Connecticut House Bill HB05475

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/10
• Refer: 3/5/10

Caption

An Act Concerning Dental Care For Nursing Home Residents.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5475 would introduce new obligations for nursing home facilities, ensuring that they comply with the requirements pertaining to the dental care of their residents. By establishing such provisions, the bill will likely lead to improved health outcomes for nursing home residents, who may often face challenges in accessing dental care due to mobility issues or lack of assistance. Furthermore, the Department of Public Health will be tasked with developing regulations to implement these provisions, thereby formalizing the expectations for nursing homes under state law.

Summary

House Bill 5475, known as An Act Concerning Dental Care For Nursing Home Residents, seeks to establish requirements for the dental care procedures of residents in nursing homes. This legislation mandates that nursing home facilities ensure safe transportation for their residents to and from dental appointments, along with adequate supervision and assistance during these appointments. The purpose of this bill is to enhance the quality of care provided to elderly residents by addressing a critical aspect of their health needs that often goes overlooked.

Contention

While the intent behind HB 5475 is to ensure better health and wellbeing for nursing home residents, it may raise concerns regarding the financial implications for nursing homes. Facilities will need to allocate resources to comply with the transportation and supervision requirements set forth in the bill, which could result in increased operational costs. Some stakeholders may argue that this could strain already limited budgets, potentially impacting the number and quality of services offered to residents. Thus, discussions related to this bill may reflect a balance between the need for adequate care and the financial burdens placed on nursing homes.