OLR Bill Analysis

sHB 5850

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NEUROTHERAPY PROGRAM FOR PERSONS IN THE CUSTODY OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTION

SUMMARY:

Within appropriations, this bill requires the Department of Correction to establish a neurotherapy (biofeedback) program for everyone in its custody. It must use brain mapping ("quantitative electroencephalography" or "QEEG") and offer the program along with other therapies participants are already receiving. The bill requires a written prescription and supervision by a licensed clinical neuropsychologist.

Neurotherapy is EEG feedback-assisted cognitive behavior modification. It couples EEG feedback with a range of traditional cognitive behavior therapy methods, including imaginal rehearsal, correction of maladaptive thought patterns, and rehearsal of new skills.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2003

COMMITTEE ACTION

Judiciary Committee

Change of Reference

Voice Vote

Appropriations Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute