Connecticut updates mental health laws for missing persons and acquittees' treatment

Connecticut's House Bill 7157, introduced on April 9, 2025, aims to enhance the safety and oversight of individuals receiving mental health services. The bill introduces significant changes to how missing persons reports are handled for patients in facilities operated by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Under the new provisions, relatives, guardians, or conservators of a missing patient can request the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services to file a missing person report with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. This streamlined process is designed to ensure that assistance is promptly provided in locating individuals who may have wandered away from care facilities. Notably, the bill allows authorized department employees to file these reports, ensuring a quicker response time while maintaining confidentiality by limiting the information disclosed.

Another critical aspect of House Bill 7157 is its focus on the treatment of individuals deemed acquitted but still requiring mental health evaluations. The bill empowers the board to mandate that these individuals report to mental health facilities for examination as a condition of their release. Facilities are then required to submit detailed reports on the individual's treatment and any potential risks they may pose to themselves or others, fostering a more proactive approach to mental health management.

The bill has sparked discussions among lawmakers and mental health advocates, with supporters emphasizing the need for better safety protocols and oversight in mental health facilities. Critics, however, express concerns about the potential for increased stigma and the implications of mandatory reporting on patient privacy.

As Connecticut moves forward with this legislation, the implications could be far-reaching, potentially setting a precedent for how mental health care is administered and monitored across the state. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and its implementation will be closely watched by both advocates and opponents of mental health reform.