Connecticut House Bill HB06365

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/19
• Refer: 1/25/19
• Refer: 2/6/19

Caption

An Act Allowing Persons With Intellectual Disability And Their Families To Access The Registry Of Department Of Developmental Services Employees Who Were Terminated Or Separated From Employment As A Result Of Abuse Or Neglect.

Impact

The passage of HB 06365 would amend existing statutes to include provisions specifically allowing families and legal guardians of persons with intellectual disabilities to access sensitive information that was previously restricted. This change is expected to have significant implications for the caregiving landscape, as families will be better equipped to avoid hiring individuals with histories of abuse or neglect. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the protective measures in place for individuals with disabilities and help ensure their safety and well-being.

Summary

House Bill 06365 focuses on enhancing the rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families by allowing them direct access to the registry of employees from the Department of Developmental Services who have been terminated or separated due to abuse or neglect. This direct access is intended to empower families in making informed decisions regarding the care and support services their loved ones receive, particularly concerning potential caregivers. The bill signals a shift towards greater transparency in safeguarding against individuals who may pose risks to vulnerable populations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 06365 is largely positive, particularly among advocacy groups for individuals with disabilities and their families. Supporters view the bill as a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals and providing families with necessary information to make informed caregiving choices. While there may be some concerns regarding privacy and the balance of information access, the overwhelming perspective is that increased transparency is essential for protecting individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Contention

While HB 06365 has garnered support, there are potential points of contention regarding privacy implications and the management of the registry information. Some stakeholders might argue that while families should have access to such critical information, there could be adverse effects on the privacy rights of former employees. Furthermore, implementing the necessary systems to ensure secure access to sensitive data comes with operational challenges, which opponents may raise as concerns regarding the bill's feasibility.