Connecticut Senate Bill SB00392

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Requiring Parity In Care At Mental Health Facilities.

Impact

If enacted, SB00392 would significantly impact state laws governing mental health services by aligning the regulations and standards of public mental health facilities with those of their private counterparts. This reform is expected to elevate the level of care provided in public facilities, which historically may have faced resource constraints or operational discrepancies when compared to private facilities. The introduction of such parity is seen as an essential advancement towards ensuring that all individuals receive adequate and consistent mental health care.

Summary

SB00392, an Act Requiring Parity In Care At Mental Health Facilities, aims to amend existing statutes to ensure that public mental health facilities are subject to the same standards and regulations as private mental health facilities. This legislative effort is primarily focused on enhancing the quality of care and service delivery for individuals seeking mental health support, irrespective of the type of facility they visit. By instituting this requirement, the bill seeks to remove discrepancies that currently exist in the treatment and resources available in public versus private facilities, promoting a more equitable healthcare environment for all patients.

Contention

The bill might face contention due to concerns about the administrative and financial implications of implementing uniform standards across different types of facilities. Opponents may argue that public facilities, which often operate under different funding mechanisms, may struggle to meet the same regulations that private facilities do without additional state support. Thus, discussions may revolve around the feasibility of enforcing this parity in care, particularly how it will be funded and whether existing resources can be allocated effectively to meet the new requirements.