The Substitute House Bill No. 6834 aims to enhance mental health and addiction services in Connecticut by revising existing statutes related to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). Key provisions include the repeal of certain subparagraphs and the introduction of new measures to support indigent individuals seeking substance use treatment. Specifically, if a court determines that a person cannot afford treatment, it can waive fees, and DMHAS will cover any costs not paid by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. The bill also updates terminology by replacing "substance abuse" with "substance use," reflecting a more modern understanding of addiction, and establishes the Ribicoff Research Center for mental health and substance use research.

Additionally, the bill expands the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee by adding two municipal representatives, increasing its membership from 23 to 25. It allows telehealth providers to prescribe certain controlled substances for medication-assisted treatment and removes previous prohibitions on prescribing schedule II or III opioids for individuals with psychiatric disabilities or substance use disorders. The bill mandates that insurance cover treatment costs for indigent individuals under specific pretrial programs, while DMHAS will continue to cover other related expenses. The effective date for the insurance coverage provisions is set for July 1, 2025, and the terminology updates will take effect on October 1, 2025. Overall, the bill seeks to improve access to treatment and strengthen the operational framework for mental health and addiction services in the state.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 54-56q
PH Joint Favorable Substitute: 54-56q
File No. 108: 54-56q