General Assembly Raised Bill No. 6834 seeks to amend various statutes concerning mental health and addiction services in Connecticut, with a focus on improving access to treatment for substance use disorders. Key provisions include allowing courts to waive fees for substance use treatment for indigent individuals, provided that any waived costs are covered by their health insurance. The bill also mandates that the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will cover costs not included by insurance, such as copays or deductibles. Additionally, the terminology throughout the statutes is updated from "substance abuse" to "substance use" to reflect a more modern understanding of addiction. The bill also establishes the Ribicoff Research Center for mental health and substance use research and reorganizes the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to enhance client-based services.

Further, the bill requires licensed residential treatment facilities receiving state funding to create discharge plans that include housing referrals for clients prior to their release. It establishes the Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council to coordinate state policies on substance use treatment and prevention, and creates an Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee to manage funds from opioid settlements effectively. The bill also revises regulations regarding telehealth prescriptions for controlled substances, allowing providers to prescribe certain medications for treatment of substance use disorders while ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen support and resources for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, with various provisions set to take effect in stages, some immediately and others in 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 54-56q