Summary of HB 5298

• Replaces terminology "shock therapy" with "electroconvulsive therapy" throughout Connecticut statutes and redefines it to mean psychiatric treatment using electric current resulting in loss of consciousness or convulsive reaction.

• Requires written informed consent for electroconvulsive therapy, valid for maximum 30 days and revocable at any time, with Probate Court authorization needed if patient becomes incapable of informed consent.

• Establishes detailed Probate Court procedures including a hearing within 10 business days, appointment of counsel for indigent patients, and requirement for certificates from two impartial physicians (one psychiatrist) who have examined the patient within 10 days.

• Requires clear and convincing evidence that patient is incapable of informed consent and no less intrusive beneficial treatment exists before court may authorize electroconvulsive therapy for a maximum of 45 days.

• Amends advance health care directive documents to reference electroconvulsive therapy (instead of shock therapy) as a treatment that cannot be authorized by health care representatives without explicit legal provisions.

• Effective date: July 1, 2013.