Substitute House Bill No. 5515, also known as Public Act No. 26-38, seeks to improve access to opioid overdose reversal medications and revise mental health and addiction statutes in Connecticut. The bill repeals subsections (c) to (g) of section 10-212a, replacing them with new regulations that allow school personnel to administer medications, including opioid antagonists, during emergencies without prior written authorization. This change is intended to facilitate quicker responses to opioid-related overdoses. Additionally, the bill establishes guidelines for administering epinephrine and glucagon by trained school staff, ensuring that these life-saving medications can be provided even in the absence of a school nurse.

The legislation also introduces significant amendments to the commitment process for individuals with psychiatric disabilities, including the redefinition of terms and the establishment of a regional behavioral health action organization. It clarifies the responsibilities of guardians regarding the admission and treatment of protected persons, ensuring that certain significant decisions cannot be made without following legal guidelines. Key deletions include the removal of references to section 17a-483, which is replaced with section 17a-482, and the bill mandates that courts maintain sealed records of psychiatric disability cases. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding mental health services and the treatment of individuals with psychiatric disabilities while ensuring proper oversight and protection of their rights.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 541:
File No. 752:
Public Act No. 26-38: