reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-525. (Formerly Sec. 17-202). - Appeal.

Any person aggrieved by an order, denial or decree of a Probate Court under sections 17a-75 to 17a-83, inclusive, 17a-450 to 17a-483, inclusive, 17a-495 to 17a-528, inclusive, 17a-540 to 17a-550, inclusive, 17a-560 to 17a-575, inclusive, and 17a-615 to 17a-618, inclusive, including any relative or friend, on behalf of any person found to have psychiatric disabilities, shall have the right of appeal in accordance with sections 45a-186 to 45a-193, inclusive. On the trial of an appeal, the Superior Court may require the state's attorney or, in the state's attorney's absence, some other practicing attorney of the court to be present for the protection of the interests of the state and of the public.
(1949 Rev., S. 2673; P.A. 94-27, S. 11, 17; P.A. 95-257, S. 48, 58; P.A. 13-81, S. 3; P.A. 18-86, S. 30; P.A. 22-69, S. 25.)
History: Sec. 17-202 transferred to Sec. 17a-525 in 1991; P.A. 94-27 deleted reference to Secs. 17a-580 to 17a-603, inclusive, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 95-257 substituted “have psychiatric disabilities” for “be mentally ill”, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 13-81 replaced provision re right to appeal as in other cases with provision re right to appeal in accordance with Secs. 45a-186 to 45a-193, deleted provisions re appellant giving bond, and made technical changes; P.A. 18-86 replaced reference to Sec. 17a-576 with reference to Sec. 17a-575, effective June 4, 2018; P.A. 22-69 replaced “17a-484” with “17a-483”, effective May 24, 2022.
Annotations to former section 17-202:
Cited. 30 CS 320. Appeal from civil commitment proceeding shall be tried in Superior Court de novo. 33 CS 209.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-526. (Formerly Sec. 17-203). - Commitment suspended on bond for confinement.

The Court of Probate, before or pending or in the absence of an appeal, and the Superior Court, after finding on an appeal that such person has psychiatric disabilities, may, in its discretion, suspend the commitment of such person to a hospital for psychiatric disabilities and continue such suspension for such time as it deems advisable, if any suitable person gives a bond to the satisfaction of such court, conditioned for the confinement of such person in a suitable place of detention other than a hospital for psychiatric disabilities and for answering all damages which any person suffers in consequence of such suspension; but, in such case, the court may make the order of commitment whenever reasonable cause therefor is shown. After a person has been committed to a hospital for psychiatric disabilities, the court may suspend his confinement in such hospital upon the giving of bond as above set forth, such suspension to continue until terminated by the court.
(1949 Rev., S. 2674; P.A. 95-257, S. 48, 58.)
History: Sec. 17-203 transferred to Sec. 17a-526 in 1991; P.A. 95-257 replaced “mentally ill” and “mental illness” with variants of “psychiatric disabilities”, effective July 1, 1995.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-527. (Formerly Sec. 17-204). - Court may direct as to care of mentally ill pending appeal.

Pending an appeal to the Superior Court, said court or, if said court is not in session, any judge of the Superior Court, may make and enforce such reasonable orders for the care and custody of the person complained of as it or such judge deems reasonable.
(1949 Rev., S. 2675.)
History: Sec. 17-204 transferred to Sec. 17a-527 in 1991.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-541. (Formerly Sec. 17-206b). - Deprivation of rights of patient prohibited. Exception.

No patient hospitalized or treated in any public or private facility for the treatment of persons with psychiatric disabilities shall be deprived of any personal, property or civil rights, including the right to vote, hold or convey property, and enter into contracts, except in accordance with due process of law, and unless such patient has been declared incapable pursuant to sections 45a-644 to 45a-662, inclusive. Any finding of incapability shall specifically state which civil or personal rights the patient is incapable of exercising.
(1971, P.A. 834, S. 2; P.A. 93-369, S. 3; P.A. 95-257, S. 48, 58; P.A. 96-202, S. 1; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 98-1, S. 15, 121.)
History: Sec. 17-206b transferred to Sec. 17a-541 in 1991; P.A. 93-369 changed “the mentally disordered” to “persons with a mental illness”; P.A. 95-257 substituted “psychiatric disabilities” for “mental illness”, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 96-202 changed “incompetent” to “incapable”; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 98-1 made a technical change, effective June 24, 1998.
See Sec. 9-159s re notice to certain guardians and conservators of voting opportunities presented to patients.
See Sec. 45a-703 re determinations of competency to vote.
Annotations to former section 17-206b:
Cited. 210 C. 806. Right to treatment and safe environment applies whether confinement voluntary or involuntary. 213 C. 548. Cited. 230 C. 828; 235 C. 426.
Cited. 17 CA 130.
A child 17 years of age may demand, on his own authority, release from a psychiatric institution to which he was voluntarily admitted at 15 years of age upon written request of his parents. 30 CS 886.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 235 C. 426.
Cited. 44 CS 53.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-542. (Formerly Sec. 17-206c). - Humane and dignified treatment required. Formulation of discharge plan.

Every patient treated in any facility for treatment of persons with psychiatric disabilities shall receive humane and dignified treatment at all times, with full respect for his personal dignity and right to privacy. Each patient shall be treated in accordance with a specialized treatment plan suited to his disorder. Such treatment plan shall include a discharge plan which shall include, but not be limited to, (1) reasonable notice to the patient of his impending discharge, (2) active participation by the patient in planning for his discharge and (3) planning for appropriate aftercare to the patient upon his discharge.
(1971, P.A. 834, S. 3; P.A. 82-329, S. 1, 3; P.A. 93-369, S. 4; P.A. 95-257, S. 48, 58.)
History: P.A. 82-329 clarified that specialized treatment plans include a discharge plan; Sec. 17-206c transferred to Sec. 17a-542 in 1991; P.A. 93-369 changed “the mentally disordered” to “persons with a mental illness”; P.A. 95-257 substituted “psychiatric disabilities” for “mental illness”, effective July 1, 1995.
Annotations to former section 17-206c:
Cited. 210 C. 806. Issue is whether good faith efforts made to improve health. 213 C. 548. Cited. 221 C. 346.
Cited. 13 CA 493; 17 CA 130.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 233 C. 44.
Placement of female patient in otherwise all-male maximum security unit in forensic psychiatric hospital is not per se inhumane and undignified treatment where treatment plan was specialized, permissible and reasonable in view of relevant information. 188 CA 275.
Cited. 44 CS 53.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-544. (Formerly Sec. 17-206e). - Placement of patient in seclusion or mechanical restraint. Medication not to be used as substitute for habilitation.

(a) No patient may be placed involuntarily in seclusion or a mechanical restraint unless necessary because there is imminent physical danger to the patient or others and a physician so orders. A written memorandum of such order, and the reasons therefor, shall be placed in the patient's permanent clinical record within twenty-four hours.
(b) Medication shall not be used as a substitute for an habilitation program.
(1971, P.A. 834, S. 5; P.A. 78-219, S. 2.)
History: P.A. 78-219 clarified provisions re placement of patient in seclusion, required that memorandum re seclusion of patient be included in clinical record within 24 hours and added Subsec. (b); Sec. 17-206e transferred to Sec. 17a-544 in 1991.
Annotation to former section 17-206e:
Cited. 17 CA 130.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-545. (Formerly Sec. 17-206f). - Physical and psychiatric examinations.

Every patient hospitalized under any of sections 17a-540 to 17a-550, inclusive, shall receive a physical examination within five days of his hospitalization, and at least once each year thereafter. Every patient shall be examined by a psychiatrist within forty-eight hours of his hospitalization, and at least once each six months thereafter. Reports of all physical and psychiatric examinations shall be completed and signed by the examining physicians and made a part of the patient's permanent clinical record.
(1971, P.A. 834, S. 6.)
History: Sec. 17-206f transferred to Sec. 17a-545 in 1991.
Annotations to former section 17-206f:
Cited. 17 CA 130.
A child 17 years of age may demand, on his own authority, release from a psychiatric institution to which he was voluntarily admitted at 15 years of age upon written request of his parents. 30 CS 886.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-547. (Formerly Sec. 17-206h). - Visitors. Restrictions on mail, telephone and visitor privileges, when allowed.

(a) Every patient shall be permitted to receive visitors at regular visiting hours, except as herein provided. The head of the hospital shall: (1) Establish visiting hours, and inform all patients and their families and other visitors of these hours; and (2) designate the areas of the hospital where a patient may receive visitors, and inform all patients and their families and other visitors of these areas.
(b) If, because of extenuating circumstances, a patient's family cannot visit during the regular visiting hours, the head of the hospital shall designate one two-hour period per week, at a mutually convenient time, during which the patient's family may visit the patient.
(c) A patient's clergyman, lawyer or physician may visit the patient at any reasonable time.
(d) If the head of the hospital determines that it is medically harmful for the patient to receive visitors, he shall so inform the patient's family and other visitors. When the patient has recovered sufficiently to receive visitors, the head of the hospital shall immediately notify the patient's family and other visitors who have requested notification. A copy of the notification of any restriction of visitors, and the reasons therefor, shall be signed by the head of the hospital and placed in the patient's permanent clinical record.
(e) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any patient in a program or facility for the treatment of drug-dependent persons.
(f) No restriction of any patient's rights to send and receive mail, make and receive telephone calls, or receive visitors shall be made in any manner, or for any reasons, other than prescribed in section 17a-546 and this section.
(1971, P.A. 834, S. 8; P.A. 78-219, S. 3; P.A. 82-329, S. 2, 3.)
History: P.A. 78-219 added Subsec. (f) re patient's communication rights; P.A. 82-329 amended Subsec. (a) to require the head of a facility for the mentally disordered to designate those areas of the hospital where a patient may receive visitors; Sec. 17-206h transferred to Sec. 17a-547 in 1991.
Annotations to former section 17-206h:
Cited. 213 C. 548.
Cited. 17 CA 130.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-549. (Formerly Sec. 17-206j). - Denial of employment, housing, licenses, because of history of mental disorder restricted.

(a) No person shall be denied employment, housing, civil service rank, any license or permit, including a professional license, or any other civil or legal right, solely because of a present or past history of mental disorder, except as so provided by the general statutes.
(b) The burden shall be on the person or agency denying any such right to prove that the person so denied is not suitable solely because of his present or past history of mental disorder.
(1971, P.A. 834, S. 10.)
History: Sec. 17-206j transferred to Sec. 17a-549 in 1991.
Annotation to former section 17-206j:
Cited. 17 CA 130.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-550. (Formerly Sec. 17-206k). - Remedies of aggrieved persons.

Any person aggrieved by a violation of sections 17a-540 to 17a-549, inclusive, may petition the superior court within whose jurisdiction the person is or resides for appropriate relief, including temporary and permanent injunctions, or may bring a civil action for damages.
(1971, P.A. 834, S. 11; P.A. 76-436, S. 365, 681.)
History: P.A. 76-436 replaced court of common pleas with superior court, effective July 1, 1978; Sec. 17-206k transferred to Sec. 17a-550 in 1991.
Annotations to former section 17-206k:
Cited. 210 C. 806. Abrogates state's sovereign immunity. 213 C. 548.
Authorizes “direct civil actions” against the state or its commissioners by patients of state mental health facilities aggrieved by violation of Secs. 17-206b and 17-206c. 17 CA 130.
A child 17 years of age may demand, on his own authority, release from a psychiatric institution to which he was voluntarily admitted at 15 years of age upon written request of his parents. 30 CS 886.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-560. (Formerly Sec. 17-238). - Definitions.

As used in sections 17a-560 to 17a-575, inclusive, unless specifically provided otherwise, “hospital” means the Whiting Forensic Hospital, including the diagnostic unit established under the provisions of section 17a-562, or any other facility of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services which the commissioner may designate as appropriate. The words “hospital” or “diagnostic unit”, as used in sections 17a-566, 17a-567, 17a-570 and 17a-575 when applied to children or youths under the age of eighteen, mean any facility of the Department of Children and Families designated by the Commissioner of Children and Families. “Board” means the advisory and review board appointed under the provisions of section 17a-565. “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services or in the case of children, the Commissioner of Children and Families.
(1957, P.A. 650, S. 1; P.A. 73-245, S. 2; P.A. 75-603, S. 13, 15; P.A. 80-470, S. 1, 11; P.A. 81-472, S. 38, 159; P.A. 91-121; P.A. 93-91, S. 1, 2; P.A. 95-257, S. 11, 20, 58; P.A. 06-196, S. 128; P.A. 18-86, S. 33.)
History: P.A. 73-245 defined “institute” rather than “center” reflecting change of security treatment center to Whiting Forensic Institute; P.A. 75-603 revised provisions to reflect transfer of programs, services, institutions etc. for children to control of department of children and youth services; P.A. 80-470 removed reference to repealed Sec. 17-246, referred to facilities rather than institutions and changed age limit with reference to children “or youth” from 15 to 18; P.A. 81-472 made technical changes; Sec. 17-238 transferred to Sec. 17a-560 in 1991; P.A. 91-121 removed restriction on placing women in Whiting Forensic Institute; P.A. 93-91 substituted commissioner and department of children and families for commissioner and department of children and youth services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Mental Health with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and “Whiting Forensic Institute” with “Whiting Forensic Division”, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 06-196 made technical changes, effective June 7, 2006; P.A. 18-86 replaced references to division and institute with references to hospital and replaced reference to Sec. 17a-576 with reference to Sec. 17a-575, effective June 4, 2018.
Annotation to former section 17-238:
Cited. 41 CS 229.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-560a. - Whiting Forensic Division of Connecticut Valley Hospital substituted for Whiting Forensic Institute.

Section 17a-560a is repealed, effective June 4, 2018.
(P.A. 95-257, S. 20, 58; P.A. 18-86, S. 54.)
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-561. (Formerly Sec. 17-239). - Persons to be treated at Whiting Forensic Hospital.

The Whiting Forensic Hospital shall exist for the care and treatment of (1) patients with psychiatric disabilities, confined in facilities under the control of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, including persons who require care and treatment under maximum security conditions, (2) persons convicted of any offense enumerated in section 17a-566 who, after examination by the staff of the diagnostic unit of the hospital as herein provided, are determined to have psychiatric disabilities and be dangerous to themselves or others and to require custody, care and treatment at the hospital, (3) inmates in the custody of the Commissioner of Correction who are transferred in accordance with sections 17a-512 to 17a-517, inclusive, and who require custody, care and treatment at the hospital, and (4) persons committed to the hospital pursuant to section 17a-582 or 54-56d.
(1957, P.A. 650, S. 2; 1959, P.A. 426, S. 1; P.A. 73-245, S. 3; P.A. 80-470, S. 2, 11; P.A. 95-257, S. 18, 20, 58; P.A. 18-86, S. 34.)
History: 1959 act changed wording of Subdiv. (2) and deleted stipulation that persons convicted, etc., be mentally ill, mentally deficient or emotionally unbalanced; P.A. 73-245 replaced “security treatment center” with “Whiting Forensic Institute”; P.A. 80-470 reworded provisions; Sec. 17-239 transferred to Sec. 17a-561 in 1991; P.A. 95-257 replaced Whiting Forensic Institute with Whiting Forensic Division of the Connecticut Valley Hospital, replaced references to mentally ill persons with references to persons with psychiatric disabilities and replaced Department of Mental Health with Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 18-86 replaced “Whiting Forensic Division of the Connecticut Valley Hospital” with “Whiting Forensic Hospital”, added Subdiv. (4) re persons committed to hospital pursuant to Sec. 17a-582 or 54-56d, and made technical and conforming changes, effective June 4, 2018.
Annotations to former section 17-239:
Cited. 20 CA 737.
Cited. 41 CS 229.
Annotation to present section:
Cited. 224 C. 168.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-562. (Formerly Sec. 17-240). - Whiting Forensic Hospital under control and supervision of Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

The Whiting Forensic Hospital shall be within the general administrative control and supervision of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The director, with the approval of the commissioner and the board, shall establish such divisions, which may be located geographically separate from the hospital, as may be deemed proper for the administrative control and the efficient operation thereof, one of which divisions shall be the diagnostic unit.
(1957, P.A. 650, S. 3; 1959, P.A. 208; P.A. 73-245, S. 4; P.A. 95-257, S. 19, 58; P.A. 18-86, S. 35.)
History: 1959 act deleted stipulation that divisions and subdivisions be within the center and added that they may be geographically separate; P.A. 73-245 replaced “center” with “institute” reflecting change of security treatment center to Whiting Forensic Institute; Sec. 17-240 transferred to Sec. 17a-562 in 1991; P.A. 95-257 replaced Whiting Forensic Institute with Whiting Forensic Division of the Connecticut Valley Hospital, replaced “divisions” with “subdivisions” and replaced Department of Mental Health with Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 18-86 replaced “Whiting Forensic Division of the Connecticut Valley Hospital” with “Whiting Forensic Hospital”, replaced “subdivisions” with “divisions”, and made a conforming change, effective June 4, 2018.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-563. (Formerly Sec. 17-242). - Appointment of staff.

The director shall appoint, subject to chapter 67 and with the approval of the advisory and review board, adequate staff including psychiatrists, certified psychologists, social workers, a dentist and such other professional and clerical assistance as is necessary.
(1957, P.A. 650, S. 5.)
History: Sec. 17-242 transferred to Sec. 17a-563 in 1991.
See Sec. 18-101f re nondisclosure of certain employee files to person confined at Whiting Forensic Division facility.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-564. (Formerly Sec. 17-242a). - Director to make report to board.

The director of the Whiting Forensic Hospital shall quarterly make a report to the Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services on the affairs of the hospital, including reports of reexaminations and recommendations.
(1959, P.A. 607, S. 2; P.A. 73-245, S. 5; P.A. 95-257, S. 13, 20, 29, 58; P.A. 10-32, S. 60; P.A. 18-86, S. 36.)
History: P.A. 73-245 replaced “security treatment center” with “Whiting Forensic Institute”; Sec. 17-242a transferred to Sec. 17a-564 in 1991; P.A. 95-257 replaced Whiting Forensic Institute with Whiting Forensic Division and Board of Mental Health with Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 10-32 made a technical change, effective May 10, 2010; P.A. 18-86 replaced references to division with references to hospital, effective June 4, 2018.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-568. (Formerly Sec. 17-247). - Other statutes not affected.

Nothing in sections 17a-560 to 17a-575, inclusive, shall affect proceedings under sections 17a-580 to 17a-602, inclusive, 17b-250 and 54-56d.
(1957, P.A. 650, S. 10; 1967, P.A. 183, S. 2; P.A. 80-470, S. 5, 11; P.A. 85-506, S. 28, 32; P.A. 12-158, S. 1; P.A. 18-86, S. 40.)
History: 1967 act deleted reference to Sec. 17-181 which was repealed by same act; P.A. 80-470 deleted reference to repealed Secs. 54-37 and 54-38; P.A. 85-506 deleted reference to repealed Sec. 53a-47 and added reference to Secs. 17-257a to 17-257w, inclusive; Sec. 17-247 transferred to Sec. 17a-568 in 1991; P.A. 12-158 deleted reference to Sec. 17b-249, effective June 15, 2012; P.A. 18-86 replaced reference to Sec. 17a-576 with reference to Sec. 17a-575, effective June 4, 2018.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-569. (Formerly Sec. 17-250). - Periodic examinations of patients.

Not less than once every six months the staff of the hospital shall give a complete psychiatric examination to every patient confined in the hospital. As used in this section and sections 17a-570 to 17a-573, inclusive, the word “patient” means any person confined for custody, care and treatment under section 17a-567. Such examination shall ascertain whether the patient has psychiatric disabilities and is in need of custody, care and treatment at the hospital and, in making such determination, the staff shall assemble such information and follow such procedures as are used in initial examinations by the diagnostic unit to indicate the need for custody, care and treatment. The record of the examination shall include the information required in subdivisions (1), (2) and (3) of subsection (d) of section 17a-566 and a recommendation for the future treatment of the patient examined. The record of the examination may include a recommendation for transfer of the patient or change in confinement status.
(1957, P.A. 650, S. 13; 1959, P.A. 332, S. 2; P.A. 73-245, S. 11; P.A. 80-470, S. 6, 11; P.A. 95-257, S. 20, 48, 58; P.A. 18-86, S. 41.)
History: 1959 act specified that center rather than diagnostic unit give reexamination, deleted requirement that report of reexamination and recommendation be submitted to the board, and stated that examination record may include recommendation of transfer or change in confinement status of patient; P.A. 73-245 replaced “center”, i.e. security treatment center, with “institute”, i.e. Whiting Forensic Institute; P.A. 80-470 referred to examinations rather than reexaminations, required examination at least every six months rather than one year and made minor language changes; Sec. 17-250 transferred to Sec. 17a-569 in 1991; P.A. 95-257 substituted “has psychiatric disabilities” for “is mentally ill” and “division” for “institute”, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 18-86 replaced “institute” and “division” with “hospital”, effective June 4, 2018.
Annotations to former section 17-250:
Cited. 205 C. 27.
Cited. 12 CA 32.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-571. (Formerly Sec. 17-252). - Notice of director's action.

Copies of the patient's examination report submitted to the director and copies of the director's determination shall be sent to the court which sentenced him if the patient was sentenced under section 17a-567.
(1957, P.A. 650, S. 15; P.A. 80-470, S. 8, 11; P.A. 81-472, S. 40, 159.)
History: P.A. 80-470 substituted “examination” for “reexamination” and required that copies of report and determination be sent only to sentencing court, deleting requirement that copies be sent to next-of-kin and warden or superintendent of institution from which patient was transferred; P.A. 81-472 made technical changes; Sec. 17-252 transferred to Sec. 17a-571 in 1991.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-572. (Formerly Sec. 17-253). - Records to be confidential.

All certificates, applications, records and reports made for the purpose of sections 17a-560 to 17a-575, inclusive, and directly or indirectly identifying a person subject to it shall be kept confidential and shall not be disclosed by any person except so far (1) as the individual identified or his legal guardian, if any, or, if he is a minor, his parent or legal guardian, consents or (2) as disclosure may be necessary to carry out any of the provisions of said sections or (3) as a court may direct upon its determination that disclosure is necessary for the conduct of proceedings before it and that failure to make such disclosure would be contrary to the public interest.
(1957, P.A. 650, S. 16; P.A. 80-470, S. 9, 11; P.A. 18-86, S. 43.)
History: P.A. 80-470 deleted statement that provisions do not preclude disclosure of medical information to family members or relatives; Sec. 17-253 transferred to Sec. 17a-572 in 1991; P.A. 18-86 replaced reference to Sec. 17a-576 with reference to Sec. 17a-575, effective June 4, 2018.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-573. (Formerly Sec. 17-254). - When director may institute commitment proceedings.

Within two months prior to the expiration of the maximum term of confinement authorized for any patient under section 17a-567, the director of the hospital may, upon the recommendation of the board, initiate proceedings under section 17a-497 or 17a-520 for the commitment or further commitment, as the case may be, of the patient.
(1957, P.A. 650, S. 17; 1961, P.A. 249; P.A. 73-245, S. 13; P.A. 82-472, S. 153, 183; P.A. 95-257, S. 20, 58; P.A. 18-86, S. 44.)
History: 1961 act changed time limit from within six months prior to expiration of term to within two months prior and substituted director of center for welfare commissioner; P.A. 73-245 replaced “center”, i.e. security treatment center, with “institute”, i.e. Whiting Forensic Institute; P.A. 82-472 removed the reference to patients' confinement under the terms of Sec. 17-246; Sec. 17-254 transferred to Sec. 17a-573 in 1991; P.A. 95-257 substituted “division” for “institute”, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 18-86 replaced “division” with “hospital”, effective June 4, 2018.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-574. (Formerly Sec. 17-255). - Cases affecting juveniles unaffected.

Nothing in sections 17a-560 to 17a-575, inclusive, shall be construed to extend to or affect any case in the Superior Court involving a juvenile matter, or to any person arrested for an offense which is not punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or both or except as provided in section 46b-127.
(1957, P.A. 650, S. 18; 1961, P.A. 517, S. 18; P.A. 74-183, S. 214, 291; P.A. 76-436, S. 183, 681; P.A. 95-225, S. 40; P.A. 18-86, S. 45.)
History: 1961 act substituted circuit court for obsolete municipal and trial justice courts; P.A. 74-183 replaced circuit court with court of common pleas; P.A. 76-436 replaced juvenile court with superior court and specified cases involving juvenile matters, deleted reference to court of common pleas and extended exclusion to persons arrested for offenses where maximum penalty is $1,000 fine and/or one year's imprisonment and to provisions of Secs. 46b-126 and 46b-127, effective July 1, 1978; Sec. 17-255 transferred to Sec. 17a-574 in 1991; P.A. 95-225 deleted from the exception the reference to Sec. 46b-126; P.A. 18-86 replaced reference to Sec. 17a-576 with reference to Sec. 17a-575, effective June 4, 2018.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-575. (Formerly Sec. 17-256). - Habeas corpus unaffected.

Nothing in sections 17a-560 to 17a-575, inclusive, shall be construed to limit or suspend the writ of habeas corpus.
(1957, P.A. 650, S. 19; P.A. 18-86, S. 46.)
History: Sec. 17-256 transferred to Sec. 17a-575 in 1991; P.A. 18-86 replaced reference to Sec. 17a-576 with reference to Sec. 17a-575, effective June 4, 2018.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-576. (Formerly Sec. 17-257). - Effective date.

Section 17a-576 is repealed, effective June 4, 2018.
(1957, P.A. 650, S. 23; P.A. 73-245, S. 14; P.A. 95-257, S. 11, 20, 58; P.A. 18-86, S. 54.)
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-583. (Formerly Sec. 17-257d). - Initial hearing by board after commitment.

(a) The board shall conduct a hearing to review the status of the acquittee within ninety days of an order committing the acquittee to the jurisdiction of the board, provided, if the court has recommended consideration of conditional release, the board shall, absent good cause shown, conduct a hearing to review the status of the acquittee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
(b) At any hearing held pursuant to this section, the board shall make a finding and act pursuant to section 17a-584.
(P.A. 85-506, S. 4, 32.)
History: Sec. 17-257d transferred to Sec. 17a-583 in 1991.
Annotation to former section 17-257d:
Cited. 211 C. 591.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-584. (Formerly Sec. 17-257e). - Finding and action by board. Recommendation of discharge. Order of conditional release or confinement.

At any hearing before the board considering the discharge, conditional release or confinement of the acquittee, except a hearing pursuant to section 17a-592 or subsection (d) of section 17a-593, the board shall make a finding as to the mental condition of the acquittee and, considering that its primary concerns are the protection of society and the safety and well-being of the acquittee, shall do one of the following:
(1) If the board finds that the acquittee is a person who should be discharged, it shall recommend such discharge to the court pursuant to section 17a-593.
(2) If the board finds that the acquittee is a person who should be conditionally released, the board shall order the acquittee conditionally released subject to such conditions as are necessary to prevent the acquittee from constituting a danger to himself or others.
(3) If the board finds that the acquittee is a person who should be confined, the board shall order the person confined in a hospital for psychiatric disabilities or placed with the Commissioner of Developmental Services for custody, care and treatment.
(P.A. 85-506, S. 5, 32; P.A. 87-486, S. 3; P.A. 95-257, S. 48, 58; P.A. 07-73, S. 2(b); P.A. 22-45, S. 4.)
History: P.A. 87-486 amended Subdiv. (1) to replace requirement that the board recommend discharge and file an application for discharge with the court with requirement that the board recommend such discharge “to the court” and amended Subdiv. (3) to authorize placement of the person with the commissioner of mental retardation; Sec. 17-257e transferred to Sec. 17a-584 in 1991; P.A. 95-257 substituted “psychiatric disabilities” for “mental illness”, effective July 1, 1995; pursuant to P.A. 07-73 “Commissioner of Mental Retardation” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Developmental Services”, effective October 1, 2007; P.A. 22-45 added requirement of consideration of safety and well-being of the acquittee.
Annotations to former section 17-257e:
Cited. 211 C. 591; 215 C. 675.
Cited. 15 CA 74; judgment reversed, see 211 C. 591.
Annotation to present section:
Purpose of board is to manage, monitor and review status of each acquittee to ensure protection of general public. 268 C. 508.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-585. (Formerly Sec. 17-257f). - Periodic review by board.

The board shall conduct a hearing and review the status of the acquittee not less than once every two years. At such hearing the board shall make a finding and act pursuant to section 17a-584.
(P.A. 85-506, S. 6, 32.)
History: Sec. 17-257f transferred to Sec. 17a-585 in 1991.
Annotations to former section 17-257f:
Cited. 211 C. 591; 215 C. 675.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 230 C. 400.
Cited. 41 CA 688.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-586. (Formerly Sec. 17-257g). - Periodic report re mental condition of acquittee.

The superintendent of any hospital for psychiatric disabilities in which an acquittee has been confined or the Commissioner of Developmental Services with whom an acquittee has been placed pursuant to order of the board, or the person or agency responsible for the supervision or treatment of a conditionally released acquittee, shall submit to the board at least every six months a written report with respect to the mental condition of the acquittee. The board shall furnish copies of the report to the counsel for the acquittee and the state's attorney.
(P.A. 85-506, S. 7, 32; P.A. 87-486, S. 4; P.A. 95-257, S. 48, 58; P.A. 07-73, S. 2(b).)
History: P.A. 87-486 required submission of a report by “the commissioner of mental retardation with whom an acquittee has been placed”; Sec. 17-257g transferred to Sec. 17a-586 in 1991; P.A. 95-257 replaced “mental illness” with “psychiatric disabilities”, effective July 1, 1995; pursuant to P.A. 07-73 “Commissioner of Mental Retardation” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Developmental Services”, effective October 1, 2007.
Annotations to former section 17-257g:
Cited. 211 C. 591; 215 C. 675.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-588. (Formerly Sec. 17-257i). - Conditional release.

(a) If at any time after the confinement of an acquittee in a hospital for psychiatric disabilities or the placement of an acquittee with the Commissioner of Developmental Services, the superintendent of such hospital or said commissioner is of the opinion that such acquittee is a person who should be conditionally released, the superintendent or said commissioner shall apply to the board for an order of conditional release. The application shall be accompanied by a report setting forth the facts supporting the opinion of the superintendent or said commissioner, and by a conditional release plan. The board shall hold a hearing on the application within sixty, but not less than thirty, days of its receipt.
(b) At any time after the confinement of an acquittee in a hospital for psychiatric disabilities or the placement of an acquittee with the Commissioner of Developmental Services, the acquittee or another person acting on his behalf may apply to the board for an order of conditional release. On receipt of the application, the board shall request the superintendent of the hospital or said commissioner to report whether he is of the opinion that the acquittee is a person who should be conditionally released. The report shall set forth facts supporting the opinion. An application for conditional release under this subsection shall not be filed more often than once every six months from the date of the initial board hearing held pursuant to section 17a-583. The board is not required to hold a hearing on a first application under this subsection any sooner than ninety days after the initial hearing. Hearings resulting from any subsequent requests shall be held within sixty days of the filing of the application.
(c) Not less than thirty days prior to any such hearing, the board shall send copies of the superintendent's or said commissioner's report to the state's attorney and counsel for the acquittee. At any hearing held pursuant to this section, the board shall make a finding and act pursuant to section 17a-584.
(P.A. 85-506, S. 9, 32; P.A. 87-486, S. 6; P.A. 95-257, S. 48, 58; P.A. 07-73, S. 2(b).)
History: P.A. 87-486 made section applicable to acquittees placed with the commissioner of mental retardation and amended Subsec. (a) to require a hearing on the application not less than 30, rather than 45, days from its receipt and amended Subsec. (c) to require copies of the report to be sent not less than 30, rather than 45, days prior to the hearing; Sec. 17-257i transferred to Sec. 17a-588 in 1991; P.A. 95-257 replaced “mental illness” with “psychiatric disabilities”, effective July 1, 1995; pursuant to P.A. 07-73 “Commissioner of Mental Retardation” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Developmental Services”, effective October 1, 2007.
Annotation to former section 17-257i:
Cited. 215 C. 675.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-589. (Formerly Sec. 17-257j). - Supervision of acquittee on conditional release.

The board may designate any capable person or appropriate public or private agency to supervise the acquittee on conditional release, subject to such conditions as the board sets in the order for conditional release. Prior to the designation, the board shall notify the person or agency to whom conditional release is contemplated and provide the person or agency with an opportunity to be heard before the board. After receiving an order of conditional release, the person or agency so designated shall assume supervision of the acquittee pursuant to the direction of the board.
(P.A. 85-506, S. 10, 32.)
History: Sec. 17-257j transferred to Sec. 17a-589 in 1991.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-590. (Formerly Sec. 17-257k). - Examination and treatment of acquittee on conditional release. Status reports to board re treatment.

As one of the conditions of release, the board may require the acquittee to report to any public or private mental health facility for examination. Whenever medical, psychiatric or psychological treatment is recommended, the board may order the acquittee, as a condition of release, to cooperate with and accept treatment from the facility. The facility to which the acquittee has been referred for examination shall perform the examination and submit a written report of its findings to the board. If the facility finds that treatment of the person is appropriate, it shall include its recommendations for treatment in the report to the board. Whenever treatment is provided by the facility, the facility shall furnish reports to the board on a regular basis concerning the status of the acquittee and the degree to which the acquittee is a danger to himself or others. The board shall furnish copies of all such reports to the acquittee, counsel for the acquittee and the state's attorney. Psychiatric or psychological reports concerning the acquittee that are in the possession of the board shall not be public records, as defined in section 1-200, except that information in such reports relied on by the board or used as evidence concerning the discharge, conditional release, temporary leave or confinement of the acquittee shall not be confidential. The provisions of sections 52-146c to 52-146j, inclusive, shall not apply to such reports for the purposes of this section. The facility shall comply with any other conditions of release prescribed by order of the board.
(P.A. 85-506, S. 11, 32; P.A. 10-29, S. 2.)
History: Sec. 17-257k transferred to Sec. 17a-590 in 1991; P.A. 10-29 made technical changes and replaced requirement that confidentiality of reports be determined pursuant to Secs. 52-146c to 52-146j with provision that psychiatric or psychological reports re acquittee in possession of board shall not be public records, except that information relied on or used as evidence shall not be confidential, and that Secs. 52-146c to 52-146j shall not apply to such reports.
Annotation to former section 17-257k:
Cited. 215 C. 675.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-591. (Formerly Sec. 17-257l). - Modification of conditional release.

(a) Any conditionally released acquittee or any person or agency responsible for the supervision or treatment of a conditionally released acquittee may apply to the board for the modification of the order of the conditional release of the acquittee. Any application for modification filed by a person or agency responsible for the supervision or treatment of a conditionally released acquittee shall be accompanied by a report setting forth the facts supporting the application. The board shall commence a hearing within sixty days of its receipt of the application. Not less than thirty days prior to such hearing, the board shall send copies of such application and report, if any, to the state's attorney and counsel for the acquittee. At the hearing, the board shall make a finding and act pursuant to section 17a-584.
(b) Unless the conditional release order has been summarily modified by the board or its chairman pursuant to subsection (a) of section 17a-594, an application by an acquittee for modification of a conditional release order shall not be filed more often than once every six months from the date of the filing of the next preceding application for modification.
(P.A. 85-506, S. 12, 32; P.A. 87-486, S. 7.)
History: P.A. 87-486 amended Subsec. (a) to require the board to send copies of the application and report not less than 30, rather than 45, days prior to the hearing; Sec. 17-257
l
transferred to Sec. 17a-591 in 1991.
Annotation to former section 17-257
l
:
Cited. 215 C. 675.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 17a - Social and Human Services and Resources › Chapter 319i - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities › Section 17a-592. (Formerly Sec. 17-257m). - Board recommendation to discharge acquittee from custody.

(a) The superintendent of any hospital for psychiatric disabilities in which an acquittee has been confined or the Commissioner of Developmental Services with whom an acquittee has been placed pursuant to an order of the board or any person or agency responsible for the supervision or treatment of a conditionally released acquittee may request the board to recommend to the court discharge of the acquittee from custody. Any such request shall be accompanied by a report setting forth the facts supporting the request. Within sixty days of receipt of the request, the board shall commence a hearing on the request to recommend discharge. Not less than thirty days prior to such hearing, the board shall send copies of the request and report to the state's attorney and counsel for the acquittee.
(b) The board may, on its own motion, consider whether to recommend discharge of the acquittee from custody. The board shall immediately give notice to the state's attorney and counsel for the acquittee of its decision to consider whether to recommend discharge of the acquittee. The board may order a hearing on whether to recommend discharge of the acquittee and shall order such a hearing if the state's attorney files with the board a request therefor within ten days of his receipt from the board of the notice of its decision to consider whether to make such a recommendation. Any such hearing shall be held within sixty days of the board's decision to consider whether to recommend discharge of the acquittee.
(c) If the board decides to recommend discharge of the acquittee, the board shall make such recommendation pursuant to section 17a-593.
(P.A. 85-506, S. 13, 32; P.A. 87-486, S. 8; P.A. 95-257, S. 48, 58; P.A. 07-73, S. 2(b).)
History: P.A. 87-486 amended Subsec. (a) to authorize the commissioner of mental retardation with whom an acquittee has been placed to request the board to recommend discharge of the acquittee from custody and to require the board to send copies of the request and report not less than 30, rather than 45, days prior to the hearing, and amended Subsec. (c) to replace provision that if the board recommends discharge it shall “apply for discharge” with provision that it shall “make such recommendation” pursuant to Sec. 17-257n; Sec. 17-257m transferred to Sec. 17a-592 in 1991; P.A. 95-257 substituted “psychiatric disabilities” for “mental illness”, effective July 1, 1995; pursuant to P.A. 07-73 “Commissioner of Mental Retardation” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Developmental Services”, effective October 1, 2007.
Annotations to former section 17-257m:
Cited. 211 C. 591; 215 C. 675.
Cited. 15 CA 74; judgment reversed, see 211 C. 591.