(a) On or before October 1, 2007, the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, within available appropriations set forth in section 52 of public act 06-188*, shall establish and implement (1) a pilot program for general pediatric, family medicine and geriatric health care professionals to improve their ability to identify, diagnose, refer and treat patients with mental illness, and (2) a pilot program of peer-counseling in the Division of the State Police.

(b) On or before January 1, 2009, the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall evaluate the pilot programs established under subsection (a) of this section and shall submit a report of the commissioner’s findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health, in accordance with the provisions of § 11-4a.