Support Patient Rights: Call for Legislative Action on ECT Protections

I am writing to bring your attention to concerns regarding the use of shock therapy in Connecticut, which is also known as electroconvulsive therapy or ECT. I also write to express my support for a bill introduced by Representative Roland Lemar, Proposed H.B. No. 6167, An act requiring the stay of execution of a probate court order authorizing the administration of shock therapy. The bill status page is here: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABillStatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB6167. My written testimony for Raised H.B. No. 6837, which discusses the need for greater oversight and patient protections regarding ECT, was recently published here: https://www.madinamerica.com/2025/02/ect-legislation/. Additionally, Reason magazine recently published an article by Michael Simonson detailing the case of David Russell, a Minnesota man subjected to court-ordered ECT against his will. The article also references similar cases in Connecticut, underscoring the importance of reviewing existing policies and ensuring that patients’ rights are safeguarded. You can find the article here: https://reason.com/2025/02/14/the-grassroots-campaign-to-save-a-man-from-court-ordered-shock-therapy/. Bill No. 6167 presents an opportunity to enhance protections for individuals facing involuntary medical treatment, and I encourage more legislators to support a hearing on this type of legislation. Given the seriousness of ECT and its potential long-term harmful effects, I believe it is important to ensure that patients’ rights, informed consent, and appropriate safeguards are central to any policies governing its use.