Connecticut House Bill HB06000

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Concerning Complaints About Patient Care In Hospitals.

Impact

If enacted, HB06000 would significantly impact how hospitals handle patient complaints by formalizing the processes and requirements for addressing patient grievances. This change is expected to lead to an enhanced focus on patient satisfaction and care quality within hospitals. By mandating hospitals to maintain a dedicated representative for handling complaints, the bill aims to ensure that patients’ concerns are heard and addressed promptly, potentially improving patients' experiences and outcomes in hospital settings. It could also lead to systemic improvements within hospital operations as feedback from patients is integrated into care practices.

Summary

House Bill 06000 aims to enhance patient care in hospitals by establishing a clear channel for patients to voice their complaints. This legislation mandates that hospitals make a representative available at all times who is designated to receive and address patient complaints regarding their care. Additionally, hospitals are required to display contact information for this representative prominently, ensuring that patients are aware of how to lodge their issues effectively. The underlying purpose of the bill is to promote transparency and accountability within healthcare facilities, thus improving the overall quality of patient care.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB06000 include concerns about the implementation and effectiveness of these requirements. Critics may argue about the financial and logistical implications for hospitals, particularly smaller facilities that might struggle to meet the demand for continual availability of a representative. There may also be discussions about the actual impact on patient care, with some stakeholders questioning whether simply having a complaints representative will address underlying issues in quality of care or patient dissatisfaction.