Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00141

Introduced

2/19/20

Refer

2/19/20

Report Pass

3/4/20

Caption

An Act Designating The Department Of Mental Health And Addiction Services A Single Health Care Entity.

Impact

The passage of SB00141 would modify state laws related to the administration of mental health and substance abuse services, potentially leading to a better-coordinated response to these issues at the state level. Allowing for a single electronic health record system across all divisions is expected to facilitate improved communication and data sharing among health care providers within the DMHAS. The intention is to ensure that clinical decisions are based on comprehensive and up-to-date patient information, ultimately enhancing the quality of care and treatment outcomes for individuals receiving services.

Summary

SB00141, also known as 'An Act Designating The Department Of Mental Health And Addiction Services A Single Health Care Entity,' aims to enhance the organizational structure of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) by allowing it to operate as a unified and integrated health care entity. This bill proposes to centralize management and administrative functions for services addressing both mental health and substance abuse treatment, fostering increased efficiency and effectiveness in care delivery. It emphasizes client-based services and the need for comprehensive planning that aligns with treatment needs.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding SB00141 may include concerns regarding data privacy and the management of sensitive health records within a unified system. Critics might argue that consolidating such information could pose risks to patient confidentiality. Additionally, discussions may arise over whether centralizing authority within DMHAS truly accommodates the diverse needs of various communities, especially those with specific local challenges in mental health and addiction services. Balancing statewide standardization with local responsiveness will be crucial in the legislative discourse.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB00001

An Act Concerning The Health And Safety Of Connecticut Residents.

CT HB05316

An Act Concerning The Office Of Health Strategy's Recommendations Regarding The Certificate Of Need Program.

CT HB05500

An Act Concerning Revisions To Various Laws Concerning Ignition Interlock Devices, The Department Of Correction, Judicial Retirement Salaries And Criminal Law And Criminal Procedure.

CT HB05488

An Act Concerning Various Revisions To The Public Health Statutes.

CT HB05121

An Act Concerning Authorization Of Bonds Of The State To The Department Of Mental Health And Addiction Services For The Establishment Of Mental Health Urgent Care Crisis Centers.

CT HB05293

An Act Concerning The Department Of Developmental Services' Recommendations Regarding Various Revisions To Developmental Services Statutes.

CT SB00127

An Act Concerning The Recommendations Of The Department Of Children And Families Relating To Background Checks, Certain Subsidies, Urgent Crisis Centers, Departmental Records And Special Police Officers.

CT SB00212

An Act Concerning The Revisor's Technical Corrections To The General Statutes.

CT HB05290

An Act Concerning Various Revisions To The Public Health Statutes.

CT SB00401

An Act Concerning The Availability Of Telehealth Providers In Determining Network Adequacy And Extending The Telehealth Provisions Adopted During The Covid-19 Pandemic.