Connecticut House Bill HB06035

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Requirements For Certificates Of Need.

Impact

The bill modifies several general statutes related to healthcare oversight to improve public health outcomes. Notably, it requires that any hospital planning to reduce specialty services must demonstrate through a community needs assessment that the proposal will effectively meet public health needs in its geographical area. Additionally, the bill calls for public hearings to be held if requested by community members, ensuring that community voices are heard in the CON process.

Summary

House Bill 6035 addresses the requirements surrounding certificates of need (CON) within the healthcare sector, particularly regarding the reduction of specialty services at hospitals. The bill proposes revisions to existing statutes to encompass a clearer definition of what constitutes a 'reduction of specialty services' and establishes that a CON must be obtained when such reductions are proposed. This amendment aims to ensure that modifications in healthcare services are adequately regulated and reflective of the needs of the communities served by these institutions.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HB 6035 likely includes varied perspectives on the balance of regulatory oversight in healthcare versus the need for healthcare facilities to adapt to changing circumstances. Proponents might argue that these requirements are essential to ensuring that healthcare services remain accessible and responsive to community needs, while critics may view the regulations as potential barriers to the timely and necessary updates to healthcare facilities, which could affect service availability.