CT HB06780

Requires alcohol and drug counselors, chiropractors, advanced practice registered nurses, psychologists, marital and family therapists, professional counselors, social workers, and physicians to complete at least two contact hours of continuing education on mental health conditions common to veterans and their family members, effective January 1, 2016.

Mental health training must cover determining whether a patient is a veteran or family member of a veteran, screening for post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression and grief, and suicide prevention training.

Amends continuing education requirements for eight health care professions under Connecticut General Statutes sections 20-74t, 20-32, 20-94a, 20-191c, 20-195c, 20-195cc, 20-195u, and 20-10b.

Requires the Commissioner of Public Health to adopt regulations approving continuing education coursework on veteran mental health topics for chiropractors.

All provisions take effect October 1, 2015, with the new veteran-focused continuing education requirements beginning January 1, 2016.