice of the medical officer of the facility, that the patient is an alcohol-dependent person or drug-dependent person who requires help, the department shall arrange for assistance in obtaining supportive services and residential facilities.

(d) If a patient leaves a treatment facility operated by the department, with or against the advice of the administrator of the facility, the department shall make reasonable provisions for his transportation to another facility or to his home. If he has no home, he shall be assisted in obtaining shelter. If he is a minor or an incompetent person, the request for discharge from an inpatient facility shall be made by a parent, legal guardian or other legal representative or by the minor or incompetent person if he was the original applicant.

(P.A. 74-280, S. 10, 25; P.A. 75-528, S. 6, 15; 75-569, S. 3, 5; P.A. 86-371, S. 4, 45; P.A. 90-209, S. 4; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; 93-435, S. 59, 95; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58.)

History: P.A. 75-528 and P.A. 75-569 substituted “licensed” facilities for “approved” facilities and deleted word “unemancipated” with reference to minors in Subsecs. (a) and (d); P.A. 86-371 substituted references to the commission for references to the commissioner and department of mental health; P.A. 90-209 substituted “alcohol-dependent person” for “alcoholic”, provided that drug-dependent persons be allowed to apply for voluntary treatment under the section rather than repealed Sec. 19a-378, substituted “treatment facility operated by the commission” for “licensed public treatment facility”, provided that the administrator's determinations in Subsec. (b) of who shall be admitted and in Subsec. (c) of who is a patient who requires help be on the advice of the medical officer of the facility and made technical changes; Sec. 17-155t transferred to Sec. 17a-624 in 1991; P.A. 93-381 and P.A. 93-435 replaced Connecticut alcohol and drug abuse commission with department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-624 transferred to Sec. 19a-126b in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-126b transferred to Sec. 17a-682 in 1997.

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Sec. 17a-683. (Formerly Sec. 19a-126c). Police assistance for intoxicated persons. Protective custody of person incapacitated by alcohol. Medical examination. Detention and release. Notification to family. Assistance for nonadmitted person. (a) Any police officer finding a person who appears to be intoxicated in a public place and in need of help may, with such person's consent, assist such person to his home, a treatment facility, or a hospital or other facility able to accept such person.

(b) Any police officer finding a person who appears to be incapacitated by alcohol shall take him into protective custody and have him brought forthwith to a treatment facility which provides medical triage in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to section 19a-495 or to a hospital. The police, in detaining the person and in having him brought forthwith to such a treatment facility or a hospital, shall be taking him into protective custody and shall make every reasonable effort to protect his health and safety. In taking the person into protective custody, the detaining officer may take reasonable steps to protect himself. A taking into protective custody under this section is not an arrest. No entry or other record shall be made to indicate that the person has been arrested or charged with a crime. For purposes of this section “medical triage” means a service which provides immediate assessment of symptoms of substance abuse, the immediate care and treatment of these symptoms as necessary, a determination of need for treatment, and assistance in attaining appropriate continued treatment.

(c) A person who is brought to a treatment facility which provides medical triage in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to section 19a-495 or to a hospital shall be examined by a medical officer or his designee as soon as possible. The medical officer shall determine whether the person requires inpatient treatment based upon the medical examination of the person and upon a finding that the person is incapacitated by alcohol.

(d) If the medical officer determines that the person requires inpatient treatment, the person shall be (1) admitted to, referred to or detained at a treatment facility that provides medical treatment for detoxification or a hospital, or (2) committed to a treatment facility operated by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for emergency treatment pursuant to the provisions of section 17a-684. A person treated under subdivision (1) of this subsection shall be admitted as a voluntary patient, or, if necessary, detained for necessary treatment. If such person is referred to another treatment facility or another hospital, the referring facility or hospital shall arrange for his transportation.

(e) Any person admitted or detained as a patient under subdivision (1) of subsection (d) of this section shall be released once he is no longer incapacitated by alcohol or within forty-eight hours, whichever is shorter, unless he consents to further medical evaluation or treatment.

(f) If a patient is admitted to a treatment facility or hospital, his family or next of kin shall, unless prohibited by federal law, be notified as promptly as possible. If a patient who is not incapacitated by alcohol requests that there be no notification, his request shall be respected.

(g) A person who is not admitted to a treatment facility or a hospital, is not referred to another treatment facility or hospital and has no funds may be taken to his home, if any. If he has no home, the facility shall assist him in obtaining shelter.

(P.A. 74-280, S. 12, 23, 25; P.A. 75-479, S. 10, 25; 75-569, S. 7; P.A. 76-300, S. 1, 4; P.A. 86-371, S. 5, 45; P.A. 90-209, S. 5; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; 93-435, S. 59, 95; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8, S. 18, 88; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-10, S. 1, 7; P.A. 09-145, S. 11.)

History: P.A. 75-479 replaced reference to Sec. 53a-184 with reference to Sec. 53a-184a in Subsec. (j) and required appropriations and finance committee reports on or before February 15, 1976; P.A. 75-569 made provisions specifically applicable to those incapacitated by alcohol, included references to licensed treatment facilities, replaced detailed listing of diagnostic procedures in Subsec. (b) with statement allowing use of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, deleted former Subsecs. (f) re waiver of presentment and consent to voluntary treatment and (i) re procedure when apparently intoxicated person charged with violation or offense, redesignating remaining Subsecs. accordingly; P.A. 76-300 changed applicable dates in Subsec. (h) and deleted provisions re report to general assembly; P.A. 86-371 deleted obsolete Subsec. (h); P.A. 90-209 substantially rewrote the provisions of the section, revised the Subsec. indicators, added new Subsec. (a) which reworded Subsec. (b) of repealed Sec. 17-155u, added provisions re medical triage, required rather than allowed a medical officer to take certain actions when a person requires inpatient treatment and in new Subsec. (f) provided that there not be notification if prohibited by federal law; Sec. 17-155v transferred to Sec. 17a-625 in 1991; P.A. 93-381 and 93-435 replaced Connecticut alcohol and drug abuse commission with department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-625 transferred to Sec. 19a-126c in 1995; Sec. 19a-126c transferred to Sec. 17a-683 in 1997; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8 added Subsec. (h) re payment at any facility, effective July 1, 1997; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-10 repealed provision added by June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 09-145 amended Subsec. (d) by replacing “Department of Public Health and Addiction Services” with “Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services” and making a technical change.

Section is plain and unambiguous and involves police officer's discretionary act of determining whether a person is intoxicated or incapacitated by alcohol or if something else is wrong with person, and “identifiable person-imminent harm” exception to governmental immunity is not applicable to officer's acts. 116 CA 849.

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Sec. 17a-684. (Formerly Sec. 19a-126d). Emergency treatment, grounds, application, procedure, detention and release. Rights after commitment. (a) A person who is intoxicated at the time of application for commitment pursuant to subsection (b) of this section and who (1) is dangerous to himself or dangerous to others unless committed, (2) needs medical treatment for detoxification for potentially life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol or drugs or (3) is incapacitated by alcohol, may be committed for emergency treatment to a treatment facility operated by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services or a private treatment facility approved by the department to provide emergency treatment. The requirement that a person be intoxicated at the time of application may be waived if a licensed physician determines that the person is in immediate need of medical treatment for detoxification for potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. A refusal to undergo treatment shall not constitute evidence of lack of judgment as to the need for treatment.

(b) A physician, spouse, guardian or relative of the person to be committed, or any other responsible person, may make a written application for commitment under this section, directed to the administrator of a treatment facility operated by the department or approved by the department to provide emergency treatment. The application shall state facts to support the need for emergency treatment and be accompanied by a physician's certificate stating that he has examined the person sought to be committed within two days before the certificate's date and facts supporting the need for emergency treatment.

(c) Upon tentative approval of the application by the administrator of the treatment facility, the person shall be transferred to the facility. The medical officer of the treatment facility shall immediately examine the person sought to be committed and advise the administrator of the treatment facility whether the application sustains the grounds to commit the person for emergency treatment. The administrator shall either accept the application or refuse the application if the application fails to sustain the grounds for commitment. If the administrator accepts the application, the person shall be retained at the facility to which he was admitted, or transferred to another appropriate treatment facility, until discharged under subsection (d) of this section.

(d) When, on the advice of the medical officer, the administrator determines that the grounds for commitment for emergency treatment no longer exist, the administrator shall discharge a person committed under this section. No person committed under this section may be detained in any treatment facility for more than five days. If an application for involuntary commitment under section 17a-685 has been filed within the five-day period and the administrator of the treatment facility, on the advice of the medical officer of the facility, finds that grounds for commitment exist under the provisions of said section, he may detain the person until the application has been heard and determined, but no longer than seven business days after filing the application.

(e) A copy of the written application for commitment and a written explanation of the person's right to counsel, shall be given by the administrator of the treatment facility to the person within twenty-four hours after commitment under this section. The administrator shall provide a reasonable opportunity for the person to consult counsel.

(P.A. 74-280, S. 14, 25; P.A. 75-528, S. 8, 15; P.A. 86-371, S. 6, 45; P.A. 90-209, S. 6; P.A. 92-32; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; 93-435, S. 59, 95; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58; P.A. 96-29; P.A. 98-219, S. 13; P.A. 99-32.)

History: P.A. 75-528 substituted “licensed” facilities for “approved” facilities; P.A. 86-371 substituted a reference to the commission for a reference to the department of mental health; P.A. 90-209 substantially rewrote the provisions of the section, revised the Subsec. indicators, expanded the emergency commitment procedures to persons whose functioning is impaired as a result of the use of drugs and to persons who are dangerous to themselves or in need of medical treatment for detoxification from alcohol or drugs and increased the number of days which a person may be committed for emergency treatment from three to five days; Sec. 17-155x transferred to Sec. 17a-626 in 1991; P.A. 92-32 amended Subsec. (b) by eliminating provision prohibiting a physician employed by admitting facility or commission from being certifying physician; P.A. 93-381 and P.A. 93-435 replaced Connecticut alcohol and drug abuse commission with department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-626 transferred to Sec. 19a-126d in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 96-29 limited Subsec. (a) to persons intoxicated at the time of application; Sec. 19a-126d transferred to Sec. 17a-684 in 1997; P.A. 98-219 amended Subsec. (d) by changing “petition” to “application” and increased maximum detention period from five to seven days; P.A. 99-32 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provision allowing waiver of requirement of intoxication at time of application.

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Sec. 17a-685. (Formerly Sec. 19a-126e). Application for involuntary commitment. Notice of hearing. Order of commitment. Recommitment. Discharge. Application for termination of commitment or recommitment and discharge. (a) Who may make application. Any person, including the spouse, a relative or a conservator of a person sought to be committed, a physician issuing a certificate under subsection (b) of this section or the administrator of a treatment facility may make application to the Probate Court to commit a person to an inpatient treatment facility for treatment for alcohol dependency or drug dependency. The application shall be brought to the probate court for the district in which the respondent resides, or, if the respondent's residence is out of state or unknown, for the district in which he or she is at the time of filing the application. In any case in which the person is being treated in a facility, and an application is filed in accordance with the provisions of this section, jurisdiction shall be vested in the probate court for the district in which the facility where such person is a patient is located. If the respondent is confined to a facility, notwithstanding the provisions of section 45a-7, the judge of probate for the district in which the application was filed shall hold the hearing on the application at the facility where such person is confined.

(b) Contents of application and physician's certificate. Order for disclosure of medical information. The application shall allege that the person is an alcohol-dependent person or a drug-dependent person who is dangerous to himself or herself or dangerous to others when he or she is an intoxicated person or who is gravely disabled. The application shall contain a statement that the applicant has arranged for treatment in a treatment facility. A statement to that effect from such facility shall be attached to the application. At or before the hearing on the application, there shall be filed with the court a certificate of a licensed physician who has examined the person within two days before submission of the application. The physician's certificate shall set forth the physician's findings, including clinical observation or information, or the person's medical history, in support of the allegations of the application, and a finding of whether the person presently needs and is likely to benefit from treatment, and shall include a recommendation as to the type and length of treatment and inpatient facilities available for such treatment. A physician employed by the private treatment facility to which the person is to be committed is not eligible to be the certifying physician. An application filed by a person other than the certifying physician shall set forth the facts and information upon which the applicant bases his or her allegations and the names and addresses of all physicians. Upon the filing of an application under this section, the court may issue an order for the disclosure of the medical information required pursuant to this subsection.

(c) Hearing date. Notice. Upon receipt of the application, the court shall assign a time for a hearing not later than seven business days after the date the application was filed. A copy of the application and physician's certificate and the notice of the hearing, shall be served, by a state marshal, constable or indifferent person not later than three business days before the hearing on the respondent, unless the respondent is in a facility, in which case such notice shall be by regular mail. Such notice shall inform such respondent that he or she has a right to be present at the hearing, that he or she has the right to counsel and, if indigent, to have counsel appointed to represent him or her, and that such respondent has a right to cross-examine witnesses testifying at any hearing upon that application. The court shall cause a recording of the testimony of such hearing to be made, to be transcribed only in the event of an appeal from the decree rendered pursuant to this section. A copy of such transcript shall be furnished without charge to any appellant whom the Court of Probate finds is unable to pay for the same. The cost of said transcript shall be paid from funds appropriated to the Judicial Department. The court shall cause notice of said hearing to be given by regular mail to the respondent's next of kin, a parent or legal guardian if the respondent is a minor, the administrator of the treatment facility if the respondent has been committed for emergency treatment pursuant to section 17a-684, and the administrator of the treatment facility to which the respondent is to be admitted. The court may order such notice as it directs to other persons having an interest in the respondent. If the court finds such respondent is indigent or otherwise unable to pay for counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for such respondent, unless such respondent refuses counsel and the court finds that the respondent understands the nature of such refusal. The court shall appoint counsel for the respondent from a panel of attorneys admitted to practice in this state provided by the Probate Court Administrator in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Probate Court Administrator in accordance with section 45a-77. The reasonable compensation of appointed counsel shall be established by, and paid from funds appropriated to, the Judicial Department. If funds have not been included in the budget of the Judicial Department for such purposes, such compensation shall be established by the Probate Court Administrator and paid from the Probate Court Administration Fund. Prior to such hearing such respondent, or the respondent's counsel, in accordance with the provisions of sections 52-146d to 52-146i, inclusive, shall be afforded access to all records, including without limitation, hospital records if such respondent is hospitalized, and shall be entitled to take notes therefrom. If such respondent is hospitalized at the time of the hearing, the hospital shall make available at such hearing for use by the respondent or the respondent's counsel all records in its possession relating to the condition of the respondent. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 52-146d to 52-146i, inclusive, all such hospital records directly relating to the respondent shall be admissible at the request of any party or the Probate Court in any proceeding relating to the confinement to or release from a hospital or treatment facility. Nothing in this section shall prevent timely objections to the admissibility of evidence in accordance with the rules of civil procedure.

(d) Commitment order. If, after hearing all relevant evidence, including the results of any diagnostic examination, the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the respondent is an alcohol-dependent person or a drug-dependent person who is dangerous to himself or herself or dangerous to others when he or she is an intoxicated person or who is gravely disabled, it shall make an order of commitment to a treatment facility for inpatient treatment for a period of not less than thirty nor more than one hundred eighty days. The court may not order commitment of a respondent unless it determines that the treatment facility is able to provide adequate and appropriate treatment for such respondent and that the treatment is likely to be beneficial. In any proceeding pursuant to this subsection, the provisions of section 17a-686 shall apply.

(e) Expiration of commitment period. A person committed under this section shall remain in the custody of the administrator of the treatment facility for inpatient treatment for the commitment period unless sooner discharged under the provisions of subsection (k) of this section by the administrator of the treatment facility. At the end of the commitment period, a person committed under this section shall be discharged automatically unless the administrator, before expiration of the period, obtains a court order for recommitment pursuant to the provisions of subsection (f) of this section for inpatient treatment. When the person is discharged, the administrator shall, if recommended by the medical officer of the facility, refer the person to an outpatient treatment facility for treatment pursuant to the provisions of subsection (j) of this section.

(f) Application for recommitment. The administrator of an inpatient treatment facility, before expiration of the commitment period ordered in subsection (d) of this section, or the administrator of an outpatient treatment facility, before expiration of the outpatient treatment period set forth in subsection (j) of this section, may, on the advice of the medical officer of the facility, make application to the court for recommitment of the person to a treatment facility for inpatient treatment. An application for recommitment shall allege that the respondent is an alcohol-dependent person or a drug-dependent person who needs further inpatient treatment and is likely to benefit from such treatment, and, if the respondent is in an outpatient facility, that the respondent is not successfully participating in the outpatient program.

(g) Recommitment hearing date. Notice. Upon the receipt of an application for recommitment under subsection (f) of this section, the court shall assign a time for hearing no later than ten business days after the date the application was filed. A copy of the application and of the notice of the hearing, including the date fixed by the court, shall be sent by regular mail at least seven days before the hearing, to the respondent, the respondent's next of kin, the original applicant under subsection (a) of this section if different from the applicant for recommitment, the respondent's parents or legal guardian if the respondent is a minor, the administrator of the treatment facility to which the respondent is admitted or to be admitted and any other person the court believes advisable. The applicant shall be notified of the hearing date not later than three business days before the hearing.

(h) Recommitment order. If after hearing all relevant evidence, including the results of any diagnostic examination, the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the respondent is an alcohol-dependent person or a drug-dependent person who needs further inpatient treatment and who is likely to benefit from such treatment, and, if the respondent is in an outpatient treatment facility, that the respondent is not successfully participating in the outpatient program, it shall make an order of recommitment to an inpatient treatment facility for treatment for a period of not less than thirty nor more than one hundred eighty days. The court may not order recommitment of a respondent unless it determines that the treatment facility is able to provide adequate and appropriate treatment for such respondent and that the treatment is likely to be beneficial. The court shall not make more than one recommitment order immediately following an original commitment order under subsection (d) of this section nor more than one recommitment order from an outpatient treatment facility. In any proceeding pursuant to this subsection, the provisions of section 17a-686 shall apply.

(i) Expiration of recommitment period. A person recommitted under subsection (h) of this section who has not been discharged before the end of the recommitment period shall be discharged automatically at the expiration of that period. When the recommitted person is discharged, the administrator of the treatment facility shall, if advised to do so by the medical officer of the facility, refer the person to an outpatient treatment facility for treatment pursuant to the provisions of subsection (j) of this section.

(j) Outpatient treatment after commitment or recommitment period. A person referred to an outpatient treatment facility pursuant to the provisions of subsection (e) or (i) of this section shall remain in outpatient treatment for a period of twelve months unless sooner discharged by the administrator of the treatment facility, on the advice of the medical officer of the facility, or unless, before expiration of the period of outpatient treatment, the administrator obtains a court order of recommitment for inpatient treatment as provided in subsection (h) of this section.

(k) Discharge before expiration of commitment period. The administrator of a treatment facility, on the advice of the medical officer, shall discharge a person committed or recommitted for treatment at any time before the end of the period for which such person has been committed if the person is no longer an alcohol-dependent person or a drug-dependent person in need of further treatment, further treatment will not be likely to bring about significant improvement in the person's condition or treatment is no longer adequate or appropriate.

(l) Application to terminate commitment. If a committed or recommitted person has not been discharged pursuant to subsection (k) of this section, any responsible person, including the committed or recommitted person, may make application to the Probate Court for termination of commitment or recommitment and discharge from the treatment facility. The application shall allege that the committed or recommitted person is no longer an alcohol-dependent person or a drug-dependent person in need of further treatment, that further treatment will not be likely to bring about significant improvement in the person's condition or that treatment is no longer adequate or appropriate. Upon receipt of any such application, such court shall assign a time, not later than ten business days thereafter, and a place for hearing such application, and shall cause reasonable notice thereof to be given to the applicant, the administrator of the treatment facility and any other person the court deems advisable. Such notice shall inform the applicant that he or she has the right to be present at the hearing and to present evidence at the hearing, that he or she has a right to counsel, that he or she, if indigent, has a right to have counsel appointed to represent him or her, and that such applicant has a right to cross-examine witnesses at any hearing on such application. The provisions of section 17a-686 shall apply. If, after hearing, the court determines that the grounds alleged in the application exist, it shall order termination of the commitment or recommitment and discharge of the committed or recommitted person, except that the court may not order the discharge of an alcohol-dependent person or drug-dependent person who the court determines is likely to become dangerous to himself or herself or dangerous to others when he is an intoxicated person.

(m) Temporary leave from treatment facility. The administrator of a treatment facility to which a committed or recommitted person has been committed or recommitted may, under such restrictions or agreements as the administrator deems advisable and on the advice of the medical officer of the facility, permit the person to leave the treatment facility temporarily, in the charge of such person's guardian, conservator, relatives or friends, or by himself or herself.

(n) Expenses. All the expenses in connection with an application filed under sections 17a-684 to 17a-686, inclusive, shall be paid by the applicant, unless the applicant is indigent, in which case such expenses shall be paid by the state from funds appropriated to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services in accordance with rates established by said department, and attorney's fees shall be established by, and paid from funds appropriated to, the Judicial Department. If funds have not been included in the budget of the Judicial Department for such attorney's fees, such fees shall be established by the Probate Court Administrator and paid from the Probate Court Administration Fund, provided in no event shall the expenses under subsection (l) of this section be paid for any one applicant for more than two hearings per year.

(P.A. 74-280, S. 15, 25; P.A. 75-528, S. 9–12, 15; 75-569, S. 8; P.A. 76-435, S. 54, 82; 76-436, S. 482, 681; P.A. 79-585, S. 1, 15; P.A. 86-371, S. 7, 45; P.A. 89-390, S. 12, 37; P.A. 90-209, S. 7; P.A. 91-406, S. 17, 29; P.A. 92-157, S. 1; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; 93-435, S. 59, 95; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58; P.A. 98-219, S. 14; P.A. 99-84, S. 2; P.A. 00-99, S. 54, 154; P.A. 04-142, S. 8.)

History: P.A. 75-528 substituted “licensed” facilities for “approved” facilities and replaced circuit court with court of common pleas and “circuit” with “geographical area” in Subsec. (a); P.A. 75-569 changed hearing deadline in Subsec. (b) from ten to five days after petition filed, limited recommitment orders to two in Subsec. (f), replaced reference to offenses and violations with misdemeanors in Subsec. (i) and changed section referred to in Subsec. (l) from 17-155y to 17-155v; P.A. 76-435 deleted word “unemancipated” with reference to minors in Subsecs. (b) and (g); P.A. 76-436 replaced court of common pleas with superior court in Subsec. (a) and substituted “this section” for reference to Sec. 17-155y and “state's attorney or assistant state's attorney” for “prosecutor” in Subsec. (l), effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 79-585 replaced commission on adult probation with office of adult probation in Subsecs. (i) and (j); P.A. 86-371 substituted references to the executive director and the commission for references to the commissioner and the department and made technical changes; P.A. 89-390 deleted former Subsec. (i) which authorized the court to suspend the prosecution of an alcoholic person accused of a misdemeanor, to commit such person to the custody of the office of adult probation for treatment by the executive director and to dismiss the charges against such person, amended Subsec. (i), formerly Subsec. (j), to delete provision re commitment of a person to the custody of the office of adult probation for treatment by the executive director, deleted former Subsec. (l) which required the executive director or medical officer in charge of a treatment facility to give notice prior to the discharge of a patient committed pursuant to former Subsec. (i), and relettered the intervening and remaining Subsecs. accordingly; P.A. 90-209 substantially rewrote the provisions of the section, relettered Subsec. indicators, made involuntary commitment procedures for alcohol-dependent and drug-dependent persons the same (former procedures for drug-dependent persons were in repealed Secs. 19a-379 and 19a-380), deleted provisions re conduct of hearing, changed the length of time persons can be involuntarily committed, gave custody of committed persons to the administrator of the treatment facility rather than to the executive director of the commission on alcohol and drug abuse and added provisions re petitions for termination of commitment or recommitment and discharge (transferred with changes from Sec. 17-155z(e)); Sec. 17-155y transferred to Sec. 17a-627 in 1991; P.A. 91-406 confirmed the numbering of this section as Sec. 17a-627, thereby correcting a typographical error; P.A. 92-157 amended Subsec. (e) by deleting provision requiring administrator to apply for recommitment if he determines likelihood that person will become dangerous to himself or others when intoxicated and amended Subsec. (k) by deleting provision prohibiting administrator from discharging alcohol-dependent or drug-dependent person who is likely to become dangerous to himself or others when intoxicated; P.A. 93-381 and P.A. 93-435 replaced Connecticut alcohol and drug abuse commission with department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-627 transferred to Sec. 19a-126e in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-126e transferred to Sec. 17a-685 in 1997; P.A. 98-219 revised section, transferring jurisdiction re involuntary commitment for alcohol or drug dependency from Superior Court to Probate Court; P.A. 99-84 amended Subsec. (f) by deleting requirement that an application for recommitment for inpatient treatment allege that alcohol or drug dependent person is likely to become dangerous to himself or herself or others when intoxicated or likely to become gravely disabled, and amended Subsec. (g) by changing notice of hearing to be sent at least seven days before hearing; P.A. 00-99 replaced reference to sheriff and deputy sheriff with state marshal in Subsec. (c), effective December 1, 2000; P.A. 04-142 amended Subsec. (b) by replacing provision re physician's certificate to accompany the application with provision re physician's certificate to be filed with the court at or before the hearing and by adding provision re court order for disclosure of required medical information.

Annotation to former section 17-155y:

Cited. 169 C. 13.

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Sec. 17a-686. (Formerly Sec. 19a-126f). Procedural rules and rights during determinations of commitment, recommitment and termination of commitment and recommitment and discharge. The person shall be informed of his right to be examined by a licensed physician of his choice. If the person is unable to obtain a licensed physician and requests examination by a physician, the court shall employ a licensed physician.

(a) At any hearing on an application for commitment, recommitment or termination and discharge, the court shall inquire into the facts of the application. The following provisions shall apply to the hearing:

(1) The respondent shall be present unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that his presence would be injurious to himself. If the person is not present, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent him;

(2) The court shall examine the person in open court, or, if the person is not present, examine him in such a private setting as the court may determine;

(3) The respondent or his representative may present evidence and cross-examine witnesses;

(4) The court shall order any examining physician to appear if the person notifies the court not less than two days before the hearing that he wishes to cross-examine such physician. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide medical testimony;

(5) The Connecticut rules of evidence shall be observed.

(b) If, at the time of the hearing, the person is being treated at a treatment facility and is medicated, the treatment facility shall notify the court of the medication and of the common effects thereof.

(c) The court may not order a commitment or recommitment unless the evidence presented includes the report of at least one licensed physician who has examined the person which supports the allegations of the application for commitment or recommitment.

(d) If a private treatment facility agrees with the request of a patient or his parent, sibling, adult child or legal representative to accept the patient for treatment, the administrator of the treatment facility operated by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall transfer him to the private treatment facility.

(e) In any contested proceeding for commitment, recommitment, or termination and discharge, the Attorney General shall, upon request, represent the administrator of a treatment facility operated by the department.

(P.A. 74-280, S. 16, 25; P.A. 75-569, S. 9; P.A. 76-436, S. 484, 681; P.A. 86-371, S. 8, 45; P.A. 90-209, S. 8; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 17, 39; 93-435, S. 59, 95; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58; P.A. 98-219, S. 15.)

History: P.A. 75-569 made appointment of counsel mandatory rather than optional in Subsec. (b) if person so requests and is unable to obtain counsel; P.A. 76-436 replaced court of common pleas with superior court in Subsec. (e), effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 86-371 made technical changes; P.A. 90-209 substantially rewrote the provisions of the section, revised the subsection indicators, added the applicability of the procedures to petitions for termination of commitment or recommitment and discharge and provided that if a person cannot pay for counsel, judicial department funds shall be used; Sec. 17-155z transferred to Sec. 17a-628 in 1991; P.A. 93-381 amended Subsec. (a) to make technical changes and with P.A. 93-435 replaced references to Connecticut drug and alcohol commission with references to department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-628 transferred to Sec. 19a-126f in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-126f transferred to Sec. 17a-686 in 1997; P.A. 98-219 revised section, changing “petition” to “application” and “person” to “respondent”.

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Sec. 17a-686a. Application for writ of habeas corpus for confined individual. An individual confined in a hospital or inpatient treatment facility for treatment of alcohol or drug dependency in this state may seek a writ of habeas corpus in the Superior Court. The question of the legality of such confinement shall be determined by the court or judge issuing such writ. The writ shall be directed to the superintendent or director of the hospital or treatment facility and, if illegality or invalidity of the commitment is alleged in such writ, a copy shall also be directed to the judge of the committing court as to such claim. Such judge shall be represented by the state's attorney for the judicial district in which such committing court is located. If the court or judge before whom such case is brought decides that the confinement is not illegal, such decision shall not bar issuance of such writ again, provided it is claimed that such individual is no longer subject to the condition for which the individual was confined. Such writ may be sought by the confined individual or on behalf of the individual by any relative, friend or person interested in the individual's welfare. Court fees may not be charged against the superintendent or director of the hospital or the judge.

(P.A. 07-116, S. 25.)

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Sec. 17a-687. (Formerly Sec. 19a-126g). Visitation and communication with patients. (a) Subject to reasonable rules regarding hours of visitation which the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services may adopt, patients in any treatment facility or hospital shall be granted opportunities for adequate consultation with counsel, and for continuing contact with family and friends consistent with an effective treatment program.

(b) Neither mail nor other communication to or from a patient in any treatment facility or hospital may be intercepted, read or censored. The commissioner may adopt reasonable rules regarding the use of telephones by patients in such facilities.

(P.A. 74-280, S. 17, 25; P.A. 75-528, S. 13, 15; 75-569, S. 10; P.A. 86-371, S. 9, 45; P.A. 90-209, S. 9; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; 93-435, S. 59, 95; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58.)

History: P.A. 75-528 substituted “licensed” facilities for “approved” facilities and included other medical facilities in Subsecs. (b) and (c); P.A. 75-569 deleted Subsec. (a) re records and information retained in cases where criminal charge not lodged and redesignated remaining Subsecs. accordingly; P.A. 86-371 substituted reference to the executive director for references to the commissioner; P.A. 90-209 substituted “treatment facility or hospital” for “licensed treatment facility or other medical facility”; Sec. 17-155aa transferred to Sec. 17a-629 in 1991; P.A. 93-381 and P.A. 93-435 replaced executive director with commissioner of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-629 transferred to Sec. 19a-126g in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-126g transferred to Sec. 17a-687 in 1997.

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Sec. 17a-688. (Formerly Sec. 19a-126h). Record keeping and confidentiality. Permitted disclosure. Treatment or rehabilitation of minor. (a) All records maintained by the court of cases coming before it under the provisions of sections 17a-673 and 17a-680 to 17a-690, inclusive, shall be sealed and available only to the respondent or the respondent's counsel unless the court, after hearing held with notice to the respondent, determines such record should be disclosed for cause shown.

(b) Medical treatment facilities shall keep and submit such records of all persons examined, admitted or treated pursuant to sections 17a-673 and 17a-680 to 17a-690, inclusive, as may be required by the department.

(c) No person, hospital or treatment facility may disclose or permit the disclosure of, nor may the department disclose or permit the disclosure of, the identity, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment of any such patient that would constitute a violation of federal statutes concerning confidentiality of alcohol or drug patient records and any regulations pursuant thereto, as such federal statutes and regulations may be amended from time to time. The department shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to protect the confidentiality of any such information that is obtained by the department.

(d) If the person seeking treatment or rehabilitation for alcohol dependence or drug dependence is a minor, the fact that the minor sought such treatment or rehabilitation or that the minor is receiving such treatment or rehabilitation, shall not be reported or disclosed to the parents or legal guardian of the minor without the minor's consent. The minor may give legal consent to receipt of such treatment and rehabilitation. A minor shall be personally liable for all costs and expenses for alcohol and drug dependency treatment afforded to the minor at the minor's request under section 17a-682.

(e) The commissioner may use or make available to authorized persons information from patients' records for purposes of conducting scientific research, management audits, financial audits or program evaluation, provided such information shall not be utilized in a manner that discloses a patient's name or other identifying information.

(P.A. 74-280, S. 18, 25; P.A. 75-569, S. 11; P.A. 77-544, S. 10, 16; P.A. 86-371, S. 10, 45; P.A. 90-209, S. 10; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 18, 39; 93-435, S. 59, 95; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58; P.A. 99-234, S. 5; P.A. 00-27, S. 7, 24; P.A. 09-145, S. 15.)

History: P.A. 75-569 rewrote section, deleting former Subsec. (a) re records kept by medical and treatment facilities, replacing former Subsec. (b), now (a), re report to commissioner with statement that records be submitted at department's request, replacing disclosure provisions in former Subsec. (c), now (b), and replacing former Subsec. (d), now (c) re notification of next-of-kin or police of patient's admission and condition with provisions for availability of information to authorized persons for purposes stated; P.A. 77-544 replaced reference to specific federal laws in Subsec. (b) with general descriptive phrase; P.A. 86-371 substituted references to commission and executive director for references to department and commissioner of mental health and made technical changes; P.A. 90-209 added new Subsec. (a) re disclosure of records maintained by court, relettered former Subsecs. (a) and (b) as Subsecs. (b) and (c), in new Subsec. (c) substituted “no person, hospital, treatment facility or the commission may disclose or permit the disclosure of” for “the commission shall not permit the disclosure of” and made technical changes, added new Subsec. (d) re minors (provisions re confidentiality and payment liability for a minor seeking drug treatment were incorporated from repealed Secs. 19a-382 and 19a-385) and in new Subsec. (e) made a technical change; Sec. 17-155bb transferred to Sec. 17a-630 in 1991; P.A. 93-381 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to make technical changes and, with P.A. 93-435, replaced references to commission on alcohol and drug abuse and its executive director with references to commissioner and department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-630 transferred to Sec. 19a-126h in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-126h transferred to Sec. 17a-688 in 1997; P.A. 99-234 deleted obsolete reference to Sec. 17a-677; P.A. 00-27 made technical changes in Subsecs. (a), (c), (d) and (e), effective May 1, 2000; P.A. 09-145 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) by deleting references to Sec. 17a-465a.

Annotations to former section 17-155bb:

Cited. 203 C. 641; 212 C. 50.

Annotations to former section 17a-630:

Cited. 225 C. 450; 230 C. 43.

Cited. 30 CA 839; 33 CA 647.

Annotation to present section:

Subsec. (c):

Impliedly authorizes plaintiff to maintain a private cause of action for injunctive relief. 54 CA 663.

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Sec. 17a-689. (Formerly Sec. 19a-126i). Liability of medical or police officer. False commitment and fraud, penalties. (a) No medical officer or staff member of a treatment facility or hospital who submits any report or files any petition required or authorized by sections 17a-673 and 17a-680 to 17a-690, inclusive, shall be held to have violated any otherwise confidential relationship.

(b) Any medical officer or staff member of a treatment facility or hospital acting in compliance with sections 17a-673 and 17a-680 to 17a-690, inclusive, shall be deemed to be acting in the course of his official duty and shall not be criminally or civilly liable therefor.

(c) Any police officer acting in compliance with sections 17a-465, 17a-673 and 17a-680 to 17a-690, inclusive, shall be deemed to be acting in the course of official duty and shall not be criminally or civilly liable therefor.

(d) Any person who is lawfully designated to assist in protective custody and transport under the provisions of section 17a-683 shall be deemed to be acting in the course of official duty and shall not be criminally or civilly liable therefor.

(e) Any person who wilfully and knowingly causes or attempts to cause any person not an alcohol-dependent person or not a drug-dependent person to be committed pursuant to section 17a-684, or section 17a-685, or any person who knowingly makes a false statement of fact or belief in any petition, certificate or report required by sections 17a-673 and 17a-680 to 17a-690, inclusive, or any person who wilfully and knowingly reports falsely to any court, judge, prosecutor or law enforcement officer that any person is an alcohol-dependent person or a drug-dependent person, may be imprisoned not more than one year or fined not more than one thousand dollars or both.

(f) Any person who fraudulently makes application for treatment as a drug-dependent person, or who makes more than one application for such treatment with the intent of obtaining controlled drugs in excess of that provided for a patient in treatment or to conceal or thwart a prior treatment program at another or the same treatment facility, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

(P.A. 74-280, S. 19, 25; P.A. 75-569, S. 12; P.A. 86-371, S. 11, 45; P.A. 90-209, S. 11; P.A. 93-381, S. 19, 39; P.A. 99-234, S. 8; P.A. 09-145, S. 16.)

History: P.A. 75-569 added references to licensed facilities, inserted new Subsec. (d) re persons acting in course of official duty and relettered former Subsec. (d) as Subsec. (e); P.A. 86-371 substituted reference to executive director for reference to commissioner of mental health; P.A. 90-209 substituted “treatment facility or hospital” for “medical or licensed treatment facility” in Subsec. (a) and for “licensed treatment or other medical facility” in Subsec. (b), in Subsec. (e) substituted “alcohol-dependent person” for “alcoholic” and added references to drug-dependent persons (transferred from repealed Sec. 19a-392 with changes) and added that the penalties apply to false statements in certificates required by the chapter and added new Subsec. (f) re penalties for fraudulent applications (transferred from repealed Sec. 19a-391 with technical changes); Sec. 17-155cc transferred to Sec. 17a-631 in 1991; P.A. 93-381 made technical changes, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-631 transferred to Sec. 19a-126i in 1995; Sec. 19a-126i transferred to Sec. 17a-689 in 1997; P.A. 99-234 deleted obsolete reference to Sec. 17a-677; P.A. 09-145 amended Subsecs. (a), (b), (c) and (e) by deleting references to Sec. 17a-465a and amended Subsec. (c) by adding reference to Sec. 17a-465.

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Sec. 17a-690. (Formerly Sec. 19a-126j). Local ordinance against intoxication not to include criminal or civil penalty. Exceptions. (a) No town, city or borough or other political subdivision may adopt or enforce a local ordinance that includes drinking intoxicating liquor, being a common drunkard or being found in an intoxicated condition as one of the elements of an offense giving rise to a criminal or civil penalty or sanction.

(b) No town, city or borough may interpret or apply any law of general application to circumvent the provision of subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Nothing in sections 17a-465, 17a-673 and 17a-680 to 17a-690, inclusive, shall affect any law against driving under the influence of alcoholic liquor, or other similar offense involving the operation of a vehicle, aircraft, boat, machinery or other equipment, or regarding the sale, purchase, dispensing, possessing or use of alcoholic beverages at stated times and places or by a particular class of persons.

(P.A. 74-280, S. 20, 25; P.A. 93-381, S. 20, 39; P.A. 99-234, S. 9; P.A. 09-145, S. 17.)

History: Sec. 17-155dd transferred to Sec. 17a-632 in 1991; P.A. 93-381 amended Subsec. (c) to make technical changes, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-632 transferred to Sec. 19a-126j in 1995; Sec. 19a-126j transferred to Sec. 17a-690 in 1997; P.A. 99-234 deleted obsolete reference to Sec. 17a-677; P.A. 09-145 amended Subsec. (c) by deleting reference to Sec. 17a-465a and adding reference to Sec. 17a-465.

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Sec. 17a-691. (Formerly Sec. 19a-127). Definitions. As used in sections 17a-691 to 17a-701, inclusive:

(a) “Alcohol-dependent person” means an alcohol-dependent person as defined in section 17a-680.

(b) “Court” means Superior Court.

(d) “Drug-dependent person” means a drug-dependent person as defined in section 17a-680.

(e) “Treatment program” means a program operated by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services or approved by the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services for treatment of both the physical and psychological effects of alcohol or drug dependency, provided such program is not intended solely to detoxify an alcohol-dependent or drug-dependent person.

(P.A. 89-390, S. 1, 37; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8, S. 13, 88; P.A. 98-219, S. 16.)

History: (Revisor's note: In 1991 “alcohol-dependent person” was substituted editorially by the Revisors for “alcoholic” in Subdiv. (a) to conform definition with provisions of P.A. 90-209, S. 1); P.A. 93-381 replaced Connecticut alcohol and drug abuse commission and executive director with department and commissioner of public health and addiction services, respectively, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-648 transferred to Sec. 19a-127 in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-127 transferred to Sec. 17a-691 in 1997; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8 amended Subsecs. (b) and (c) by replacing references to Sec. 21a-240 with Sec. 17a-680 and Subsec. (d) by deleting programs operated by Department of Correction from definition of “treatment program”, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 98-219 added definition of “court” as Subdiv. (b), redesignating former Subdivs. (b) to (d), inclusive, as (c) to (e).

Annotations to former section 17a-648:

Cited. 223 C. 907; 226 C. 191.

Cited. 27 CA 225.

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Sec. 17a-692. (Formerly Sec. 19a-127a). Responsibilities and authority of Court Support Services Division re persons ordered treated for alcohol or drug dependency. (a) The Court Support Services Division shall supervise (1) any person charged with a crime for whom the court, pursuant to the provisions of section 17a-696, has suspended prosecution and ordered treated for alcohol or drug dependency, and (2) any person convicted of a crime whom the court, pursuant to the provisions of section 17a-699, has sentenced to a period of probation and ordered treated for alcohol or drug dependency.

(b) The Court Support Services Division may (1) coordinate, pursuant to the provisions of section 17a-694, the examination of any person under its supervision, (2) coordinate the placement of such person for treatment for alcohol or drug dependency, and (3) monitor the progress and behavior of such person in the treatment program.

(c) The Court Support Services Division may transfer any person in a treatment program to another treatment program with the agreement of the director of the program to which the person is proposed to be transferred.

(d) Any person under the supervision of the Court Support Services Division under the provisions of section 17a-696 or 17a-699 may, without any notice, be tested for use of alcohol or drugs.

(P.A. 89-390, S. 2, 37; P.A. 02-132, S. 3; P.A. 22-26, S. 2.)

History: Sec. 17a-649 transferred to Sec. 19a-127a in 1995; Sec. 19a-127a transferred to Sec. 17a-692 in 1997; P.A. 02-132 replaced “Office of Adult Probation” with “Court Support Services Division” throughout and made a technical change in Subsec. (b); P.A. 22-26 amended Subsec. (a) to replace “have custody of” with “supervise”, amended Subsec. (b) to replace “in its custody” with “under its supervision”, and amended Subsec. (d) to replace “in the custody” with “under the supervision”, effective May 10, 2022.

Annotations to former section 17a-649:

Cited. 223 C. 907; 226 C. 191.

Cited. 27 CA 225.

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Sec. 17a-693. (Formerly Sec. 19a-127b). Order for examination for alcohol or drug dependency. The court, on its own motion or on motion of the state's attorney or a person charged with a crime or convicted of a crime but not yet sentenced, may order, if the interests of justice will be served, that such person be examined, pursuant to the provisions of section 17a-694, to determine if the person is alcohol-dependent or drug-dependent and eligible for treatment under section 17a-696 or 17a-699. A probation officer may order that such an examination be conducted as part of a presentence investigation conducted pursuant to the provisions of section 54-91a.

(P.A. 89-390, S. 3, 37.)

History: Sec. 17a-650 transferred to Sec. 19a-127b in 1995; Sec. 19a-127b transferred to Sec. 17a-693 in 1997.

Annotations to former section 17a-650:

Cited. 223 C. 907; 226 C. 191.

Cited. 27 CA 225.

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Sec. 17a-694. (Formerly Sec. 19a-127c). Examination for alcohol or drug dependency. Report. (a) The Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services or the commissioner's designee shall appoint one or more clinical examiners to conduct examinations for alcohol or drug dependency ordered pursuant to the provisions of section 17a-693. Each examiner shall be authorized by the department to conduct independent evaluations.

(b) (1) The examiner shall determine whether the person being examined was an alcohol-dependent or drug-dependent person at the time of the crime. The commissioner shall disclose to the examiner information contained in the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Service's database concerning the date that the person received treatment for alcohol or drug dependence, if at all, and the location where such treatment was provided, for the purpose of allowing the examiner to request a release of treatment information from the department for the person.

(2) If such person is determined to have been dependent on alcohol or drugs, the examiner shall further determine (A) the history and pattern of the dependency, and (B) whether the person presently needs and is likely to benefit from treatment for the dependency. If the examiner determines that the person presently needs and is likely to benefit from treatment, the examiner shall recommend treatment and state the date when space will be available in an appropriate treatment program, provided such date shall not be more than forty-five days from the date of the examination report. A recommendation for treatment shall include provisions for appropriate placement and the type and length of treatment and may include provisions for outpatient treatment.

(c) The examiner shall prepare and sign, without notarization, a written examination report and deliver it to the court, the Court Support Services Division, the state's attorney and defense counsel no later than thirty days after the examination was ordered. An examination report ordered pursuant to this section and section 17a-693 shall otherwise be confidential and not open to public inspection or subject to disclosure.

(d) No statement made by the person in the course of an examination under the provisions of this section may be admitted in evidence on the issue of guilt in a criminal proceeding concerning the person.

(e) No person shall be denied an examination or participation in a program under this section for inability to pay any cost or fee associated with such examination or program, provided (1) the person files with the court an affidavit of indigency or inability to pay and the court enters a finding thereof, or (2) such person has been determined indigent and eligible for representation by a public defender who has been appointed on behalf of such person pursuant to section 51-296. The court shall not require a person to perform community service in lieu of payment of such cost or fee, if such cost or fee is waived.

(P.A. 89-390, S. 4, 37; P.A. 93-142, S. 1, 8; 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8, S. 14, 88; P.A. 02-132, S. 4; P.A. 14-138, S. 5; P.A. 21-102, S. 17.)

History: P.A. 93-142 amended Subsec. (c) by making examination report ordered pursuant to this section and Sec. 19a-127b confidential; P.A. 93-381 replaced Connecticut alcohol and drug abuse commission and executive director with department and commissioner of public health and addiction services, respectively, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-651 transferred to Sec. 19a-127c in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-127c transferred to Sec. 17a-694 in 1997; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8 replaced references to examining committee with clinical examiner, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 02-132 amended Subsec. (c) by replacing “Office of Adult Probation” with “Court Support Services Division”; P.A. 14-138 amended Subsec. (b) by designating existing provisions re examiner to determine whether person was alcohol-dependent or drug-dependent at the time of the crime as Subdiv. (1) and amending same by adding provision re commissioner to disclose information to the examiner, and by designating existing provisions re person determined to have been dependent on alcohol or drugs as Subdiv. (2), and made technical changes in Subsecs. (a) and (b); P.A. 21-102 added Subsec. (e) re prohibition on denying a person an examination or program for inability to pay.

Annotations to former section 17a-651:

Cited. 223 C. 907; 226 C. 191.

Cited. 27 CA 225.

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Sec. 17a-695. (Formerly Sec. 19a-127d). Motion for suspension of prosecution and treatment for alcohol and drug dependency. After receipt by the court of the examination report, the accused person may make a motion for suspension of prosecution and an order of treatment for alcohol or drug dependency pursuant to the provisions of section 17a-696. Unless the opportunity for a hearing is waived by both the accused person and the state's attorney, the court shall hear the motion. The clinical examiner shall not be required to be present to testify on the report unless the presence of the clinical examiner is requested by the court, the accused person or the state's attorney.

(P.A. 89-390, S. 5, 37; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8, S. 15, 88.)

History: Sec. 17a-652 transferred to Sec. 19a-127d in 1995; Sec. 19a-127d transferred to Sec. 17a-695 in 1997; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-15 replaced references to examining committee with clinical examiner, effective July 1, 1997.

Annotations to former section 17a-652:

Cited. 223 C. 907; 226 C. 191.

Cited. 27 CA 225.

Annotation to present section:

Defendant does not possess a right that would be irreparably lost without interlocutory review of a denied motion for treatment of alcohol or drug dependency or suspension of prosecution. 53 CA 781.

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Sec. 17a-696. (Formerly Sec. 19a-127e). Order for suspension of prosecution and treatment for alcohol or drug dependency. (a) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person charged with a violation of section 14-227a, 14-227g or 14-227m, subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of section 14-227n or section 53a-56b or 53a-60d or with a class A, B or C felony or to any person who was twice previously ordered treated under this section, subsection (i) of section 17-155y, section 19a-386 or section 21a-284 of the general statutes revised to 1989, or any combination thereof. The court may waive the ineligibility provisions of this subsection for any person, except that the court shall not waive the ineligibility provisions of this subsection for any person charged with a violation of section 14-227a, 14-227g, 53a-56b or 53a-60d if, at the time of the offense, such person was operating a commercial vehicle, as defined in section 14-1, or held a commercial driver's license or a commercial driver's instruction permit.

(b) The court may order suspension of prosecution and order treatment for alcohol or drug dependency as provided in this section and sections 17a-697 and 17a-698 if it, after considering information before it concerning the alcohol or drug dependency of the person, including the examination report made pursuant to the provisions of section 17a-694, finds that (1) the accused person was an alcohol-dependent or drug-dependent person at the time of the crime, (2) the person presently needs and is likely to benefit from treatment for the dependency, and (3) suspension of prosecution will advance the interests of justice. Treatment may begin no earlier than the date the clinical examiner reports under the provisions of section 17a-694 that space is available in a treatment program. Upon application by any such person for participation in a treatment program, the court shall, but only as to the public, order the court file sealed.

(c) A suspension of prosecution ordered under the provisions of subsection (b) of this section may be for a period not exceeding two years. During the period of suspension, an accused person shall be placed under the supervision of the Court Support Services Division for treatment for alcohol or drug dependency. The court or the Court Support Services Division may require that the person (1) comply with any of the conditions specified in subsections (a) and (b) of section 53a-30, and (2) be tested for use of alcohol or drugs during the period of suspension. The accused person shall, unless indigent, pay the cost of treatment ordered under this section.

(d) If prosecution is suspended under the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, (1) the statute of limitations applicable to the crime charged shall be tolled during the period of suspension, and (2) the accused person shall be deemed to have waived such accused person's right to a speedy trial for the crime charged.

(e) The court shall not suspend prosecution under subsection (b) of this section unless (1) the accused person has acknowledged that he or she understands the consequences of the suspension of prosecution, (2) the accused person has given notice, by registered or certified mail on a form prescribed by the Chief Court Administrator, to the victim, if any, of the crime of which the person is accused and of the pending motion for suspension of prosecution, (3) such victim, if any, has been given an opportunity to be heard on the motion for suspension of prosecution, and (4) the accused person, unless such accused person is indigent, has paid to the clerk of the court an administration fee of twenty-five dollars.

(f) If the prosecution is suspended, the person shall be released on a written promise to appear or on a bond and any other bond posted in any criminal proceeding concerning such person shall be terminated.

(g) If the court denies the motion for suspension of prosecution, the state's attorney may proceed with prosecution of the crime.

(h) A person shall be deemed to be indigent for the purposes of this section if the court determines the person (1) has an estate insufficient to provide for the person's support or there is no other person legally liable or able to support the person, or (2) the person has been determined indigent and eligible for representation by a public defender who has been appointed on behalf of such person pursuant to section 51-296. The court shall not require a person to perform community service in lieu of payment of any cost or fee, if a cost or fee is waived due to indigency.

(P.A. 89-390, S. 6, 37; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8, S. 16, 88; P.A. 02-132, S. 5; P.A. 04-234, S. 23; P.A. 14-233, S. 8; P.A. 16-55, S. 9; 16-126, S. 24; P.A. 21-102, S. 18; P.A. 22-26, S. 3.)

History: (Revisor's note: A reference in Subsec. (a) to “section 17a-627” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “section 17-155y”); Sec. 17a-653 transferred to Sec. 19a-127e in 1995; Sec. 19a-127e transferred to Sec. 17a-696 in 1997; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8 replaced examining committee with clinical examiner in Subsec. (b), effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 02-132 amended Subsec. (c) by replacing “Office of Adult Probation” with “Court Support Services Division” and making a technical change; P.A. 04-234 amended Subsec. (a) to make provisions inapplicable to any person who was “twice” previously ordered treated under section, other specified sections or “any combination thereof” and made technical changes throughout, effective June 8, 2004; P.A. 14-233 amended Subsec. (b) to add provision re court to order file sealed as to the public upon application for participation in treatment program; P.A. 16-55 amended Subsec. (a) by adding reference to Secs. 14-227g and 53a-56b and by adding provision re exception for person charged with violation of Secs. 14-227a, 14-227g, 53a-56b or 53a-60d if person was operating commercial vehicle or held commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit; P.A. 16-126 amended Subsec. (a) by adding references to Secs. 14-227m and 14-227n(a)(1) and (2); P.A. 21-102 amended Subsec. (h) by designating existing provision re insufficient estate as Subdiv. (1), adding Subdiv. (2) re finding of indigency based on eligibility for a public defender, and adding prohibition on requiring a person to perform community service in lieu of cost or fee; P.A. 22-26 amended Subsec. (c) by replacing “in the custody” with “under the supervision”, effective May 10, 2022.

Annotations to former section 17a-653:

Cited. 223 C. 907; 226 C. 191.

Cited. 27 CA 225.

Annotation to present section:

Defendant does not possess a right that would be irreparably lost without interlocutory review of a denied motion for treatment of alcohol or drug dependency or suspension of prosecution. 53 CA 781.

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Sec. 17a-697. (Formerly Sec. 19a-127f). Completion of treatment program. Dismissal of charges. (a) The director of the treatment program shall discharge from treatment any person being treated pursuant to the provisions of section 17a-696 who completes the treatment program. The director of the program shall notify the Court Support Services Division of his intent to discharge such person at least seven days before the date the person is to be discharged.

(b) At any time before the end of the period of suspension of prosecution, the Court Support Services Division may recommend to the court that the charge be dismissed if the person has (1) completed the treatment program, (2) complied with all conditions set under subsection (c) of section 17a-696, and (3) abstained from the use of alcohol for one year if such person was alcohol dependent or abstained from the unlawful use of drugs for one year if such person was drug dependent.

(c) Not later than one month before the end of the period of suspension of prosecution, the Court Support Services Division shall notify the court of the impending conclusion of the suspension and submit a report on whether the person has completed the treatment program and has complied with all conditions set under subsection (c) of section 17a-696 and on whether the Court Support Services Division recommends dismissal of the charge.

(d) If the court, on motion by the person discharged from treatment, or on its own motion, finds that the person (1) is responding favorably to treatment at the expiration of the period of suspension of prosecution or has completed the treatment program, and (2) has complied with all other conditions of suspension, it may dismiss the charge for which prosecution had been suspended under the provisions of section 17a-696. If the court denies the motion and terminates the suspension of prosecution, the state's attorney may proceed with prosecution of the crime.

(P.A. 89-390, S. 7, 37; P.A. 02-132, S. 6.)

History: Sec. 17a-654 transferred to Sec. 19a-127f in 1995; Sec. 19a-127f transferred to Sec. 17a-697 in 1997; P.A. 02-132 replaced “office of adult probation” and “office” with “Court Support Services Division” in Subsecs. (a), (b) and (c) and made technical changes in Subsecs. (b) and (d).

Annotations to former section 17a-654:

Cited. 223 C. 907; 226 C. 191.

Cited. 27 CA 225.

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Sec. 17a-698. (Formerly Sec. 19a-127g). Modification or termination of suspension of prosecution prior to completion of treatment program. (a) The court shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the conditions of the suspension of prosecution should be modified or the suspension terminated, if the Court Support Services Division, after receipt of a report from the director of the treatment program, notifies the clerk of the court that a person treated pursuant to section 17a-696 (1) has committed a violent act against another person at the treatment program facility or a violent act that damages property at the treatment program facility, (2) has threatened to commit such a violent act, (3) has committed a serious violation of rules of the treatment program, (4) has repeatedly committed violations of program rules that inhibit the person's ability to function in the program, (5) has continually refused to participate in the program, (6) has asked to be removed from the program, or (7) is unable to participate in the treatment program because of a medical or psychosocial condition which is not appropriately treated by the program operated by the facility. The director of the treatment program shall have the burden of establishing facts to support his report. If the court terminates the suspension, the state's attorney may proceed with prosecution of the crime.

(b) If a person being treated has not complied with conditions set pursuant to subsection (c) of section 17a-696, the Court Support Services Division shall notify the clerk of the court. The court may terminate the suspension of prosecution and the state's attorney may proceed with prosecution of the crime if the court, after a hearing, finds the person has not complied with such conditions.

(c) A person who has not completed treatment may not be discharged sooner than four days after the Court Support Services Division is notified of the proposed discharge, except that if immediate discharge from treatment is necessary to protect the health or safety of persons in the program or staff of the program, the person may be discharged less than four days after notification with the agreement of the Court Support Services Division.

(P.A. 89-390, S. 8, 37; P.A. 02-132, S. 7.)

History: Sec. 17a-655 transferred to Sec. 19a-127g in 1995; Sec. 19a-127g transferred to Sec. 17a-698 in 1997; P.A. 02-132 replaced “Office of Adult Probation” with “Court Support Services Division” throughout and made a technical change in Subsec. (a).

Annotations to former section 17a-655:

Cited. 223 C. 907; 226 C. 191.

Cited. 27 CA 225.

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Sec. 17a-699. (Formerly Sec. 19a-127h). Order of treatment for alcohol or drug dependency of convicted person. (a) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person convicted of murder, attempt to commit murder, kidnapping, robbery in the first degree or any felony involving serious physical injury or to any person who has been previously ordered to be treated under this section or section 19a-387 or 21a-285 of the general statutes, revised to 1989.

(b) Before sentencing a convicted person, the court may consider any information before it concerning the alcohol or drug dependency of the person, including an examination report made pursuant to section 17a-694. The court may impose a sentence and order treatment as provided in subsection (c) of this section if the court finds that (1) the convicted person was an alcohol-dependent or drug-dependent person at the time of the crime for which he was convicted, (2) there was a relationship between the dependency and the crime, (3) the person presently needs and is likely to benefit from treatment for the dependency, (4) the person is not ineligible under subsection (a) of this section and (5) the person meets the criteria for probation under subsection (c) of section 53a-29.

(c) The court may, after imposing sentence, (1) suspend execution of a sentence of imprisonment, either entirely or after a period set by the court, (2) impose a period of probation as provided in this section and subsections (b) and (c) of section 53a-28, and (3) as a condition of probation, order the Court Support Services Division to place the person in an appropriate treatment program for alcohol or drug dependency. The court may require that a probation officer have at least one contact per week with the treatment program in which the person is participating and at least one contact per week with the person when such person is not participating in an inpatient program. Placement in a treatment program shall be no earlier than the date that space is available in a treatment program as reported by the clinical examiner under section 17a-694.

(d) The court may order that the person be transferred immediately to a treatment program provided space is available as provided in subsection (c) of this section. If the court orders an immediate transfer, it shall issue a mittimus directing the judicial marshal to convey the person to the treatment program.

(e) Time spent in a treatment program by a person pursuant to the provisions of this section shall not be credited against any sentence, the execution of which was suspended because of such treatment.

(f) Any violation of conditions set under this section shall be a violation of probation under section 53a-32.

(g) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to limit the application of any provision of the general statutes requiring mandatory minimum sentences and prohibiting probation for certain offenses.

(P.A. 89-390, S. 9, 37; P.A. 90-230, S. 74, 101; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8, S. 17, 88; P.A. 00-99, S. 55, 154; P.A. 02-132, S. 8.)

History: P.A. 90-230 deleted reference to “assault with intent to commit murder” from Subsec. (a); Sec. 17a-656 transferred to Sec. 19a-127h in 1995; Sec. 19a-127h transferred to Sec. 17a-699 in 1997; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8 replaced examining committee with clinical examiner in Subsec. (c), effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 00-99 replaced reference to sheriff with judicial marshal in Subsec. (d), effective December 1, 2000; P.A. 02-132 amended Subsec. (c) by replacing “Office of Adult Probation” with “Court Support Services Division” and making a technical change.

Annotations to former section 17a-656:

Cited. 223 C. 907. Requirement of a relationship between defendant's alcohol dependency and violation of Sec. 14-215(c) is not a requirement for a showing of a contributory or causal link. 226 C. 191.

Cited. 27 CA 225.

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Sec. 17a-700. (Formerly Sec. 19a-127i). Completion of treatment program by convicted person. (a) The director of the treatment program shall submit a report to the Court Support Services Division whenever a person treated pursuant to section 17a-699 has completed the treatment program. Such report shall recommend whether the person should receive further treatment for alcohol or drug dependency.

(b) The Court Support Services Division shall notify the clerk of the court when a person (1) has completed the treatment program, (2) has complied with all the conditions set under section 17a-699, and (3) if alcohol dependent, has abstained from the use of alcohol for two consecutive years, or, if drug dependent, has abstained from the unlawful use of drugs for two consecutive years. Upon receipt of such notification, the clerk shall set a hearing. The Court Support Services Division may advise the court of any recommendation it may make, including a recommendation to modify the sentence or terms of probation or to terminate probation and release the person. After a hearing, the court may modify the sentence or terms of probation or terminate the probation and release the person.

(P.A. 89-390, S. 10, 37; P.A. 02-132, S. 9; P.A. 03-278, S. 60.)

History: (Revisor's note: In 1995 in Subsec. (a) the erroneous reference to “section 17-155iii” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “section 19a-127h”); Sec. 17a-657 transferred to Sec. 19a-127i in 1995; Sec. 19a-127i transferred to Sec. 17a-700 in 1997; P.A. 02-132 replaced “Office of Adult Probation” with “Court Support Services Division” throughout and made a technical change in Subsec. (b); P.A. 03-278 made technical changes in Subsec. (b), effective July 9, 2003.

Annotations to former section 17a-657:

Cited. 223 C. 907; 226 C. 191.

Cited. 27 CA 225.

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Sec. 17a-701. (Formerly Sec. 19a-127j). Modification of sentence or terms of probation prior to completion of treatment program by convicted person. (a) The court shall conduct a hearing to determine if the sentence or terms of probation should be modified if the Court Support Services Division, after a report from the director of the treatment program, notifies the clerk of the court that a person being treated pursuant to section 17a-699 (1) has committed a violent act against another person at the treatment program facility or a violent act that damages property at the treatment program facility, (2) has threatened to commit such a violent act, (3) has committed a serious violation of rules of the treatment program, (4) has repeatedly committed violations of program rules that inhibit the person's ability to function in the program, (5) has continually refused to participate in the program, (6) has asked to be removed from the program, or (7) is unable to participate in the treatment program because of a medical or psychosocial condition that is not appropriately treated by the program operated by the facility. The director of the treatment program has the burden of establishing facts to support his report to the Court Support Services Division.

(b) A person who has not completed treatment may not be discharged sooner than four days after the Court Support Services Division is notified of the proposed discharge, except that if immediate discharge from treatment is necessary to protect the health or safety of persons in the program or staff of the program, the person may be discharged less than four days after notification with the agreement of the Court Support Services Division.

(P.A. 89-390, S. 11, 37; P.A. 02-132, S. 10.)

History: Sec. 17a-658 transferred to Sec. 19a-127j in 1995; Sec. 19a-127j transferred to Sec. 17a-701 in 1997; P.A. 02-132 replaced “Office of Adult Probation” with “Court Support Services Division” throughout.

Annotations to former section 17a-658:

Cited. 223 C. 907; 226 C. 191.

Cited. 27 CA 225.

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Secs. 17a-702 to 17a-709. Reserved for future use.

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Sec. 17a-710. (Formerly Sec. 19a-4f). Treatment programs for pregnant women with substance use disorders and their children. (a) It shall be the policy of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to develop and implement treatment programs for pregnant women of any age with substance use disorders and their children. The department shall seek private and public funds for such programs. Each program shall, to the extent possible and within available appropriations, offer comprehensive services, including (1) education and prevention programs in high schools and family planning clinics; (2) outreach services to identify pregnant women with substance use disorders early and enroll them in prenatal care and substance abuse treatment programs; (3) case management services; (4) hospital care with substance abuse treatment available in coordination with obstetric services; (5) pediatric care, including therapeutic care for neurologically, behaviorally or developmentally impaired infants; (6) child care for other siblings; (7) classes on parenting skills; (8) home visitation for those who need additional support or who are reluctant to enter a treatment program; (9) access to WIC and other entitlement programs; (10) vocational training for mothers seeking entry to the job market; and (11) a housing component. To the extent possible all services shall be coordinated to be delivered from a centralized location, utilizing medical vans where available and providing transportation assistance when needed.

(b) In addition to establishing new programs pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the department shall incorporate the comprehensive services set forth in subsection (a) of this section in existing treatment programs when feasible.

(c) The department shall include in the state substance use disorder plan, developed in accordance with subsection (j) of section 17a-451, goals to overcome barriers to treatment which are specific to pregnant women and women with children and to provide increased treatment services and programs to pregnant women. Such programs shall be developed in collaboration with other state agencies providing child care, family support, health services and early intervention services for parents and young children. Such collaboration shall not be limited to agencies providing substance use disorder services.

(P.A. 89-390, S. 22, 37; P.A. 90-183, S. 1, 5; P.A. 93-381, S. 22, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58; P.A. 16-130, S. 7; P.A. 18-39, S. 1; P.A. 22-108, S. 6.)

History: P.A. 90-183 replaced prior provisions with Subsecs. (a) and (b) re substance abuse treatment program for pregnant women and their children; P.A. 93-381 replaced Connecticut alcohol and drug abuse commission with the department of public health and addiction services, and added Subsec. (c) re inclusion of goals in the state substance abuse plan and Subsec. (d) re annual report, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-644 transferred to Sec. 19a-4f in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-4f transferred to Sec. 17a-710 in 1997; P.A. 16-130 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting “substance-abusing”, adding “with substance use disorders” and, in Subdiv. (2), replacing “pregnant substance abusers” with “pregnant women with substance use disorders”; P.A. 18-39 amended Subsec. (c) by replacing “section 19a-7” with “subsection (j) of section 17a-451” and deleted Subsec. (d) re report, effective July 1, 2018; P.A. 22-108 amended Subsec. (c) by changing reference to “substance abuse” to “substance use disorder”, effective May 24, 2022.

Annotation to former section 17a-644:

Cited. 223 C. 492.

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Sec. 17a-711. (Formerly Sec. 19a-4g). Task force on substance-abusing women and their children. Section 17a-711 is repealed, effective October 1, 2007.

(P.A. 90-183, S. 2, 5; P.A. 91-298; P.A. 93-91, S. 1, 2; 93-262, S. 1, 87; 93-381, S. 24, 39; 93-435, S. 59, 95; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 23, 58; P.A. 07-148, S. 20.)

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Sec. 17a-712. (Formerly Sec. 19a-4d). Programs for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall establish a program to provide alcohol and drug abuse services to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Said program shall provide a system of prevention, intervention, teaching and aftercare services in a manner which is most responsive to the needs of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

(P.A. 93-381, S. 8, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58; P.A. 17-202, S. 59.)

History: P.A. 93-381 effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-4d transferred to Sec. 17a-712 in 1997; P.A. 17-202 replaced “deaf and hearing impaired persons” with “persons who are deaf or hard of hearing”.

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Sec. 17a-713. (Formerly Sec. 19a-4h). Chronic gamblers treatment and rehabilitation program. Account. (a) The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall establish a program for the treatment and rehabilitation of compulsive gamblers in the state. The program shall provide prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services for chronic gamblers. The department may enter into agreements with regional behavioral health action organizations and nonprofit organizations to assist in providing these services, provided not less than twenty-five per cent of the amount received pursuant to section 12-818 annually shall be set aside for contracts with regional behavioral health action organizations established pursuant to section 17a-484f and nonprofit organizations and not less than five per cent of the amount received pursuant to section 12-818 annually shall be set aside for a contract with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling. The department may impose a reasonable fee, on a sliding scale, on those participants who can afford to pay for any such services. The department shall implement such program when the account established under subsection (b) of this section is sufficient to meet initial operating expenses. As used in this section, “chronic gambler” means a person who is chronically and progressively preoccupied with gambling and the urge to gamble, and with gambling behavior that compromises, disrupts or damages personal, family or vocational pursuits.

(b) The program established by subsection (a) of this section shall be funded by: (1) Imposition of a fee of one hundred thirty-five dollars on each association license, for each performance of jai alai or dog racing conducted under the provisions of chapter 226, provided no such licensee shall contribute more than forty-five thousand dollars in any one year; (2) imposition of a fee of twenty-five dollars for each teletheater performance on each operator of a teletheater facility; (3) the amount received from the Connecticut Lottery Corporation pursuant to section 12-818; and (4) any amount received pursuant to section 12-871 from the holder of a master wagering license under section 12-852. The Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall collect the fee from each association licensee or such operator on a monthly basis. The receipts shall be deposited in the General Fund and credited to a separate, nonlapsing chronic gamblers treatment and rehabilitation account which shall be established by the Comptroller. All moneys in the account are deemed to be appropriated and shall be expended for the purposes established in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) The department shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 to carry out the purposes of this section.

(S.A. 81-68, S. 1, 2; S.A. 83-17; S.A. 84-68; P.A. 86-312, S. 17, 21; P.A. 92-216, S. 2, 3; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; May 25 Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-1, S. 116, 130; P.A. 95-257, S. 5, 58; P.A. 99-173, S. 59, 65; P.A. 11-51, S. 182; P.A. 21-23, S. 43; P.A. 22-69, S. 10.)

History: S.A. 83-17 extended expiration date of program from December 31, 1983, to December 31, 1984, and required collection of fee until June 30, 1984; S.A. 84-68 extended expiration date to “no later than December 31, 1986”, and required collection of fee until June 30, 1986; P.A. 86-312 deleted reference to “pilot” program and all references to dates and changed treatment and rehabilitation “fund” to a separate nonlapsing “account” within the general fund; Sec. 17-261a transferred to Sec. 17a-477 in 1991; P.A. 92-216 transferred program from control of mental health commissioner to alcohol and drug abuse commission, deleted detailed list of specific services provided in Subsec. (a), deleted former Subsec. (c) re reimbursement of association licensees and relettered former Subsec. (d) accordingly; Sec. 17a-477 transferred to Sec. 17a-666 in 1993; P.A. 93-381 replaced Connecticut alcohol and drug abuse commission with department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; May 25 Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-1 amended Subsec. (b)(2) to require imposition of $25 fee for each teletheater performance on each operator of a teletheater facility, deleting obsolete references to “tele-track” performances and persons, firms or corporations providing totalizator equipment and services for tele-track facilities, effective July 1, 1994; Sec. 17a-666 transferred to Sec. 19a-4h in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; Sec. 19a-4h transferred to Sec. 17a-713 in 1997; P.A. 99-173 amended Subsec. (a) re contracts and funds for subregional planning and action councils, and added Subsec. (b)(3) re amounts received from the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, effective July 1, 1999; pursuant to P.A. 11-51, “executive director of the Division of Special Revenue” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Consumer Protection” in Subsec. (b), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 21-23 amended Subsec. (b) to add Subdiv. (4) re amount received pursuant to Sec. 12-871 and made technical changes, effective July 1, 2021; P.A. 22-69 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing references to subregional planning and action councils with references to regional behavioral health action organizations, effective May 24, 2022.

See Sec. 12-563a re informational materials concerning programs for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of chronic gamblers prepared by Department of Consumer Protection.

See Sec. 12-818 re transfer of funds from Connecticut Lottery Corporation for educational, prevention and treatment programs.

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Sec. 17a-714. Pilot research program for prescription of methadone or other therapies. Section 17a-714 is repealed, effective May 9, 2005.

(P.A. 97-248, S. 1, 12; P.A. 05-22, S. 1.)

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Sec. 17a-714a. Immunity and no violation of standard of care for prescribing, dispensing or administering opioid antagonist. Amendment of local emergency medical services plan. (a) For purposes of this section, “opioid antagonist” means naloxone hydrochloride or any other similarly acting and equally safe drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of drug overdose.

(b) A licensed health care professional who is permitted by law to prescribe an opioid antagonist may prescribe or dispense an opioid antagonist to any individual to treat or prevent a drug overdose without being liable for damages in a civil action or subject to criminal prosecution for prescribing or dispensing such opioid antagonist or for any subsequent use of such opioid antagonist. A licensed health care professional who prescribes or dispenses an opioid antagonist in accordance with the provisions of this subsection shall be deemed not to have violated the standard of care for such licensed health care professional.

(c) A licensed health care professional may administer an opioid antagonist to any person to treat or prevent an opioid-related drug overdose. Such licensed health care professional who administers an opioid antagonist in accordance with the provisions of this subsection shall not be liable for damages in a civil action or subject to criminal prosecution for administration of such opioid antagonist and shall not be deemed to have violated the standard of care for such licensed health care professional.

(d) Any person who in good faith believes that another person is experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose may, if acting with reasonable care, administer an opioid antagonist to such other person. Any person, other than a licensed health care professional acting in the ordinary course of such person's employment, who administers an opioid antagonist in accordance with this subsection shall not be liable for damages in a civil action or subject to criminal prosecution with respect to the administration of such opioid antagonist.

(e) Not later than October 1, 2017, each municipality shall amend its local emergency medical services plan, as described in section 19a-181b, to ensure that at least one emergency medical services provider, as defined in the regulations of Connecticut state agencies pertaining to emergency medical services, who is likely to be the first person to arrive on the scene of a medical emergency in the municipality, including, but not limited to, emergency medical services personnel, as defined in section 20-206jj, or a resident state trooper, is equipped with an opioid antagonist and such person has received training, approved by the Commissioner of Public Health, in the administration of an opioid antagonist.

(P.A. 03-159, S. 2; P.A. 12-159, S. 1; P.A. 14-61, S. 1; P.A. 15-198, S. 8; P.A. 16-43, S. 1; P.A. 17-131, S. 11.)

History: P.A. 12-159 replaced provision re prescribing, dispensing or administering opioid antagonist to a drug user in need of intervention with provision re prescribing, dispensing or administering opioid antagonist to treat or prevent a drug overdose, added provision re civil liability for subsequent use of opioid antagonist and made technical changes; P.A. 14-61 added Subsec. (a) defining “opioid antagonist”, designated existing provisions as Subsec. (b) and amended same to delete definition of “opioid antagonist”, and added Subsec. (c) re administration of an opioid antagonist by a person who reasonably believes that another person is experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose; P.A. 15-198 amended Subsec. (b) by deleting “, if acting with reasonable care”, adding “to any individual” and adding provision re licensed health care professional deemed not to have violated standard of care for prescribing, dispensing or administering opioid antagonist, effective June 30, 2015; P.A. 16-43 amended Subsec. (b) by deleting references to administering opioid antagonist, added new Subsec. (c) re health care professional administering opioid antagonist, redesignated existing Subsec. (c) re person experiencing opioid-related drug overdose as Subsec. (d) and amended same by making a technical change, and added Subsec. (e) re amending local emergency medical services plan, effective May 27, 2016; P.A. 17-131 amended Subsec. (e) by replacing “2016” with “2017”, replacing reference to emergency responder with reference to at least one emergency medical services provider, and making technical and conforming changes, effective July 1, 2017.

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Sec. 17a-715. Pilot research drug education program for parents or guardians of children in neglect cases. Section 17a-715 is repealed, effective October 1, 2007.

(P.A. 97-248, S. 8, 12; P.A. 07-148, S. 20.)

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Sec. 17a-716. Sober living homes. Report of certified status. List of homes. Distribution of disclosure form. Regulations. (a) As used in this section:

(1) “Sober living home” means an alcohol-free and drug-free residence where (A) unrelated adults who are recovering from a substance use disorder choose to live together in a supportive environment during their recovery, and (B) no formal substance use disorder treatment services are provided; and

(2) “Operator” means the lawful owner of a sober living home or a person designated by such lawful owner to have primary responsibility for the daily operation of such sober living home.

(b) An operator of a sober living home that is certified as a recovery residence by an affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences, or a successor organization, or another organization recognized by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services as an organization responsible for certifying sober living homes in the state, may report the sober living home's certified status to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, provided such operator maintains at least two doses of opioid antagonists, as defined in section 17a-714a, on the premises and provides training to all of its residents in the administration of an opioid antagonist when such home is occupied by at least one resident who has been diagnosed with opioid use disorder. An operator of a sober living home that reports its certified status to the department shall provide the department with the number of beds available in the sober living home at the time of its report and weekly thereafter. The department shall post on its Internet web site a list of the sober living homes that have reported their certified status pursuant to this section and the number of beds available at each such sober living home. The department shall update the list of sober living homes and the bed availability at each sober living home on a weekly basis.

(c) No operator of a sober living home shall (1) advertise or represent that a sober living home is a facility that is certified or licensed to provide substance use disorder treatment services, or (2) publish any claims of particular outcomes for individuals residing in such homes. Any Internet web site or publication maintained by a sober living home shall include a clear and conspicuous statement in bold typeface that the sober living home (A) is not licensed or certified to provide substance use disorder treatment services, and (B) is a type of housing in which individuals recovering from a substance use disorder voluntarily choose to live together in a supportive environment during their recovery. Any violation of the provisions of this subsection shall constitute an unfair trade practice pursuant to section 42-110b.

(d) On or before August 1, 2018, the commissioner shall create a printable one-page disclosure form for distribution to prospective sober living home residents. Such disclosure form shall (1) be written in plain language and in an easily readable format, (2) state that sober living homes are not licensed or certified to provide substance use disorder treatment services, (3) provide information on sober living homes and resources for individuals recovering from a substance use disorder, and (4) contain a signature line on which a prospective resident may sign the form. Such disclosure form shall be made available to the public on the department's Internet web site. The commissioner shall review and update such disclosure form as necessary.

(e) The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section.

(P.A. 18-171, S. 1.)

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Sec. 17a-717. State-wide advertising campaign re availability of all mental health, behavioral health and substance use disorder services in the state. On or before January 1, 2023, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, in collaboration with the Department of Children and Families, shall (1) provide for the design, plan and implementation of a multiyear, state-wide advertising campaign, including, but not limited to, television, radio and Internet web site advertisements, promoting the availability of all of the mental health, behavioral health and substance use disorder services in the state, including, but not limited to, the difference between 9-1-1, 9-8-8 and 2-1-1, and informing residents how to obtain such services, and (2) establish and regularly update an Internet web site connected with such advertising campaign that includes, but is not limited to, a comprehensive listing of providers of mental health, behavioral health and substance use disorder services in the state. The Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall solicit cooperation and participation from such providers in such advertising campaign, including, but not limited to, soliciting any available funds. Said commissioner may hire consultants with expertise in advertising to assist in implementing the provisions of this section.

(P.A. 22-47, S. 39.)

History: P.A. 22-47 effective May 23, 2022.

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Secs. 17a-718 to 17a-749. Reserved for future use.

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