General Statutes of Connecticut - Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities

Patient's Rights

Title 17a, Chapter 319i, Sections 17a-540 to 17a-550 of the General Statutes of Connecticut deal with Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities and their rights. These include:

(these links open in a new browser window on the Connecticut General Statutes website)

• Section 17a-540 - Definitions

• Section 17a-541 - Deprivation of rights of patient prohibited

• Section 17a-542 - Humane and dignified treatment required. Formulation of discharge plan

• Section 17a-543 - Procedures governing medication, treatment, psychosurgery and shock therapy

• Section 17a-544 - Placement of patient in seclusion or mechanical restraint. Medication not to be used as substitute for habilitation

• Section 17a-545 - Physical and psychiatric examinations

• Section 17a-546 - Communication by mail and telephone

• Section 17a-547 - Visitors. Restrictions on mail, telephone and visitor privileges, when allowed

• Section 17a-548 - Patient's rights re clothing, possessions, money and access to records. List of rights to be posted

• Section 17a-549 - Denial of employment, housing, licenses, because of history of mental disorder restricted

• Section 17a-550 - Remedies of aggrieved persons

Also see:
- The Rights of People with Mental Illness in Connecticut
- Your Rights as a Client or Patient (opens in a new browser window on the DMHAS website).