Connecticut House Bill HB05939

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/13
• Refer: 1/24/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Complaints Pending In The Department Of Public Health Against Physicians And Other Health Care Providers.

Impact

The proposed amendments to section 19a-14 of the general statutes will require the Department of Public Health to regularly communicate with patients regarding the status of their complaints. This shift is expected to empower patients by ensuring they are more informed about their rights and the complaints process. The law will improve accountability among healthcare providers by creating a clearer procedure for managing and resolving complaints.

Summary

House Bill 05939 aims to enhance transparency regarding complaints filed against healthcare providers, including physicians. If enacted, it mandates that the Department of Public Health provide clear communications and updates to patients who have a petition pending against a healthcare provider. This includes informing patients about their rights in relation to the complaint investigation process, as well as giving them opportunities to participate in hearings concerning their petitions.

Contention

Concerns may arise regarding the practical implications of the bill, particularly around the Department of Public Health's capacity to handle the increased communication demands. Stakeholders could argue about the adequacy of resources allocated to enhance these transparency efforts. Furthermore, there could be opposition from healthcare providers who may feel that such measures could lead to undue pressure and scrutiny, potentially affecting their practice.

Notable_points

One notable point of contention is the balance between patient safety and provider privacy. While the bill aims to protect patient rights and ensure transparency, it also raises questions about how patient complaints are handled and the potential for personal information to be exposed during these investigations.