AN ACT CONCERNING THE AUTHORITY OF THE PROBATE COURT TO ORDER A PERSON WITH A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER OR PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITY TO SUBMIT TO AN INVOLUNTARY MEDICAL EVALUATION AND ASSISTED OUTPATIENT MEDICAL TREATMENT.

HB 5442 would allow Connecticut probate courts to order a person with a substance use disorder or psychiatric disability to undergo an involuntary medical evaluation (up to 72 hours) and potentially assisted outpatient treatment under specific conditions. It directly affects individuals who refuse treatment, cannot care for themselves, and pose a danger to themselves or others, after less restrictive options have been deemed inappropriate. The bill requires courts to confirm the person’s incapacity to consent, the danger threshold, and the lack of suitable alternatives before ordering the evaluation or subsequent treatment. This amendment to probate court authority aims to provide a structured legal pathway for intervention while limiting court orders to the shortest necessary duration. (Bill: HB 5442, 2025 Session)