PA 07-148—sSB 1066

Public Health Committee

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES

SUMMARY: This act requires the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to develop a single affirmative action plan that covers its central office and each of its divisions and facilities regardless of Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities regulations that require separate plans for DMHAS' central office; Connecticut Valley and Cedarcrest hospitals; Connecticut, Capital Region, Southeastern, and Southwest Connecticut Mental Health centers; and Western Connecticut Mental Health Network.

The act requires that a copy of notices and other documents concerning any court action or proceeding that would otherwise be served personally on or mailed to the home of someone committed to a psychiatric facility be mailed directly to the person at the institution. It applies to anyone committed by court order, emergency certificate, or voluntarily. By law, the notice is also sent to (1) and served on the institution's superintendent or representative, who must deliver it to the individual, and (2) the Department of Administrative Services commissioner. Failure to send or serve documents does not abate the action or proceeding, although the court can order compliance. The notice must be sent by certified or registered mail.

The act also (1) changes the term “substance abuse disability” to “substance use disorder” and (2) repeals several obsolete statutes.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2007

REPEALED LAWS

The act eliminates the task force on substance abusing women and their children (CGS § 17a-711) and a pilot research drug education program for parents or guardians of children in neglect cases (CGS § 17a-715). It also repeals obsolete laws related to closing Fairfield Hills and Norwich hospitals and consolidating Connecticut Valley Hospital (CGS §§ 17a-451a, 463, 471b, and 471c).

OLR Tracking: SS: JK: PF: dw