CT HB05372

Establishes the Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council within the Office of Policy and Management, effective October 1, 2014.

Council membership includes the Secretary of Office of Policy and Management, 11 state Commissioners (Children and Families, Consumer Protection, Correction, Education, Higher Education, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Motor Vehicles, Public Health, Emergency Services and Public Protection, Social Services, and Transportation), the Insurance Commissioner, Chief Court Administrator, Board of Pardons and Paroles chairperson, Chief State's Attorney, Chief Public Defender, and legislative committee leaders.

Designates the Commissioners of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Children and Families as council cochairpersons.

Council duties include reviewing state agency policies on substance abuse treatment and prevention, developing a coordinated statewide plan, improving treatment access, and assessing whether physician and nurse education programs include behavioral health screening and brief intervention training.

Council shall select one state-maintained substance abuse treatment referral website as the primary information source, requiring daily updates on program availability and insurance acceptance, with efforts to include private behavioral health practices.