Connecticut House Bill HB05764

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Concerning Communication Access For Deaf, Hard Of Hearing And Deafblind Persons In Health Care Settings.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5764 would modify Title 17a of the general statutes. This amendment indicates a significant step towards ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to all members of the community, aligning with broader initiatives aimed at inclusivity in public services. The requirement for a structured evaluation followed by actionable recommendations suggests a systematic approach to address potential barriers faced by the deaf and hard of hearing communities in healthcare settings.

Summary

House Bill 5764 is aimed at improving communication access for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind within health care settings. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services to evaluate the existing gaps in communication access for these populations when interacting with medical providers. To facilitate this process, the Commissioner must submit a report by October 1, 2023, which outlines the findings and provides recommendations for enhancing access to healthcare services for individuals with communication disabilities.

Contention

While the bill is primarily framed as a measure to increase accessibility and communication access in health care, there may be potential points of contention regarding how these recommendations are implemented and the resources required for effective changes. Stakeholders could express concerns about the funding necessary to support suggested improvements or differing interpretations of what constitutes adequate communication access in healthcare settings. Additionally, the bill's focus on specific populations could bring to light broader discussions around disability rights and healthcare equity.