The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1509, aims to enhance patient protections and standards of care at Connecticut Valley Hospital. It mandates the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services to develop policies and set standards relating to clients residing on the hospital campus, their discharge into the community, and individuals undergoing psychiatric evaluations at the facility. Notably, the bill stipulates that no client admitted under court commitment or transferred from the Department of Correction can be discharged without adhering to specific legal compliance. Additionally, it requires that individuals undergoing psychiatric evaluations be separated according to their biological sex at all times.

The bill also establishes a Connecticut Valley Hospital Advisory Council to provide guidance on policies concerning building use, security, and client discharge. The council will consist of members appointed by local and state officials, including individuals with lived experience of behavioral health disorders. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025. The legislation replaces the term "related" with "relating" in the existing law and introduces new requirements for the treatment and evaluation of clients at the hospital.

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