Connecticut House Bill HB05288

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/11
• Refer: 1/14/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Administration Of Iv Therapy Programs In Long-term Care Facilities.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would significantly alter the administrative landscape of healthcare practices within long-term care facilities. It aims to improve accessibility to essential treatment protocols directly by allowing dedicated nursing professionals, specifically infusion nurses, to perform procedures that previously required a higher level of authority or different staffing levels. This change could lead to improved patient outcomes by ensuring that patients receive timely and efficient care in their long-term setting.

Summary

House Bill 05288 proposes an amendment to chapter 368a of the general statutes concerning intravenous (IV) therapy programs in long-term care facilities. The bill's primary objective is to allow qualified infusion nurses to initiate and terminate peripherally-inserted central catheter line procedures for residents in these facilities. By streamlining this process, the bill seeks to enhance the quality of care provided to patients who require long-term medical attention in such environments.

Contention

While the bill is poised to facilitate better patient care, some concerns may arise regarding the qualifications and capabilities of infusion nurses in executing these procedures. Potential points of contention could include debates about the training required for nurses to safely perform these tasks, the implications for oversight and regulation of such practices, and whether this may inadvertently place additional burden on nursing staff in already resource-challenged facilities. Stakeholders may also raise questions about ensuring patient safety and the potential need for additional supervision or resources to support this expanded role of infusion nurses.