(Formerly Sec. 17a-681a). Clinical assessment of certain persons charged with misdemeanor or felony

(a) Prior to the arraignment of a person charged with the commission of a misdemeanor or felony, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall, to the maximum extent possible within the limits of available appropriations, with the consent of the arrested person, cause a clinical assessment to be performed of any person who has previously received mental health services or treatment for substance abuse from the department or who would reasonably benefit from such services to determine whether such person should be referred for community-based mental health services. If the person is determined to be in need of such services and is willing to accept the services offered, the court shall be informed of the result of the assessment and the recommended treatment plan for consideration by the court in the disposition of the criminal case. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 52-146e, the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services may disclose to the person conducting the clinical assessment described in subsection (a) of this section information indicating whether or not the arrested person has received services from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.