General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 5238
February Session, 2018 *_____HB05238VA____031518____*
General Assembly
Substitute Bill No. 5238
February Session, 2018
*_____HB05238VA____031518____*
AN ACT CONCERNING MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR VETERANS AND MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:
Section 1. Subsection (c) of section 27-102l of the 2018 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2018):
(c) In addition to the powers and duties prescribed under section 4-8, the commissioner shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) To prepare studies and collect information (A) concerning facilities and services available to members of the armed forces, veterans or their spouses, eligible dependents or family members, including facilities and services for veterans who may have been exposed to a Vietnam herbicide during their periods of military service, and (B) in consultation with the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, for use in improving identification of the mental health needs of members of the armed forces and veterans and directing resources to effectively address such mental health needs;
(2) To require that the administrator of each nursing home and assisted living facility in the state notify the Office of Advocacy and Assistance not later than April 1, 2017, and every six months thereafter, of any new resident in such nursing home or assisted living facility who is a veteran or a spouse, eligible dependent or family member of a veteran, provided each such nursing home or assisted living facility shall not release the identity of any such new resident to the office without the consent of the new resident. As used in this subdivision, "new resident" means a resident of whom such nursing home or assisted living facility has not previously notified the Office of Advocacy and Assistance;
(3) To cooperate with service agencies and organizations throughout the state in disseminating and furnishing counsel and assistance of benefit to residents of this state who are or have been members of the armed forces or their spouses or eligible dependents, which will indicate the availability of: (A) Educational training and retraining facilities; (B) health, medical, rehabilitation and housing services and facilities; (C) employment and reemployment services; (D) provisions of federal, state and local laws affording financial rights, privileges and benefits; and (E) other matters of similar nature;
(4) To assist veterans and their spouses, eligible dependents and family members in the preparation, presentation, proof and establishment of such claims, privileges, rights and other benefits accruing to them under federal, state and local laws;
(5) To cooperate with all national, state and local governmental and private agencies securing or offering services or any benefits to veterans or their spouses or eligible dependents;
(6) To develop and prepare a long-range plan and mission statement for the Veterans Residential Services facility and Office of Advocacy and Assistance;
(7) To review all appeals made by veterans or their spouses, eligible dependents or family members and render the final decision thereon regarding the denial of admission to any program or the refusal to render any service or benefit which is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the discharge or transfer from any such program or any disciplinary action taken while participating in any such program;
(8) If the Veterans Residential Services facility closes or ceases to provide housing to veterans, to provide or arrange for housing to any veteran residing at said facility or receiving care or treatment at the Healthcare Center, as defined in subsection (b) of section 27-103, on the date of such closure or on the date said facility ceases to provide housing to veterans; and
(9) To publish on the Internet extensive and reliable data regarding women veterans, including, but not limited to, federal and state services and benefits, current challenges and notable women veterans and their contributions.
This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:
Section 1 October 1, 2018 27-102l(c)
This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:
Section 1
October 1, 2018
27-102l(c)
Statement of Legislative Commissioners:
Title was changed.
VA Joint Favorable Subst. -LCO
VA
Joint Favorable Subst. -LCO