CT HB05575

Courts must permit parents to select a qualified, licensed health care provider for their own court-ordered treatment in family relations matters.

Courts must permit a parent or legal guardian to select a qualified, licensed health care provider for a child's court-ordered treatment, except when sole custody is awarded to one parent.

If both parents disagree on a provider for a child's treatment, the court must continue the matter for two weeks to allow joint selection; if unresolved, the court selects a provider considering the parents' health insurance and financial resources.

Before ordering an evaluation, the court must make a finding that the parties have sufficient financial resources to pay for it and must specify in the order the provider's name, credentials, estimated cost, cost allocation, and completion deadline.

Evaluation reports must be filed with the court clerk within 30 days of completion and sealed; parties and counsel must have reasonable opportunity to examine investigation or evaluation reports before hearing.