Connecticut House Bill HB05570

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/21
• Refer: 1/26/21

Caption

An Act Authorizing The State To Enter Into A Multistate Compact To Work Toward Developing Cures For Major Diseases.

Impact

The bill's implementation would likely amend existing state laws to allow for the creation of this compact, enabling states to pool resources and share information in a concerted effort to develop cures. This could revolutionize healthcare approaches in participating states by fostering innovation through collaborative research and development. Additionally, any discovered cures could be mass-produced and distributed under contracts with private manufacturers, ensuring that states within the compact benefit from cost-effective solutions.

Summary

House Bill 5570 proposes the establishment of a multistate compact to enhance cooperation among states in the development of cures for major diseases. The bill aims to have at least five states collaborate with financial institutions to identify ten critical diseases based on their severity and economic impact. The goal is to shift the focus from merely treating diseases to finding potential cures, which proponents argue could lead to improved health outcomes and significant cost savings for states and taxpayers alike.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to catalyze advancements in medical research, it also raises questions about the logistics and regulatory framework necessary for such an initiative. Notable concerns may include how states will evaluate which diseases to prioritize, the criteria for determining what qualifies as a 'cure,' and how to manage the incentive structures involved in funding and compensating for research. Furthermore, states that do not join the compact would face different economic terms regarding access to the developed cures, leading to potential disparities in healthcare access across different states.