Connecticut House Bill HB05052

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/19
• Refer: 1/9/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Authority Of The Probate Court To Order That An Individual Submit To An Involuntary Medical Evaluation.

Impact

The enactment of HB 05052 would have significant ramifications for state laws concerning mental health and the treatment of individuals with substance use disorders. By extending the Probate Court's authority to compel medical evaluations, the bill addresses urgent health and safety issues related to individuals who might otherwise go untreated due to their incapacity to consent or refusal of such treatment. This could provide a critical means of intervention for individuals whose conditions decrease their ability to care for themselves adequately.

Summary

House Bill 05052 proposes to amend chapter 801a of the general statutes to empower Probate Courts with the authority to mandate involuntary medical evaluations for individuals diagnosed with a substance use disorder or mental disability. This legislation is aimed at individuals who refuse voluntary treatment or are incapable of consenting to it. The proposed change highlights the need for intervention when a person's condition poses a danger to themselves or others, particularly when less restrictive treatment alternatives are deemed inappropriate.

Contention

However, there may be points of contention regarding the implications of allowing involuntary evaluations. Critics could express concerns about the potential for misuse of this authority, specifically regarding individuals' rights to their own autonomy and choices in medical treatment. Advocates for mental health reform may also argue about the necessity of safeguarding against coercion and ensuring that the treatment provided is not only required by law but also in the best interest of the individual, balancing public safety with personal rights.