Connecticut Senate Bill SB00936

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/13
• Refer: 2/21/13
• Report Pass: 3/7/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Care Of Displaced Persons At Shelters And Nursing Homes During A Weather Emergency.

Impact

The bill's passage signifies a significant change in how emergency responses are structured concerning vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals and those with disabilities. By providing nursing homes the authority to accept more residents during emergencies, it addresses the growing concerns of how to effectively manage disaster responses for people who may require specialized care. The bill also emphasizes the necessity for local emergency plans to account for these populations, potentially leading to more inclusive emergency preparedness strategies across cities and towns.

Summary

Bill SB00936, known as the Act Concerning Care of Displaced Persons at Shelters and Nursing Homes During a Weather Emergency, focuses on providing appropriate shelter and care for individuals displaced during emergencies, particularly in nursing homes. It aims to streamline the process by which nursing home facilities can care for displaced residents, allowing them to immediately admit individuals regardless of bed capacity during a state of emergency. The bill mandates the establishment of a waiver approval process for nursing home facilities and seeks to involve various health and emergency service commissioners in its implementation, ensuring comprehensive care for affected persons.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB00936 appears to be generally positive, with support coming from various stakeholders who recognize the importance of caring for vulnerable individuals during emergencies. By focusing on accommodating those with disabilities and elderly persons, proponents argue the bill addresses critical gaps in emergency preparedness. However, potential concerns may arise regarding the resources allocated for this expanded care, as well as the capability of nursing homes to handle unexpected surges in residents during crises.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the waiver process and liability protections outlined in the bill. While the legislation aims to facilitate quick responses during emergencies, there may be apprehensions regarding how effectively nursing homes can manage these influxes without compromising care quality. Additionally, there could be discussions about the liability protections for emergency shelter personnel and the implications this might have on willingness to assist in such environments.