CT SB00452

Reduces psychiatric evaluation requirement from two impartial physicians to one impartial psychiatrist for involuntary commitment hearings, effective October 1, 2012.

Modifies discharge planning requirements to allow facility heads to communicate with prior healthcare providers and family members (spouse, parents, siblings, children) to better understand patient medical needs, subject to HIPAA privacy protections.

Expands definition of "facility" to explicitly include skilled nursing facilities in addition to hospitals and clinics for psychiatric treatment.

Creates new authority allowing Probate Courts to appoint conservators with specific power to consent to psychiatric medication after discharge if patient refuses medication and poses direct threat of harm, with conservatorship effective for up to 120 days.

Permits conservators to consent to medication administration over patient objection after discharge and authorizes request for police or ambulance assistance in transporting patient for medication administration.