(Formerly Sec. 19a-126a). Regulations re treatment programs and facilities. Standards. Cooperation with Commissioner of Correction. Transfer of persons accused or convicted of nonviolent crimes

(a) The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall adopt and may amend and repeal regulations, pursuant to chapter 54, for acceptance of persons into the treatment programs and facilities operated or funded by the department, considering available treatment resources and facilities, for the purpose of early and effective treatment of alcohol-dependent persons, drug-dependent persons and intoxicated persons. In establishing the regulations the department shall be guided by the following standards: (1) If possible a patient shall be treated on a voluntary rather than an involuntary basis; (2) A patient shall be initially assigned or transferred to outpatient or intermediate treatment, unless he is found to require inpatient treatment; (3) A person shall not be denied treatment solely because he has withdrawn from treatment against medical advice on a prior occasion or because he has relapsed after earlier treatment; (4) An individualized treatment plan shall be prepared and maintained on a current basis for each patient; and (5) Provision shall be made for a continuum of coordinated treatment services, so that a person who leaves a facility or a form of treatment will have available and utilize other appropriate treatment. (b) The Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Commissioner of Correction shall cooperate in establishing treatment and rehabilitation programs for alcohol-dependent and drug-dependent persons confined in correctional institutions. Persons convicted of nonviolent crimes or confined in lieu of bond on nonviolent charges may be transferred by the Commissioner of Correction to the commissioner for treatment and rehabilitation upon agreement of the commissioner.