Connecticut House Bill HB05912

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Delivery Of Respite Care Services.

Impact

The legislation is designed to enhance support for families with developmental disabilities by addressing the critical need for respite care. It mandates the Department to assess geographical needs and provide extra services based on demand, which is expected to reduce waiting times for families in need. The bill also emphasizes the necessity for a staffing plan to ensure that services are adequately provided during periods of high demand, thereby improving the reliability of care availability.

Summary

House Bill 05912, introduced by Rep. Tercyak, seeks to amend section 17a-218 of the general statutes regarding the delivery of respite care services. The bill outlines specific provisions that the Department of Developmental Services must follow, including the delivery of direct subsidies for respite care on a seven-day basis and giving preference for these services to individuals who have not yet received them and those in urgent need of placement. By ensuring availability throughout the week, the bill aims to improve accessibility for families reliant on these essential services.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the actual implementation of HB 05912, particularly regarding funding and resource allocation for enhanced respite services. Stakeholders could debate whether the state can adequately deliver on the bill's aims considering existing budget constraints. Furthermore, the requirements for training of individuals receiving respite care services could spark discussions on the quality and availability of such training programs, which are essential for the success of the initiatives outlined in the bill.