Connecticut House Bill HB05984

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Concerning Transfer Of Home Care Patients To Emergency Shelters Or Nursing Home Facilities During A Severe Weather Emergency.

Impact

The proposed bill is expected to have significant implications for state law governing health and public safety. By enacting this bill, state authorities would be creating a framework that prioritizes the wellbeing of individuals reliant on home care services. Hospitals would no longer need to be the default facility for patient transfers during emergencies, which could help manage hospital capacities more effectively during crises. The bill could also lead to increased capabilities and responsibilities for emergency shelters and nursing homes, ensuring they are adequately equipped to serve home care patients during such times.

Summary

House Bill 5984 aims to address the transfer of home care patients during severe weather emergencies by mandating their relocation to temporary emergency shelters or nursing home facilities rather than hospitals. This legislation is introduced with the intent of ensuring that vulnerable home care service recipients have a safe and suitable place to go during emergencies, effectively reducing the risks and costs associated with hospital care in such situations. The inclusion of emergency shelters and nursing homes as alternatives would potentially alleviate the burden on hospitals during high-demand scenarios caused by disasters.

Contention

While the bill seems to have a focus on public health and safety, potential points of contention could arise from stakeholders concerned about the implementation and adequacy of emergency shelters and nursing home facilities to accommodate these patients. Critics may argue about the quality of care that patients will receive in these alternative settings compared to hospitals. Additionally, questions regarding funding and sufficient resources for ensuring that nursing homes and shelters can adequately accommodate the needs of these patients could be raised, especially in densely populated areas where space may be limited.