CT SB00406

Establishes a task force to review and evaluate the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Connecticut Valley Hospital, and Whiting Forensic Hospital, with members appointed by legislative leaders and a deadline to submit preliminary findings by January 1, 2019, and final findings by January 1, 2020.

Reorganizes Whiting Forensic Division as a standalone hospital under the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services with its own director reporting directly to the commissioner, rather than as a division within Connecticut Valley Hospital.

Modifies the definition of "institution" under healthcare licensing laws to exclude state-operated facilities for mental illness and substance use disorders, except for Whiting Forensic Hospital.

Updates public employee retirement and workers' compensation eligibility to reference Whiting Forensic Hospital employees with direct patient contact as hazardous duty personnel.

Repeals sections 17a-451b, 17a-560a, 17a-576, and 20-185n and updates property tax grant calculations to include Whiting Forensic Hospital as a separate facility alongside Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown.