Connecticut General Statutes 17a-565 – Replacement of advisory board with oversight board. Functions. Investigative reports. Reporting
(a)(1) On and before September 30, 2022, there shall be an advisory board for Whiting Forensic Hospital, constituted as follows: The Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, three physicians licensed to practice in this state, two of whom shall be psychiatrists, two attorneys of this state, at least one of whom shall be in active practice and have at least five years’ experience in the trial of criminal cases, one licensed psychologist with experience in clinical psychology, one licensed clinical social worker, one person actively engaged in business who shall have at least ten years’ experience in business management, and two persons with psychiatric disabilities, at least one of whom shall have received inpatient services in a psychiatric hospital. Annually, on October first, the Governor shall appoint a member or members to replace those whose terms expire for terms of five years each. The board shall elect a chairman and a secretary, who shall keep full and accurate minutes of its meetings and preserve the same. The board shall meet at the call of the chairman at least quarterly. Members of the board shall receive no compensation for their duties as such but shall be reimbursed for their actual expenses incurred in the course of their duties.
Terms Used In Connecticut General Statutes 17a-565
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- Oversight: Committee review of the activities of a Federal agency or program.
- Remainder: An interest in property that takes effect in the future at a specified time or after the occurrence of some event, such as the death of a life tenant.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(2) On and after October 1, 2022, there shall be an oversight board for Whiting Forensic Hospital, constituted as follows: Three physicians licensed under chapter 370, two of whom shall be psychiatrists, two attorneys licensed in this state, at least one of whom shall be in active practice and have at least five years’ experience in the trial of criminal cases, one psychologist licensed under chapter 383 with experience in clinical psychology, one clinical social worker licensed under chapter 383b, one person actively engaged in business who shall have at least ten years’ experience in business management, and two persons with psychiatric disabilities, at least one of whom shall have received inpatient services in a psychiatric hospital, all of whom shall be appointed by the Governor. Members shall serve for a term of five years and any vacancies on the board shall be filled for the remainder of the term by the Governor. The board shall elect from among its members a chairperson and a secretary, who shall keep full and accurate minutes of its meetings and preserve the same. The board shall meet at the call of the chairperson at least quarterly. Members of the board shall receive no compensation for their duties but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The board shall be within the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for administrative purposes only.
(b) Such oversight board shall perform the following functions:
(1) Oversee the work of Whiting Forensic Hospital and provide consultative and advisory services regarding any problems or concerns identified in such oversight board’s review conducted pursuant to subdivision (2) of this subsection;
(2) Review the official report of every investigation conducted pursuant to the general statutes, including, but not limited to, chapter 813, chapter 814c and section 19a-490, and every investigation conducted by a hospital accrediting organization, of a complaint regarding the conditions of said hospital or the mistreatment or neglect of a patient or staff member of said hospital made by any patient, family member, guardian or legal representative of a patient or staff member of said hospital or any member of the public. As used in this subdivision, “neglect” means the failure, through action or inaction, to provide an individual with the services necessary to maintain such individual’s physical and mental health and safety, including, but not limited to, protection against incidents of inappropriate or unwanted sexual contact, harassment, taunting, bullying and discrimination;
(3) Make recommendations to said hospital and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for any actions necessary to improve the work of the staff, conditions of said hospital or treatment of any patient or staff member of said hospital necessary to address any concerns raised or complaints made pursuant to subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection; and
(4) Request and review any information from said hospital and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services that is necessary for the board to perform its functions under this subsection.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 52-146e, the superintendent and the relevant state agencies shall provide the official reports described in subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section to the oversight board.
(d) On or before January 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, the oversight board for Whiting Forensic Hospital shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health regarding the results of any investigation or recommendation made by the board pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.