AN ACT CONCERNING PATIENT PROTECTIONS AND STANDARDS OF CARE AT THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES' INPATIENT FACILITIES.

SB 477 requires the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to strengthen patient protections and care standards at its inpatient facilities. It mandates comprehensive documentation and investigation of safety incidents (including sexual abuse), limits restraint/seclusion use with real-time monitoring, and requires specialized professionals like psychologists to join treatment teams. The bill also requires frequent treatment plan updates, ensures facility compliance with health/safety standards, and establishes protocols for post-discharge planning to reduce readmissions. These changes directly affect patients, staff, and facility operations within the state's mental health and addiction treatment system.