SB 404 - Whiting Forensic Hospital and Connecticut Valley Hospital

• Establishes a task force to review operations, conditions, culture, and finances of Connecticut Valley Hospital and Whiting Forensic Hospital, including evaluation of an independent inspector general office for ongoing oversight of these facilities.

• Creates mandatory reporting requirements for behavioral health facility employees who suspect patient abuse, with 72-hour reporting deadline to the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services; violations punishable by fines up to $500 or criminal charges.

• Reorganizes Whiting Forensic Hospital as an independent, stand-alone facility separate from Connecticut Valley Hospital rather than as a division, with its own director reporting directly to the commissioner.

• Modifies patient rights at Whiting Forensic Hospital to allow patients to be present during searches of personal possessions, except for those in maximum security service.

• Requires Department of Public Health to conduct on-site inspection of Whiting Forensic Hospital by January 1, 2019, and report findings to the task force and legislature.