An Act Concerning The Responsibilities Of The Department Of Public Health Upon Receiving Notice Of A Malpractice Claim Or Settlement Involving A Health Care Provider Presently Or Formerly Licensed By The State.
If enacted, this bill would increase the accountability of health care providers who have left Connecticut. By ensuring that malpractice settlements are communicated to appropriate licensing agencies in other states, the bill aims to protect patients by promoting transparency regarding the professional histories of health care providers. It seeks to enhance the regulatory oversight of health professionals who may continue to practice in other jurisdictions, thereby impacting public health safety across state lines.
House Bill 05328 aims to amend section 19a-17a of the general statutes pertaining to the responsibilities of the Department of Public Health (DPH) in Connecticut in cases of medical malpractice claims or settlements involving health care providers. The bill specifically focuses on the need for the DPH to notify other state licensing agencies when a malpractice claim or settlement involves a health care provider who was previously licensed in Connecticut but is now believed to be practicing in another state. The proposed change mandates that this notification occurs within 30 days of the DPH receiving notice of the malpractice resolution.
While this bill may be seen as a proactive measure to safeguard patients in other states, potential points of contention arise regarding the scope of DPH's responsibilities and the bureaucratic burden it may impose. Stakeholders may debate the effectiveness and efficiency of cross-state notifications and the implications it may have for health care providers' mobility. Furthermore, there might be concerns regarding the privacy of health care providers and how such disclosures could affect their professional reputations.