Connecticut Senate Bill SB00248

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/17
• Refer: 1/18/17

Caption

An Act Requiring A Certificate Of Need For The Reduction Of Services At A Hospital.

Impact

If enacted, SB00248 will amend Title 19a of the general statutes to integrate the CON requirement specifically for the reduction of services at hospitals. This change will obligate hospitals to demonstrate a need for any proposed service reductions, reflecting a shift towards heightened oversight of hospital operations and resource management. Health officials and lawmakers argue that such regulations can prevent adverse effects on patient care stemming from service cutbacks that may be financially motivated.

Summary

Senate Bill 00248 mandates a Certificate of Need (CON) for any reduction of services at hospitals. This legislative measure was introduced with the intent to protect patients from potential declines in access to necessary medical care. By regulating the reduction of hospital services, the bill aims to ensure that community health standards are preserved and that any changes to hospital services undergo scrutiny and assessment within the established healthcare framework.

Contention

While proponents of the bill believe that requiring a CON will safeguard against hasty or financially driven reductions in hospital services, opponents may argue that such regulations could hinder hospitals' ability to efficiently manage their services in response to changing economic or operational conditions. The debate around SB00248 includes points on balancing patient safety with the administrative burdens imposed on healthcare facilities, as well as ongoing discussions about the accountability of hospital administrations in providing quality care.