Connecticut Senate Bill SB00391

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Concerning A Certificate Of Need For Certain Medical Equipment.

Impact

If enacted, SB00391 would lead to significant changes in how medical equipment is procured within the state. The current CON process involves a regulatory review that can delay purchases and installations of necessary medical equipment. By exempting lower-cost items from this requirement, the bill would allow healthcare providers to invest more freely in essential tools and devices, thereby facilitating quicker response times and enhancing overall public health preparedness. This could be particularly beneficial in emergency situations, where timely access to medical equipment can save lives.

Summary

SB00391 is a proposed bill introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly aimed at modifying the existing Certificate of Need (CON) requirements related to medical equipment. Specifically, the bill seeks to exempt medical equipment costing less than four hundred thousand dollars from the CON process. This exemption is intended to streamline the acquisition and deployment of medical equipment by public health institutions, enabling them to respond more swiftly to the needs of their communities. Supporters argue that this measure will enhance local healthcare capabilities and improve service delivery in urgent situations.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve public health services, there may be concerns regarding the potential implications for healthcare quality and oversight. Critics might argue that reducing regulation in this area could lead to an influx of substandard equipment or could encourage unnecessary spending in the healthcare sector. The need for balance between efficient service delivery and maintaining strict quality control standards could be a point of contention among legislators and health advocates, sparking debate on whether the expedited access to medical equipment could compromise patient safety or service quality.