Connecticut Senate Bill SB00182

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/12
• Refer: 2/22/12

Caption

An Act Concerning Cooperative Health Care Arrangements.

Impact

The implementation of SB00182 is intended to potentially enhance the quality of healthcare services, improve cost efficiency, and increase access to healthcare resources. By enabling cooperative arrangements, the bill aims to avoid duplication of healthcare resources and foster better utilization of existing health services. However, the oversight of the Attorney General is crucial, as they must weigh the benefits of these arrangements against any adverse impacts on competition and consumer access to services, making the approval process a critical aspect of the legislation.

Summary

SB00182, known as the Act Concerning Cooperative Health Care Arrangements, is designed to facilitate collaboration among healthcare providers by allowing them to enter cooperative arrangements that may be exempt from certain antitrust laws upon receiving a certificate of public advantage from the Attorney General. The act outlines the process by which health care providers can apply for this certificate and establishes criteria for the Attorney General to evaluate whether the cooperative arrangement has benefits that outweigh any potential disadvantages, particularly concerning competition and healthcare service quality.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding the bill, primarily related to concerns over reduced competition in healthcare markets. Critics argue that while cooperative arrangements can bring efficiencies, they may also lead to monopolistic behaviors where a few providers dominate, potentially hurting patient choice and driving up prices. Furthermore, the bill’s allowance for providers to operate without strict antitrust scrutiny raises alarms about accountability and transparency, with some stakeholders fearing it could lead to compromises in the quality and accessibility of care.