Connecticut Senate Bill SB00246

Connecticut 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/22
• Refer: 3/1/22

Caption

An Act Allowing Clinical Social Workers And Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Employed By The University Of Connecticut To Issue An Emergency Certificate To Transport Students To A Hospital.

Impact

Upon the enactment of SB00246, there will be significant implications for both student health services and broader mental health policy at the University of Connecticut. By permitting certain staff to issue emergency transport certificates, the bill aims to decrease response times in emergencies related to mental health crises. Legislative discussions highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues within educational institutions, where timely intervention can be critical. This change aligns with ongoing efforts to improve mental health resources and responsiveness in college settings, potentially setting a precedent for similar measures at other institutions.

Summary

SB00246 is an act designed to empower clinical social workers and advanced practice registered nurses employed by the University of Connecticut to issue emergency certificates for the transportation of students in crisis to a hospital for evaluation. This capability is particularly focused on students who exhibit psychiatric disabilities and pose a danger to themselves or are gravely disabled. The legislation aims to enhance the university's ability to respond swiftly to mental health emergencies on campus, ensuring students receive timely care.

Contention

While the bill primarily serves to improve responses to mental health crises, some points of contention may arise surrounding the powers granted to non-physician staff. Critics could raise concerns about the extent of authority assigned to clinical social workers and advanced practice nurses in determining the necessity for emergency transport, as this could lead to ethical dilemmas and disagreements regarding students' rights. The narrow focus on a specific group (students at the University of Connecticut) may also lead to discussions about fairness and accessibility of mental health services across other educational institutions.