CT HB06834

Courts may waive substance use treatment program fees for indigent individuals, with costs covered first by the person's insurance (private, Medicare, or Medicaid) and any remaining costs paid by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 2025.

Updates statutory language throughout Connecticut mental health and addiction services statutes to replace "substance abuse" with "substance use," effective October 1, 2025.

Expands telehealth prescribing authority to allow Schedule II and III controlled substances (including opioids) for medication-assisted treatment and treatment of psychiatric disabilities or substance use disorders, when consistent with the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act.

Increases the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee membership from 23 to 25 municipal representatives appointed by the Governor.

Updates the definition of "opioid drug" across multiple statutes to reference 21 USC 802 instead of the outdated 42 CFR 8.2 regulation.