Connecticut Senate Bill SB00083

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Concerning The Outsourcing Of Delivery Of Social And Behavioral Health Services.

Impact

Should SB00083 be enacted, it could significantly alter the landscape of social and behavioral health services in the state. By mandating the outsourcing of these services to capable private vendors, the bill could potentially lead to the reduction of state-operated services in favor of less regulated nonprofit organizations. This shift could have profound implications for the quality and accessibility of services offered to the community, depending on the effectiveness of the vendors chosen.

Summary

SB00083 seeks to amend title 17b of the general statutes, focusing on the delivery of social and behavioral health services by requiring the Commissioner of Social Services to outsource these services whenever private, nonprofit vendors can prove their ability to provide cost-efficient and high-quality solutions. This bill reflects a growing trend towards privatization in the delivery of public services, aiming to improve service delivery through competition and efficiency.

Contention

Critics of the bill may argue that outsourcing social services could lead to a decline in service quality or an imbalance in service distribution, particularly in underserved areas. There may also be concerns regarding accountability and oversight of private vendors, as reliance on them for essential services could risk prioritizing cost savings over quality care. Additionally, those in favor of maintaining public delivery of services might view the bill as a potential loss of job security for state employees and other workers within the public sector.