§ 46a-35 — Mental health bill of rights for deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing persons.

(a) There is established a bill of rights for deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing persons in need of mental health services. The rights afforded such persons, pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, shall be available to such persons only to the extent that such rights are implemented in accordance with other provisions of the general statutes, federal law, the Constitution of the state and the Constitution of the United States. (b) A deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing person has a right to: (1) Culturally and linguistically affirmative mental health services that accommodate the unique needs of such person; (2) Accessible mental health services delivered in such person's primary language, communication mode or style; (3) Specialized mental health services when necessary that provide appropriate and fully accessible counseling and therapeutic options using an appropriate oral, aural or speech-based system tailored to the unique needs of such person; (4) Express his or her opinion in determining the extent, content and purpose of mental health treatment or services that accommodate the unique needs of such person; (5) Programs offering access to a full continuum of services, including, but not limited to, all modes of therapy and evaluations; (6) Programs informed by appropriate research, curricula, staff and outreach; and (7) Express his or her views concerning the development and implementation of state and regional programs for the mental health service needs of such person.

Legislative History

(P.A. 21-72, S. 2.) History: P.A. 21-72 effective July 1, 2021.