CT HB06398

Permits patients in mental health facilities to wear personal clothes, keep personal possessions, and access storage space, with limited exceptions for maximum security patients at Whiting Forensic Hospital when police conduct contraband searches with probable cause; denials must be documented in clinical records.

Revises the advisory board for Whiting Forensic Hospital to add two persons with psychiatric disabilities (at least one with inpatient psychiatric hospital experience) to the existing composition of physicians, attorneys, psychologist, and social worker.

Establishes the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services with a Commissioner appointed by the Governor with Board advice, responsible for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs across multiple state facilities and community centers.

Authorizes the department to establish an electronic health record system allowing authorized personnel to access patient health information across all department divisions and facilities for diagnosis, treatment, and health care operations purposes.

Designates the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services as the state lead agency and methadone authority, with responsibility for approving opioid treatment exceptions, monitoring opioid programs, and certifying opioid treatment programs in accordance with federal standards.