An Act Concerning Long-term Care Services.
The findings from this study are expected to inform the legislature on necessary adjustments to current long-term care policies, including a focus on transitioning individuals from institutionalized settings to home and community-based solutions. The report, due by July 1, 2021, may also include recommendations for addressing gaps in service provision, potentially influencing future funding or policy decisions within state health services.
SB00163, titled 'An Act Concerning Long-term Care Services,' focuses on assessing and improving the state's long-term care needs. The bill mandates that the Commissioner of Social Services conduct a comprehensive study to determine if existing programs and strategies adequately meet the needs of an aging population and individuals with disabilities requiring such care. This study is to include evaluations of the number of residents aged 65 and older, as well as those with disabilities projected to need long-term care in the coming years.
While there appears to be broad support for understanding and improving long-term care services, potential contention may arise regarding the resources allocated for these studies and the subsequent implementation of recommended changes. Critics might argue whether the commissioned study will yield actionable insights or simply add to bureaucratic procedures without resulting in tangible benefits for the aging population and those with disabilities.