Researcher: JP Page 1 4/19/21
OLR Bill Analysis
sSB 955
AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO OBSOLETE PROVISIONS
OF THE GENERAL STATUTES AFFECTING THE DEPARTMENT
OF SOCIAL SERVICES.
SUMMARY
This bill makes various changes to the laws governing the
Department of Social Services (DSS). Specifically, it eliminates:
1. references to the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program
from the annual Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
reporting requirements (the Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection now administers the weatherization
program in partnership with community action agencies) (§ 1);
2. the requirement that DSS include a copy of the transcript of the
cognizance committees’ review proceeding when submitting to the
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (a) a Medicaid waiver
application or renewal or (b) certain proposed amendments to the
Medicaid state plan (§ 2);
3. the requirement that DSS develop uniform regulations for the
licensing of human services facilities (interpreted by the state
auditors as requiring DSS to promulgate uniform regulations
for the licensing of these facilities, undefined in statute,
regardless of whether they are within its purview) (§ 3);
4. an outdated requirement that DSS, in collaboration with the
Council on Medical Assistance Program Oversight, annually
prepare a report, within available appropriations, that includes
a comparison of the performance of each Medicaid managed
care organization and other member service delivery choices
(managed care is no longer used by the state M edicaid
program) (§ 4); 2021SB-00955-R000515-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JP Page 2 4/19/21
5. references to freestanding medical clinics from a provision
concerning Medicaid rate adjustments based on cost reporting
(these clinics are not paid using this method and have always
been paid according to a fee schedule) (§ 5);
6. the requirement that DSS adopt regulations to certify federally
qualified health centers (this component of Medicaid managed
care is no longer used by the state Medicaid plan) (§ 6);
7. three obsolete statutes regarding an inactive Temporary Family
Assistance client advisory board (CGS § 17b-184), a formulary
for certain generic prescription drug costs that are now
reimbursed according to federal regulations (CGS § 17b-274a),
and a reporting requirement on employment opportunities and
training for persons with disabilities (CGS § 17b-610) (§8).
The bill additionally replaces a reference to the Connecticut Law
Journal, instead requiring DSS to post notices of its intent to adopt
regulations regarding community health centers on its website and the
eRegulations system. It also makes technical and conforming changes.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
COMMITTEE ACTION
Human Services Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 19 Nay 0 (03/31/2021)