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HB 6834

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES' RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES STATUTES.

2025 Regular Session

Updates CT behavioral health laws to expand access via telemedicine, improve insurance coverage parity, and better allocate opioid settlement funds for treatment.

FILE NO. 108
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Bill Summary · HB 6834

Bill Summary — HB 6834

Title: AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES' RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES STATUTES
Bill No.: HB 6834 (File No. 108)
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Committee: Joint Committee on Public Health

Purpose

The bill implements a package of statutory revisions recommended by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to update and streamline Connecticut law governing behavioral health and substance use disorder services. The revisions address multiple topic areas (see below) to improve delivery, oversight, funding use, and regulatory clarity for mental health and addiction services.

Key topic areas and likely provisions

(The bill text is not provided here; items below summarize the topics identified in the bill title/subjects and the kinds of statutory changes the bill proposes.)

  • Alcohol and Drug Policy Council
    • Revisions to the council’s membership, responsibilities, reporting requirements, or role in coordinating statewide substance use policy.
  • Alcoholism and drug abuse treatment
    • Updates to statutory authority for treatment programs, licensing or certification requirements, and continuity of care standards.
  • Behavioral health services
    • Changes to how services are organized, integrated, or coordinated between DMHAS and other providers/agencies.
  • Telemedicine
    • Expansion or clarification of telehealth authority for behavioral health and addiction treatment, including remote prescribing or service delivery.
  • Health insurance
    • Statutory changes to insurance coverage requirements, reimbursement, or parity for mental health and substance use services.
  • Indigent persons
    • Provisions clarifying eligibility or access to publicly funded behavioral health and treatment services for low‑income or indigent individuals.
  • Opioid Settlement Fund
    • Directions for the use, allocation, or reporting of opioid settlement resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
  • Plans, reports, studies
    • New or revised planning and reporting duties for DMHAS, the Alcohol and Drug Policy Council, or other entities to improve oversight and data collection.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals with mental health or substance use disorders (including uninsured and indigent populations)
  • Behavioral health and substance use treatment providers (clinical, community, and telehealth vendors)
  • Health insurers and payers (potential changes to coverage/reimbursement)
  • DMHAS, Alcohol and Drug Policy Council, and other state agencies responsible for planning, oversight, and allocation of opioid settlement funds
  • Municipalities and community-based organizations that provide or coordinate services

Procedural status and timeline

  • 2025-01-29: Referred to Joint Committee on Public Health
  • 2025-01-30: Public hearing (02/03)
  • 2025-03-05: Joint Favorable Substitute; filed with LCO
  • 2025-03-11: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis (03/17/25)
  • 2025-03-18: Reported out of LCO; Favorable Report and Tabled for House Calendar; House Calendar Number 93; File No. 108

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Could improve access to and coordination of behavioral health and addiction treatment (including telehealth), especially if insurance coverage and indigent care provisions are strengthened.
  • May change how opioid settlement funds are allocated, potentially increasing funding for treatment, prevention, or recovery supports.
  • Administrative and reporting changes could add compliance obligations for state agencies and providers.
  • Specific fiscal impacts (costs or savings) are not included here; the Office of Fiscal Analysis would provide a fiscal note.

Note: This summary is based on the bill title, subjects, and legislative actions provided. For precise statutory language and exact provisions, consult the bill text and fiscal/analytical reports on the LCO or the legislature’s website (File No. 108).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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