Researcher: JO Page 1 4/21/21
OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 6666
AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH'S
RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO THE
PUBLIC HEALTH STATUTES.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
SUMMARY
§§ 1 & 2 — REPLACEMENT PUBLIC W ELLS
Allows (1) DPH to approve the location of replacement public wells if certain conditions
are met and (2) local or district health directors to issue permits for these wells
§§ 3 & 4 — NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN PROJECTS IN
WATERSHEDS OR AQUIFE R PROTECTION AREAS
Broadens the circumstances under which applicants must notify water companies and
DPH about certain projects in watersheds and aquifer protection areas, and requires the
applicants to notify DPH by email
§ 5 — ELECTRONIC REPORTING OF LEAD HOME INSPECTIONS
Requires local health departments and districts to use a DPH-prescribed electronic
system to report lead home inspection findings and resulting actions
§ 6 — PRIVATE WELLS
Clarifies that “private wells” supply water to residential populations only
§ 7 — NURSING HOME OR RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME CITATIONS
Allows DPH to electronically submit citation notices to nursing homes and residential
care homes
§ 8 — LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY BACKGROUND CHECKS
Exempts long-term care facilities from complying with background check requirements in
in the event of an emergency or significant disruption
§§ 9 & 10 — AUTHORITY TO WAIVE EMS ORGANIZATION
REGULATIONS
Under specified conditions, allows DPH to waive regulations affecting EMS organizations
§§ 11-16 — APPRENTICE EMBALMERS AND FUNERAL DIRECTOR S
Updates terminology regarding apprentice embalmers and funeral directors and allows
mortuary science students to embalm up to 10 bodies under certain conditions
§ 17 — PROFESSIONAL COUNSEL OR AND PROFESSIONAL
COUNSELOR ASSOCIATE LICENSURE
Exempts certain professional counselor and professional counselor associate licensure
applicants from specified requirements 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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§ 18 — MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY LICENSURE
Removes the specific requirement that MFT licensure applicants’ supervised practicum or
internship include 500 clinical hours
§§ 19 & 20 — VETERINARIAN INVESTIGATIONS
Gives the complainant access to the investigation file when a complaint regarding a
veterinarian is closed with no finding, and specifically extends existing procedures for
complaints against other providers to complaints against veterinarians
§ 21 — ELECTRONIC DEATH REG ISTRY SYSTEM
Requires funeral directors, embalmers, and heath care practitioners certifying deaths to
use the electronic death registry system, if it is available
§§ 22-24 — LOCAL AND DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
Makes various changes affecting municipal and district health departments, including
making certain requirements consistent for both types of departments
§§ 25-28 — BEHAVIOR ANALYST ELIGIBILITY FOR THE
PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND REPO RTING OF
IMPAIRED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Adds licensed behavior analysts to the list of providers eligible for the professional
assistance program for health professionals, and correspondingly increases their
licensure renewal fee by $5; adds these providers to the list of health professionals who
must notify DPH if they are aware that another professional may be unable to safely
practice
§§ 29-31 — BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS AS MANDATED REPORTERS O F
ELDER ABUSE
Makes behavior analysts mandated reporters of abuse of the elderly or long-term care
facility residents
§ 32 — PALLIATIVE CARE ADVISORY COUNCIL
Requires the DPH commissioner to make an appointment to the Palliative Care Advisory
Council if there is a spot that is vacant for at least one year, and decreases the council’s
reporting frequency from annually to biennially
§ 33 — CHRONIC DISEASE REPORTING
Eliminates the requirement for DPH to biennially report on chronic disease and the
implementation of the department’s chronic disease plan, and instead requires her to post
the plan on the department’s website
§ 34 — FACILITY OWNERSHIP CHANGES
Makes a minor change to the law on health care facility ownership changes
§ 35 — TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING
Requires health care facilities to maintain tuberculosis screening policies for their health
care personnel that reflect the CDC’s recommendations
§ 36 — PUBLIC NUISANCES
Specifies that violations of the state Fire Prevention Code are included within the public
nuisance law
§ 37 — PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS ADVISORY COMM ITTEE 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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Allows members of the Public Health Preparedness advisory committee to appoint
designees to serve in their place
§ 38 — CLINICAL LABORATORIES
Requires clinical laboratories to give DPH a list of the blood collection facilities they own
and operate, and exempts hospital-owned clinical laboratories from licensure fees
§ 39 — TECHNICAL CHANGES
Makes technical and conforming changes
§ 40 — SOCIAL WORKER CONTIN UING EDUCATION
Increases the maximum hours of continuing education that social workers may complete
online or through home study
§ 41 — MANAGEMENT OF SPAS A ND SALONS
Allows massage therapists to manage spas and salons
§ 42 — OUT OF STATE PRACTITIONERS ALLOWED IN EMERGENCY
Expands the types of out-of-state health care providers authorized to temporarily practice
in Connecticut during a declared public health emergency
§ 43 — NURSING HOME ADMINIS TRATOR LICENSURE
Eliminates the requirement that DPH administer the required examination for nursing
home administrator licensure applicants
§§ 44-50 & 52 — HOSPICE HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCIES
Adds “hospice home health care agencies” to the statutory definition of a “health care
institution,” and makes related technical changes; removes “substance abuse treatment
facilities” from the statutory definition of a health care institution
§§ 44 & 55 — ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES AGENCIES
Requires managed residential communities (MRCs) that provide assisted living services to
become licensed as assisted living services agencies (ALSAs); requires an MRC that
intends to contract with an ALSA for services to apply to DPH prior to doing so; and
requires an ALSA to obtain DPH approval before providing memory care to residents
with early to mid-stage cognitive impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
§ 51 — HOME HEALTH ORDERS
Allows physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses to issue orders for
home health care agency services
§ 53 — NURSING HOME EXPANDE D BED CAPACITY DURING
EMERGENCY
Allows DPH to suspend nursing home licensure requirements to allow homes to
temporarily increase their bed capacity to provide services to patients during a declared
public health emergency
§ 54 — IV CARE IN NURSING HOMES
Allows registered nurses employed by nursing homes to administer medications
intravenously or draw blood from a central line for laboratory purposes under certain
conditions
§ 56 — BED POSITIONS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
Requires chronic disease hospitals, nursing homes, and residential care homes to position
beds in a manner that promotes resident care 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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§ 57 — REGULATIONS ON AMBUL ANCE STAFFING
Makes a technical change by updating terminology in the statute requiring DPH to adopt
regulations on ambulance staffing
§§ 58 & 59 — CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR EMS PERSONNEL
Requires EMS personnel to document their required continuing education hours in a
manner the DPH commissioner prescribes, instead of using a DPH-approved online
database
§ 60 — EMS ADVISORY BOARD
Requires the DPH commissioner to appoint a member to the Connecticut EMS Advisory
Board if the appointment is vacant for more than one year, and notify the appointing
authority of the appointment at least 30 days in advance
§§ 61-63 — MODEL FOOD CODE
Extends by two years, from January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2022, the date by which DPH
must implement the FDA’s Model Food Code, and makes related conforming changes to
these laws
§ 64 — ASBESTOS
Modifies the definition of “asbestos-containing material” to include material that
contains asbestos in amounts equal to or greater than 1% by weight
§ 65 — HAIRDRESSING AND COSMETOLOGY
Expands the statutory definition of “hairdressing and cosmetology” to include removing
facial or neck hair using manual or mechanical means
§ 66 — ESTHETICIAN LICENSURE
Limits the time period in which certain applicants for DPH licensure as an esthetician
may be grandfathered in to those applicants who apply for licensure before January 1,
2022
§ 67 — HEALTH ASSESSMENTS F OR STUDENTS WITH ASTHMA
Requires local or regional boards of education to report to DPH and local health
departments on the number of students diagnosed with asthma in grades 9 or 10, instead
of grades 10 or 11, to align the reporting schedule with the schedule for conducting
required student health assessments
§ 68 — DPH REPORTABLE DISEASES AND HEALTH CONDITIONS
Increases, from $500 to $1,000, the civil penalty DPH may impose against a person who
fails to report a case or finding of a reportable disease; establishes an appeal process for
violations; and requires health care providers and clinical laboratories to report cases
and findings only electronically
§§ 69 & 70 — CERTIFIED STROKE CENTERS
Adds thrombectomy-capable stroke centers to the types of stroke-designated hospitals
DPH must include on its annual list of certified stroke centers; requires DPH to maintain
and operate a state-wide stroke registry and establishes related requirements for data
reporting and records storage; and requires DPH to establish a registry data oversight
committee
§ 71 — EMS ADDRESS CHANGES
Allows an EMS organization to change its address within its primary service area without
having to complete the certificate of need process 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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§§ 72-74 — CERTIFIED HOMELESS YOUTH
Modifies the definition of “certified homeless youth,” establishes a definition for
“certified homeless young adult,” and permits the fees to be waived when issuing these
individuals certified copies of birth certificates or state identity cards
§ 75 — DPH LIST OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND EMBALM ERS
Eliminates the requirement that DPH annually provide town clerks and registrars of vital
statistics printed lists of all licensed funeral directors, embalmers, student funeral
directors, and student embalmers
SUMMARY
This bill makes various substantive, minor, and technical changes in
Department of Public Health (DPH)-related statutes and programs.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Various; see below.
§§ 1 & 2 — REPLACEMENT PUBLIC W ELLS
Allows (1) DPH to approve the location of replacement public wells if certain conditions
are met and (2) local or district health directors to issue permits for these wells
PA 19-117, §§ 73 & 74, allowed DPH, under certain conditions, to
approve the location of a replacement public well in Ledyard that does
not meet the state’s sanitary radius and minimum setback
requirements for these water sources. The bill extends these provisions
to the entire state, under the same conditions.
As under PA 19-117, the bill allows DPH to approve the
replacement well’s location if the well is:
1. needed by the water company to maintain and provide safe and
adequate water to customers;
2. located in an aquifer of adequate water quality, as determined
by historical water quality data from the supply source it is
replacing; and
3. in a more protected location than the supply source it is
replacing, as determined by DPH.
Under PA 19-117, if DPH approves the well’s location, the local
health director for Ledyard may issue a permit for the replacement
well, but by no later than March 1, 2020. The bill instead allows all 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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local or district health directors, upon DPH’s approval, to issue these
permits in their respective jurisdictions, without a deadline.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
§§ 3 & 4 — NOTIFICATION OF CERT AIN PROJECTS IN
WATERSHEDS OR AQUIFE R PROTECTION AREAS
Broadens the circumstances under which applicants must notify water companies and
DPH about certain projects in watersheds and aquifer protection areas, and requires the
applicants to notify DPH by email
Current law generally requires anyone filing an application,
petition, or plan with the local zoning commission or appeals board for
a site within a water company’s watershed or aquifer protection area
to notify the water company and DPH about the application, if the
company has filed a watershed map with the municipality or map of
the aquifer protection area. Current law also requires applicants for
regulated activities on inland wetlands or watercourses within a water
company’s watershed to notify the company and DPH, if the applicant
has filed a map with the municipality and the inland wetlands agency.
The bill eliminates the condition requiring this notice only in cases
where these maps have been filed. Instead, it generally requires
applicants to (1) notify the water company and DPH and (2) determine
if the project is within a water company’s watershed by consulting the
maps on DPH’s website. It requires them to send the notice to DPH by
email, to the address DPH designates on its website.
As under existing law, (1) notice to the water company must be sent
by certified mail, return receipt requested; (2) the notice must be sent
to the company and DPH within seven days after the application; and
(3) the company and DPH have the right to be heard at any hearing on
the application.
The bill retains existing’s law exemption from these notice
requirements for the first type of application above (those to a local
zoning commission or appeals board). Specifically, an applicant is
exempt if (1) the town allows zoning agents to approve applications
concerning sites within aquifer protection areas or watersheds and (2) 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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the agent determines that the proposed activity will not adversely
affect the public water supply.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
§ 5 — ELECTRONIC REPORTING OF LEAD HOME INSPECT IONS
Requires local health departments and districts to use a DPH-prescribed electronic system
to report lead home inspection findings and resulting actions
By law, if a local health director receives a report that a child’s blood
lead level exceeds a certain threshold, the director must conduct an
epidemiological investigation of the lead source. After the
investigation identifies the source, the director must act to prevent
further lead poisoning.
Existing law requires local health directors to report to DPH on the
results of the investigation and the actions they took to prevent further
lead poisoning from that source. The bill specifically requires them to
report using a DPH-prescribed web-based surveillance system. In
practice, DPH uses the MAVEN surveillance system for this purpose.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
§ 6 — PRIVATE WELLS
Clarifies that “private wells” supply water to residential populations only
The bill makes minor and technical changes to clarify that “private
wells” serve residential populations. As defined under current law
and the bill, for provisions related to water quality testing, permitting,
and sale or transfer, among other things, private wells supply water to
a population of less than 25 people per day.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
§ 7 — NURSING HOME OR RESI DENTIAL CARE HOME
CITATIONS
Allows DPH to electronically submit citation notices to nursing homes and residential
care homes
Under current law, DPH must use certified mail to notify a nursing
home or residential care home of a citation for noncompliance with
specified laws and regulations. The bill additionally allows DPH to 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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send these notices electronically, in a form and manner the
commissioner sets.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
§ 8 — LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY BACKGROUND CHECKS
Exempts long-term care facilities from complying with background check requirements in
in the event of an emergency or significant disruption
By law, long-term care facilities generally must require background
checks for prospective employees or volunteers who will have direct
access to patients or residents. The bill suspends this requirement if the
DPH commissioner determines it is necessary to do so because of an
emergency or significant disruption. In that case, the commissioner
must inform the facility when (1) suspending the requirement and (2)
lifting the suspension.
Under DPH’s current policies and procedures for the long-term care
facility background search program, the department may suspend the
background search requirement for a facility for up to 60 days in an
emergency or a significant disruption to (1) internet capabilities, (2) the
functionality of the background search system, or (3) the state of the
long-term care facility workforce.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§§ 9 & 10 — AUTHORITY TO WAIVE E MS ORGANIZATION
REGULATIONS
Under specified conditions, allows DPH to waive regulations affecting EMS
organizations
The bill allows the DPH commissioner to:
1. waive regulations affecting emergency medical services
(“EMS”) organizations if she determines that doing so would
not endanger the health, safety, or welfare of any patient or
resident;
2. impose waiver conditions assuring patients’ or residents’
health, safety, and welfare; 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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3. revoke the waiver if she finds that health, safety, or welfare has
been jeopardized; and
4. adopt regulations establishing a waiver application procedure.
Existing law grants the commissioner similar waiver authority
regarding DPH-licensed health care institutions (CGS § 19a-495).
The bill also makes a technical change to another EMS statute (§ 9).
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021, except for the technical change,
which is effective October 1, 2021.
§§ 11-16 — APPRENTICE E MBALMERS AND FUNERAL
DIRECTORS
Updates terminology regarding apprentice embalmers and funeral directors and allows
mortuary science students to embalm up to 10 bodies under certain conditions
The bill replaces the term “student embalmer” with “registered
apprentice embalmer.” It similarly replaces the term “student funeral
director” with “registered apprentice funeral director.” Existing law
already requires these individuals to register as apprentices with DPH.
The bill makes related minor and technical changes.
Additionally, the bill specifies that students enrolled in approved
mortuary science education programs, with the DPH commissioner’s
consent, may embalm up to 10 human bodies as part of that program
under a licensed embalmer’s supervision.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
§ 17 — PROFESSIONAL COUNSEL OR AND PROFESSIONAL
COUNSELOR ASSOCIATE LICENSURE
Exempts certain professional counselor and professional counselor associate licensure
applicants from specified requirements
Professional Counselor Applicants
The bill exempts certain applicants for professional counselor
licensure from specified requirements.
This applies to applicants who, by July 1, 2017, were matriculating
students in good standing in a qualifying graduate program offered by 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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a regionally accredited institution. Specifically, the bill exempts these
applicants from the requirements to have completed (1) a 100-hour
counseling practicum; (2) a 600-hour clinical mental health counseling
internship; and (3) graduate coursework in addiction and substance
abuse counseling, trauma and crisis counseling, and diagnosing and
treating mental and emotional disorders.
Professional Counselor Associate Applicants
Current law provides alternate paths for professional counselor
associate licensure. On one path, an applicant qualifies by earning a
graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling through a
program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling
and Related Educational Programs.
Alternatively, an applicant qualifies by earning a graduate degree in
counseling or a related mental health field from a regionally accredited
higher education institution and meeting additional requirements,
including completing (1) at least 60 graduate semester hours in
counseling or a related mental health field, (2) a 100-hour counseling
practicum, and (3) a 600-hour clinical mental health counseling
internship.
Under the bill, these additional requirements do not apply to
applicants on the second path above who, by July 1, 2022, earned such
a graduate degree, as long as they accumulated at least 3,000 hours of
experience under professional supervision.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
§ 18 — MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY LICENSURE
Removes the specific requirement that MFT licensure applicants’ supervised practicum or
internship include 500 clinical hours
Existing law for marriage and family therapist licensure requires,
among other things, an applicant to have completed a supervised
practicum or internship meeting certain standards.
The bill removes the current requirement that the practicum or
internship include at least 500 direct clinical hours, including 100 hours 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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of clinical supervision. In practice, the Commission on Accreditation
for Marriage and Family Therapy Education currently requires this
same minimum number of hours.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
§§ 19 & 20 — VETERINARIAN INVESTIGATIONS
Gives the complainant access to the investigation file when a complaint regarding a
veterinarian is closed with no finding, and specifically extends existing procedures for
complaints against other providers to complaints against veterinarians
The bill requires DPH to provide information to a person who filed
a complaint against a veterinarian when the case is closed with no
finding. This applies to cases where DPH made a finding of no
probable cause or failed to make a finding within the required 12-
month investigation period.
The bill also specifically extends to veterinarian investigations
certain existing procedures that apply to investigations of several other
DPH-licensed health professionals. For example, among these
procedures:
1. the complainant must be given an opportunity to review, at
DPH, certain records related to the complaint;
2. before resolving the complaint with a consent order, DPH must
give the complainant at least 10 business days to submit an
objection; and
3. if a hearing is held after a probable cause finding, DPH must
give the complainant a copy of the hearing notice with
information on the opportunity to present oral or written
statements.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
§ 21 — ELECTRONIC DEATH REG ISTRY SYSTEM
Requires funeral directors, embalmers, and heath care practitioners certifying deaths to
use the electronic death registry system, if it is available
Under current law, funeral directors or embalmers must use DPH- 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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provided forms when completing death certificates. The bill instead
requires them to use the state’s electronic death registry system unless
that system is unavailable, in which case they must use the DPH
forms.
Existing law authorizes certain health care practitioners to complete
the medical certification portion of a death certificate. The bill requires
them, when certifying the facts of a decedent’s death, to use the
electronic system or, if it unavailable, DPH-prescribed forms.
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2022
§§ 22-24 — LOCAL AND DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
Makes various changes affecting municipal and district health departments, including
making certain requirements consistent for both types of departments
The bill requires DPH approval for local health director
appointments by municipalities. Existing law already requires this
approval for district health directors (CGS § 19a-242).
The bill increases, from 30 to 60 days, the minimum vacancy of a
town’s health director position before DPH may appoint someone to
fill the vacancy.
In towns with a population of at least 40,000 for five consecutive
years, current law prohibits municipal health directors from having a
financial interest in or engaging in a job, transaction, or professional
activity that substantially conflicts with the director’s duties. The bill
extends this prohibition to all municipal health directors, regardless of
the town’s size. Existing law already prohibits this for district health
directors (CGS § 19a-244).
For part-time health departments, the bill removes the requirement
for DPH to approve the town’s public health program plan and
budget. It continues to require towns with part -time health
departments to submit those plans and budgets to DPH. The bill
allows, rather than requires, DPH to adopt related regulations.
For both local and district health departments, the bill requires the 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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municipality or district board, as applicable, to submit to DPH its
written agreement with the director. They must do so upon the
director’s appointment or reappointment.
Additionally, the bill requires district health directors, at the end of
each fiscal year, to report to DPH on their activities during the prior
year. This requirement already applies to municipal departments (§
21).
The bill also makes minor and technical changes.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§§ 25-28 — BEHAVIOR ANALYST ELI GIBILITY FOR THE
PROFESSIONAL ASSISTA NCE PROGRAM AND REPO RTING OF
IMPAIRED HEALTH PROF ESSIONALS
Adds licensed behavior analysts to the list of providers eligible for the professional
assistance program for health professionals, and correspondingly increases their licensure
renewal fee by $5; adds these providers to the list of health professionals who must notify
DPH if they are aware that another professional may be unable to safely practice
The bill adds licensed behavior analysts to the list of providers
eligible for the professional assistance program for health professionals
(currently, the Health Assistance InterVention Education Network
(HAVEN); see BACKGROUND).
The bill increases, from $175 to $180, the annual license renewal fee
for behavior analysts. The increase applies to applications to renew
licenses that expire on or after October 1, 2021. The DPH commissioner
must (1) quarterly certify the amount of revenue received as a result of
the fee increase and (2) transfer it to the professional assistance
program account. (In 2015, license renewal fees were similarly
increased for professions already eligible for the program.)
The bill also adds behavior analysts to the list of licensed health care
professionals who must notify DPH if they are aware that another
health professional may be unable to practice with skill and safety for
various reasons (e.g., loss of motor skill, drug abuse, or negligence in
professional practice). In some cases, this law also requires licensed
health care professionals to report themselves to the department (e.g., 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JO Page 14 4/21/21
following drug possession arrests).
Under this law, among other things:
1. the reporting professional must file a petition with DPH within
30 days after obtaining information to support the petition;
2. DPH must investigate all petitions it receives to determine if
there is probable cause to issue charges and institute
proceedings against the reported professional;
3. DPH may not restrict, suspend, or revoke a license until it gives
the person notice and the opportunity for a hearing; and
4. a health care professional that refers an impaired professional to
the assistance program for intervention satisfies the law’s
reporting requirement in some cases.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021, except for the fee increase
provision, which is effective upon passage, and the provisions on
reporting practitioners unable to safely practice, which are effective
October 1, 2021.
§§ 29-31 — BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS AS MANDATED REPORTERS
OF ELDER ABUSE
Makes behavior analysts mandated reporters of abuse of the elderly or long-term care
facility residents
The bill adds licensed behavior analysts to the list of professionals
who must report (1) suspected abuse, neglect, abandonment, or
exploitation of the elderly or long-term care facility residents or (2) if
they suspect an elderly person needs protective services. They must
report to the Department of Social Services (DSS) within 72 hours.
By law, a mandated reporter who fails to report to DSS within the
deadline can be fined up to $500. If the failure to report is intentional,
the reporter can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor (up to three
months in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both) for the first offense and
a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $2,000,
or both) for any subsequent offense. 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
§ 32 — PALLIATIVE CARE ADVISORY COUNCIL
Requires the DPH commissioner to make an appointment to the Palliative Care Advisory
Council if there is a spot that is vacant for at least one year, and decreases the council’s
reporting frequency from annually to biennially
Under existing law, the Palliative Care Advisory Council includes
13 members: two appointed by the governor, four by the legislative
leaders, and seven by the DPH commissioner.
The bill requires the DPH commissioner to make an appointment to
the council if a spot is vacant for at least one year. If this occurs, she
must notify the appointing authority about her selection at least 30
days before making the appointment.
By law, the council must report to the Public Health Committee. The
bill decreases the required reporting frequency from annually to every
other year. As under current law, the next report is due January 1,
2022.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§ 33 — CHRONIC DISEASE REPO RTING
Eliminates the requirement for DPH to biennially report on chronic disease and the
implementation of the department’s chronic disease plan, and instead requires her to post
the plan on the department’s website
By law, DPH must consult with the Office of Health Strategy and
local health departments to develop, within available resources, a
statewide chronic disease plan that is consistent with specified state
and federal initiatives. DPH must implement the plan to meet certain
objectives (e.g., reducing the incidence and effects of chronic diseases
and improving care coordination).
The bill eliminates the requirement for DPH to report biennially to
the Public Health Committee on chronic disease and the plan’s
implementation. Instead, it requires the commissioner to post the plan
on the department’s website.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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§ 34 — FACILITY OWNERSHIP CHANGES
Makes a minor change to the law on health care facility ownership changes
By law, licensed health care institution ownership changes generally
need prior DPH approval. Transfers to relatives are generally not
subject to this requirement. But one current exception to this is a
transfer of 10% or more of the stock of a corporation, partnership, or
association which owns or operates multiple facilities. The bill specifies
that this exception also applies to transfers involving limited liability
companies meeting these same conditions.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§ 35 — TUBERCULOSIS SCREENI NG
Requires health care facilities to maintain tuberculosis screening policies for their health
care personnel that reflect the CDC’s recommendations
The bill requires licensed health care facilities to have policies and
procedures reflecting the National Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations for tuberculosis (TB) screening,
testing, treatment, and education for health care personnel.
Under the bill, these facilities’ direct patient care employees must
receive TB screening and testing in compliance with these policies and
procedures. This applies despite any contrary state law or regulation.
Among other things, the CDC generally recommends that health
care personnel:
1. be screened for TB upon being hired and if there is a known
exposure,
2. not receive annual TB testing unless there is known exposure or
ongoing transmission at the facility, and
3. receive annual education in TB.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§ 36 — PUBLIC NUISANCES 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JO Page 17 4/21/21
Specifies that violations of the state Fire Prevention Code are included within the public
nuisance law
By law, the state can bring an action to abate a public nuisance on
any real property on which, within the previous year, there have been
three or more (1) arrests for certain crimes, (2) arrest warrants issued
for certain crimes indicating a pattern of criminal activity, or (3)
municipal citations issued for certain violations. Among various other
crimes, this applies to fire safety violations under specified laws. The
bill specifies that this includes violations under the state’s Fire
Prevention Code. (In doing so, it appears that the bill reinserts
statutory references that were inadvertently removed in 2017.)
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
§ 37 — PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAR EDNESS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
Allows members of the Public Health Preparedness advisory committee to appoint
designees to serve in their place
By law, the DPH commissioner must establish a Public Health
Preparedness Advisory Committee to advise DPH on responses to
public health emergencies.
Under current law, the committee includes the DPH and
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
commissioners; the six legislative leaders; and the chairs and ranking
members of the Public Health, Public Safety and Security, and
Judiciary committees. The bill allows these individuals to designate
someone to serve on the committee in their place.
By law, the committee also includes (1) representatives of municipal
and district health directors appointed by the DPH commissioner and
any (2) other organizations or individuals the commissioner deems
relevant to the effort.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
§ 38 — CLINICAL LABORATORIE S
Requires clinical laboratories to give DPH a list of the blood collection facilities they own
and operate, and exempts hospital-owned clinical laboratories from licensure fees 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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The bill requires licensed clinical laboratories to report to DPH the
name and address of each blood collection facility they own and
operate. They must report this information, in a form and manner
DPH prescribes, (1) before obtaining or renewing their license and (2)
whenever opening or closing a blood collection facility.
Additionally, the bill exempts hospital-owned clinical laboratories
from the $200 fee for licensure and license renewal. Under existing
law, this exemption also applies to government-owned laboratories.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§ 39 — TECHNICAL CHANGES
Makes technical and conforming changes
The bill makes technical and conforming changes to a sanitarian
statute.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§ 40 — SOCIAL WORKER CONTIN UING EDUCATION
Increases the maximum hours of continuing education that social workers may complete
online or through home study
The bill increases, from six to 10, the maximum hours of continuing
education that social workers may complete online or through home
study during each one-year registration period. By law, social workers
generally must complete 15 hours of continuing education each
registration period, starting with their second license renewal.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
§ 41 — MANAGEMENT OF SPAS A ND SALONS
Allows massage therapists to manage spas and salons
Under current law, starting on July 1, 2021, each spa or salon that
employs hairdressers, cosmeticians, estheticians, or eyelash or nail
technicians must be managed by someone with a DPH credential for
one of those professions. The bill (1) extends this requirement to spas
or salons that employ massage therapists and (2) allows licensed
massage therapists to manage a spa or salon employing any of these 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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individuals.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
§ 42 — OUT OF STATE PRACTIT IONERS ALLOWED IN
EMERGENCY
Expands the types of out-of-state health care providers authorized to temporarily practice
in Connecticut during a declared public health emergency
By law, DPH may temporarily suspend, for up to 60 days, licensing,
certification, and registration requirements to allow various health care
practitioners credentialed in another state, territory, or the District of
Columbia to practice in Connecticut during a declared public health
emergency (see BACKGROUND).
The bill expands the types of out-of-state practitioners allowed to
practice in Connecticut under these circumstances to include: alcohol
and drug counselors; art and music therapists; certified behavior
analysts; certified dietician-nutritionists; dentists and dental
hygienists; genetic counselors; occupational therapists; radiographers,
radiologic technologists, radiologist assistants, and nuclear medicine
technologists; and speech and language pathologists. (In doing so, it
codifies certain provisions in the governor’s 2020 executive orders 7O,
7DD, and 7HHH).
As under existing law, the bill permits these practitioners to work
only within their scope of practice as permitted by Connecticut law.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
§ 43 — NURSING HOME ADMINIS TRATOR LICENSURE
Eliminates the requirement that DPH administer the required examination for nursing
home administrator licensure applicants
By law, an applicant for a nursing home administrator license must
meet specified education and training requirements and pass a DPH-
prescribed examination. The bill eliminates the requirement that DPH
also administer the examination. (In practice, these examinations are
administered by national organizations.)
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JO Page 20 4/21/21
§§ 44-50 & 52 — HOSPICE HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCIES
Adds “hospice home health care agencies” to the statutory definition of a “health care
institution,” and makes related technical changes; removes “substance abuse treatment
facilities” from the statutory definition of a health care institution
Definitions
The bill adds to the statutory definition of a “health care institution”
a “hospice home health care agency,” which it defines as a public or
private organization that provides home care and hospice services to
terminally ill patients.
In doing so, it extends to these agencies statutory requirements for
health care institutions regarding, among other things, licensure and
inspections, access to patient records, and disclosure of HIV-related
information. Under current regulations, a hospice home health care
agency must be licensed as a home health care agency.
The bill also makes related technical and conforming changes to
long-term care statutes on, among other things, the state’s long-term
care facility background check program and the administration of
medication by certified unlicensed personnel.
Additionally, the bill removes “substance abuse treatment facilities”
from the definition of “health care institution” to conform to current
practice. (DPH currently licenses these facilities as “behavioral health
facilities.)
Licensure Fees
The bill extends to hospice home health care agencies and home
health aide agencies the licensure and inspection fee of $100 per
satellite office that existing law requires for home health care agencies.
(It does not set a corresponding agency licensure and inspection fee.)
As under existing law, the fee must be paid biennially to DPH, except
for Medicare- and Medicaid-certified agencies, which are licensed and
inspected every three years.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§§ 44 & 55 — ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES AGENCIES 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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Requires managed residential communities (MRCs) that provide assisted living services
to become licensed as assisted living services agencies (ALSAs); requires an MRC that
intends to contract with an ALSA for services to apply to DPH prior to doing so; and
requires an ALSA to obtain DPH approval before providing memory care to residents
with early to mid-stage cognitive impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
Licensure
Under existing law, the state does not license assisted living
facilities. Instead, it licenses and regulates assisted living service
agencies (ALSAs) that provide assisted living services. ALSAs can only
provide these services at a managed residential community (MRC).
MRCs are not licensed by the state but must provide certain core
services and meet regulatory requirements.
The bill requires an MRC that wishes to provide assisted living
services to obtain a DPH license as an ALSA or contract for the services
with a licensed ALSA. For the latter, the MRC must apply to DPH to
arrange for these services in a manner the commissioner prescribes, as
under current regulation (Conn Agencies Regs., § 19-D13-105).
Memory Care
The bill prohibits an ALSA from providing memory care to
residents with early to mid-stage cognitive impairment from
Alzheimer’s disease or dementia unless they obtain DPH approval.
An ALSA that provides memory care services must (1) ensure they
have adequate staff to meet residents’ needs and (2) submit to DPH a
list of memory care units or locations and their staffing plans when
applying for an initial or renewal license or upon DPH request.
The bill also requires an ALSA to ensure that (1) all services
provided individually to clients are fully understood by the client or
the client’s representative and (2) the client or representative are made
aware of the cost of these services.
Regulations
The bill permits the DPH commissioner to adopt regulations to
implement the bill’s provisions.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JO Page 22 4/21/21
§ 51 — HOME HEALTH ORDERS
Allows physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses to issue orders for
home health care agency services
The bill allows physician assistants (PAs) and advanced practice
registered nurses (APRNs) licensed in Connecticut to issue orders for
home health care agency, hospice home health care agency, and home
health aide agency services. It also allows PAs and APRNs licensed in
bordering states to order home health care agency services.
Under current law, only a physician may issue these orders.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§ 53 — NURSING HOME EXPANDE D BED CAPACITY DURIN G
EMERGENCY
Allows DPH to suspend nursing home licensure requirements to allow homes to
temporarily increase their bed capacity to provide services to patients during a declared
public health emergency
The bill allows the DPH commissioner to suspend licensure
requirements for chronic and convalescent nursing homes to allow
them to temporarily provide services to patients with a reportable
disease, emergency illness, or health condition during a declared
public health emergency.
Nursing homes may provide these services under their existing
license if they (1) provide services to patients in a building that is not
physically connected to their licensed facility or (2) expand their bed
capacity in a portion of a facility that is separate from the licensed
facility.
Under the bill, a nursing home that intends to provide services in
this manner must first apply to DPH in a form and manner the
commissioner prescribes. The application must include:
1. information on the facility’s ability to sufficiently address
residents’ and staff’s health, safety, or welfare;
2. the facility’s address; 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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3. an attestation that all equipment located at the facility is
maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications and
can meet residents’ needs;
4. information on the facility’s maximum bed capacity; and
5. information indicating that the facility is in compliance with
state laws and regulations regarding its operation.
The bill requires the department, upon receiving the application, to
conduct a scheduled inspection and investigation of the applicant’s
facilities to ensure that they comply with state licensing laws and
regulations. After doing so, the department must notify the applicant
of its decision to approve or deny the application.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§ 54 — IV CARE IN NURSING HOMES
Allows registered nurses employed by nursing homes to administer medications
intravenously or draw blood from a central line for laboratory purposes under certain
conditions
The bill allows chronic and convalescent nursing homes to allow a
licensed registered nurse (RN) they employ to:
1. draw blood from a central line for laboratory purposes, if the
facility has an agreement with a laboratory to process the
specimens, or
2. administer a medication dose by intravenous injection, if the
medication is on a list approved by the DPH commissioner for
intravenous injection by an RN (DPH must notify homes of the
list).
Under the bill, an RN may perform these services only if he or she
has been properly trained to do so by the home’s nursing director or
an intravenous infusion company. The home’s administrator must
ensure that the RN is appropriately trained and competent and
provide related documentation to DPH upon request. 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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The bill also requires the nursing home to notify the DPH
commissioner if it employs RNs who provide these services.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§ 56 — BED POSITIONS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
Requires chronic disease hospitals, nursing homes, and residential care homes to position
beds in a manner that promotes resident care
The bill requires chronic disease hospitals, nursing homes, and
residential care homes to position beds in a manner that promotes
resident care. Specifically, the bed position:
1. cannot act as a restraint to the resident;
2. must ensure that the resident’s call bell, overhead bed light, and
privacy curtain function are readily usable by the resident;
3. cannot create a hazardous situation, including the possibility of
entrapment, an obstacle to evacuation, or blocking or being
close to a heat source;
4. must prevent the spread of pathogens and allow for infection
control;
5. must ensure residents’ privacy; and
6. must provide at least a six-foot clearance at the sides and foot of
each bed, instead of a three-foot clearance required under
current law.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§ 57 — REGULATIONS ON AMBUL ANCE STAFFING
Makes a technical change by updating terminology in the statute requiring DPH to adopt
regulations on ambulance staffing
The bill makes a technical change to the statute requiring the DPH
commissioner to adopt regulations that require ambulances to be
staffed with at least one certified emergency medical technician and
one certified emergency medical responder. It updates terminology by
replacing the terms “emergency medical response services” with 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JO Page 25 4/21/21
“ambulance” and “medical response technician” with “emergency
medical responder.”
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
§§ 58 & 59 — CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR EMS PERSONNEL
Requires EMS personnel to document their required continuing education hours in a
manner the DPH commissioner prescribes, instead of using a DPH-approved online
database
The bill requires emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to
enter, track, and reconcile their required continuing education hours in
a form and manner the DPH commissioner prescribes, instead of using
a DPH-approved online database. It also makes a related conforming
change.
Under the bill, EMS personnel include emergency medical
responders, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), advanced EMTs,
and EMS instructors.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
§ 60 — EMS ADVISORY BOARD
Requires the DPH commissioner to appoint a member to the Connecticut EMS Advisory
Board if the appointment is vacant for more than one year, and notify the appointing
authority of the appointment at least 30 days in advance
The bill requires the DPH commissioner to appoint a member to the
Connecticut EMS Advisory Board, if the appointment is vacant for
more than one year. The commissioner must notify the appointing
authority of her appointee’s identity at least 30 days before making the
appointment.
By law, the EMS Advisory Board reviews and comments on all DPH
regulations, medical guidelines, and EMS-related policies before they
are implemented. It also assists and advises state agencies in
coordinating the EMS system. The board must annually report to the
DPH commissioner and make recommendations to the governor and
legislature on legislation it believes will improve EMS delivery.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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§§ 61-63 — MODEL FOOD CODE
Extends by two years, from January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2022, the date by which DPH
must implement the FDA’s Model Food Code, and makes related conforming changes to
these laws
The bill extends by two years, from January 1, 2020, to January 1,
2022, the date by which DPH must adopt the federal Food and Drug
Administration’s (FDA) Model Food Code as the state’s food code for
regulating food establishments.
The bill also makes related conforming changes to statutes
regarding certified food inspectors and restaurant requests to use the
sous vide cooking technique or the acidification of sushi rice.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
§ 64 — ASBESTOS
Modifies the definition of “asbestos-containing material” to include material that contains
asbestos in amounts equal to or greater than 1% by weight
The bill modifies the definition of “asbestos-containing material” in
the statutes pertaining to asbestos abatement. It specifies that such
material must contain asbestos in amounts equal to or greater than
1.0% by weight, instead of only amounts greater than 1.0% by weight,
as under current law.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
§ 65 — HAIRDRESSING AND COS METOLOGY
Expands the statutory definition of “hairdressing and cosmetology” to include removing
facial or neck hair using manual or mechanical means
The bill expands the statutory definition of “hairdressing and
cosmetology” for purposes of licensure to include removing facial or
neck hair using manual or mechanical means.
Under existing law, hairdressing and cosmetology also includes (1)
dressing, arranging, curling, waving, weaving, cutting, singeing,
bleaching, or coloring hair; (2) scalp treatments; and (3) massaging,
stimulating, cleansing, manipulating, exercising or beautifying with
the use of the hands, appliances, cosmetic preparations, antiseptics,
tonics, lotions, creams, powders, oils, or clays and doing similar work 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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on the face, neck, and arms.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
§ 66 — ESTHETICIAN LICENSUR E
Limits the time period in which certain applicants for DPH licensure as an esthetician
may be grandfathered in to those applicants who apply for licensure before January 1,
2022
By law, individuals seeking an initial DPH license as an esthetician
must provide evidence that he or she completed the minimum hours
of required study in an approved school, or an out-of-state school with
equivalent requirements, and received a certification of completion
from the school.
Current law grandfathers in an applicant who (1) provides evidence
that he or she practiced esthetics continuously in the state for at least
two years before July 1, 2020, and (2) attests to complying with
specified infection prevention and control guidelines. The bill limits
the time period in which licensure applicants may be grandfathered in
to those who apply before January 1, 2022.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§ 67 — HEALTH ASSESSMENTS F OR STUDENTS WITH AST HMA
Requires local or regional boards of education to report to DPH and local health
departments on the number of students diagnosed with asthma in grades 9 or 10, instead
of grades 10 or 11, to align the reporting schedule with the schedule for conducting
required student health assessments
By law, local or regional boards of education (“school boards”) must
report to DPH and local health departments triennially on the number
of students in each school and school district who are diagnosed with
asthma at specified timeframes.
The bill requires school boards to report on students who are
diagnosed with asthma in grades 9 or 10, instead of grades 10 or 11, as
under current law. In doing so, it aligns the reporting schedule with
the schedule school boards must follow for conducting student health
assessments required under existing law.
Under existing law, and unchanged by the bill, school boards must 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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also report on students diagnosed with asthma at the time they enroll
in school and in grades six or seven.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§ 68 — DPH REPORTABLE DISEA SES AND HEALTH CONDI TIONS
Increases, from $500 to $1,000, the civil penalty DPH may impose against a person who
fails to report a case or finding of a reportable disease; establishes an appeal process for
violations; and requires health care providers and clinical laboratories to report cases and
findings only electronically
Reporting Requirements
By law, DPH must annually issue a list of (1) reportable diseases,
emergency illnesses, and health conditions and (2) reportable
laboratory findings. Health care providers and clinical laboratories
must report findings of the diseases, illnesses, and conditions
identified on this list within 12 hours and 48 hours, respectively. The
bill requires these reports to be made only electronically. Current law
allows laboratories that report an average of less than 30 findings per
month and providers to also report in writing or by telephone.
Civil Penalties and Appeals
The bill increases, from $500 to $1,000, the civil penalty DPH may
impose on a person who fails to (1) report a case or finding of any
disease on the DPH list or (2) keep certain information related to
reports confidential. It specifies that each failure constitutes a separate
violation.
Under the bill, if the commissioner reasonably believes that such a
violation occurred, she may send the person a notice that includes:
1. a short and plain statement of the violation asserted or charged;
2. a statement of the maximum civil penalty that may be imposed
for the violation; and
3. a statement of the person’s right to request a hearing, which the
person must request in writing to the commissioner within 10
days after the notice is mailed or served. 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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The bill requires the commissioner to either send the notice by mail,
return receipt requested, or personally serve it to the person.
Under the bill, the commissioner must arrange for a hearing under
the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act, upon the person’s request.
It allows the commissioner, at her discretion, to impose a civil penalty
no greater than what is stated in the notice if (1) the person fails to
request or attend a hearing or (2) she finds, after the hearing, that the
person committed the violation. The commissioner must send the
person a copy of an order she issues by certified mail, return receipt
requested.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
§§ 69 & 70 — CERTIFIED STROKE CEN TERS
Adds thrombectomy-capable stroke centers to the types of stroke-designated hospitals
DPH must include on its annual list of certified stroke centers; requires DPH to maintain
and operate a state-wide stroke registry and establishes related requirements for data
reporting and records storage; and requires DPH to establish a registry data oversight
committee
Designated Stroke Centers
By law, a hospital may apply to DPH to be designated as a
comprehensive stroke center, and the department must annually send
a list of these stroke-designated hospitals to the medical director of
each EMS provider in the state and post the list on the DPH website.
The bill adds thrombectomy-capable stroke centers to the types of
stroke-designated hospitals DPH must include on its annual list.
Under existing law, DPH already includes hospitals designated as
comprehensive stroke centers, primary stroke centers, or acute stroke-
ready hospitals.
As under existing law, a hospital may apply to DPH for designation
as a thrombectomy-capable stroke center if it is certified as such by (1)
the American Hospital Association; (2) the Joint Commission (an
independent, nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies
hospitals and other health care organizations and programs); or (3)
another DPH-approved, nationally recognized certifying organization. 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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Under the bill, DPH must report to the national certifying
organization any complaint it receives related to a thrombectomy-
capable stroke center’s certification, as it must already do for other
types of stroke centers.
Statewide Registry
The bill requires DPH to maintain and operate a statewide stroke
registry using the American Heart Association’s “Get with the
Guidelines-Stroke Program” data set platform. The registry must
include information and data on stroke care in Connecticut that aligns
with the stroke consensus metrics developed and approved by the
American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association
(ASA).
It also allows DPH to adopt regulations to implement the statewide
registry.
Registry Reporting Requirements
Starting January 1, 2022, the bill requires each of the designated
stroke centers listed above to submit quarterly data to DPH on stroke
care that (1) the commissioner deems necessary to include in the
registry and (2) at a minimum, aligns with the AHA’s and ASA’s
developed and approved stroke consensus metrics.
Under the bill, if a stroke center fails to comply with the reporting
requirements, DPH may elect to perform the registry services for the
center, in which case, the center must reimburse DPH for its actual
expenses doing so.
In addition, the bill subjects non-compliant stroke centers to a civil
penalty of up to $500 for each failure to disclose data, as determined by
the commissioner.
The bill requires DPH, before assessing the reimbursements and
civil penalties, to send written notification to the stroke center and give
the center at least 14 business days to respond in writing. The center’s
response must include any information DPH requests. 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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The bill also allows the DPH commissioner to request that the
attorney general initiate an action to collect any civil penalties assessed
and obtain any orders necessary to enforce the bill’s provisions.
Registry Data Oversight Committee
By January 1, 2022, the bill requires DPH to consult with the
Connecticut Stroke Advisory Council and establish a Stroke Registry
Data Oversight Committee. The committee must (1) monitor the
registry’s operations; (2) advise DPH on the registry’s oversight; and
(3) develop a plan to improve the quality of stroke care, address
disparities in providing care, and develop short- and long-term goals
for improving care in stroke centers.
Record Access and Storage
The bill grants DPH access to the records of any certified stroke
center that it deems necessary to perform case findings or quality
improvement audits to ensure the completeness of reporting and data
accuracy related to the statewide registry.
It also allows DPH to contract for the receipt, storage, holding, or
maintenance of data or files under its control and management. DPH
may also enter into reciprocal reporting agreements with appropriate
agencies in other states to exchange stroke center data.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
§ 71 — EMS ADDRESS CHANGES
Allows an EMS organization to change its address within its primary service area
without having to complete the certificate of need process
The bill allows an EMS organization, instead of only an ambulance
service, to apply to DPH to change its address or add a branch location
within its primary service area. Current law requires an EMS
organization to complete the certificate of need process in order to
make such a change.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
§§ 72-74 — CERTIFIED HOMELESS Y OUTH 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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Modifies the definition of “certified homeless youth,” establishes a definition for “certified
homeless young adult,” and permits the fees to be waived when issuing these individuals
certified copies of birth certificates or state identity cards
Definitions
The bill expands the statutory definition of “certified homeless
youth” to include youth certified as homeless by the director of a
municipal or nonprofit program that contracts with the Department of
Housing’s homeless youth program. Existing law also includes youth
certified as homeless by one of the following:
1. a school district homeless liaison;
2. the director of an emergency shelter program funded by the
U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or the
director’s designee; or
3. the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or
transitional living program funded by the U. S. Department of
Health and Human Services, or the director’s designee.
By law, a certified homeless youth is a 15- to 17-year-old person, not
in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian, who is a
homeless child or youth as defined in specified federal law.
The bill also establishes a definition for a “certified homeless young
adult,” which is an 18- to 25-year-old person who has been certified as
homeless by the same individuals as for certified homeless youth listed
above.
Records Access
The bill authorizes DPH and local registrars of vital records to
waive the fee for issuing a certified copy of a birth certificate to a
certified homeless youth or certified homeless young adult. It similarly
allows the Department of Motor Vehicles to waive the fee for issuing a
state identity card to these individuals.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
§ 75 — DPH LIST OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND EMBALM ERS 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
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Eliminates the requirement that DPH annually provide town clerks and registrars of vital
statistics printed lists of all licensed funeral directors, embalmers, student funeral
directors, and student embalmers
The bill repeals a provision requiring DPH to annually provide
town clerks and registrars of vital statistics printed lists of all licensed
funeral directors, embalmers, student funeral directors, and student
embalmers. (In practice, these lists are available on the state’s eLicense
website.) The bill also repeals a provision requiring DPH to issue cards
to those listed stating their license or registration status.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
BACKGROUND
Health Professional Assistance Program
By law, this program is an alternative, voluntary, and confidential
rehabilitation program that provides various services to health
professionals with a chemical dependency, emotional or behavioral
disorder, or physical or mental illness.
By law, before a health professional may enter the program, a
medical review committee must (1) determine if he or she is an
appropriate candidate for rehabilitation and participation and (2)
establish terms and conditions for participation. The program must
include mandatory, periodic evaluations of each participant’s ability to
practice with skill and safety and without posing a threat to the health
and safety of any person or patient (CGS § 19a-12a).
Out-of-State Practitioners Allowed During Emergency
Existing law allows the following health care practitioners to
temporarily practice in Connecticut during a declared public health
emergency, upon the issuance of a DPH order: emergency medical
personnel, physicians and physician assistants, physical therapists,
nurses and nurses’ aides, respiratory care practitioners, psychologists,
marital and family therapists, clinical social workers, professional
counselors, paramedics, embalmers and funeral directors, sanitarians,
asbestos contractors and consultants, and pharmacists.
Related Bills 2021HB-06666-R000539-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JO Page 34 4/21/21
sSB 1 (File 481), reported favorably by the Public Health Committee,
requires, rather than allows, DPH to appoint someone as a municipal
health director if there is a vacancy for 30 days or more.
SB 1070, favorably reported by the Public Health Committee, allows
APRNs and PAs licensed in Connecticut or a bordering state to issue
orders for home health care, hospice, and home health aide services.
sHB 6470 (File 265), favorably reported by the Human Services
Committee, allows APRNs and PAs licensed in Connecticut or a
bordering state to order home health care services.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Public Health Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 31 Nay 2 (03/31/2021)