Connecticut Senate Bill SB00167

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23

Caption

An Act Concerning Intimate Partner Violence And Other Domestic Violence.

Impact

By implementing educational initiatives on intimate partner violence, this bill seeks to enhance the knowledge and awareness of healthcare providers regarding the impacts of domestic violence on maternal health. The requirement for healthcare providers to screen for domestic violence and maintain a publicly available list of such providers will facilitate better access to resources for victims. This could lead to improved healthcare outcomes for individuals who face intimate partner violence, ultimately contributing to a more informed healthcare system that effectively addresses these critical issues.

Summary

SB00167 is an act aimed at addressing the issues of intimate partner violence and other forms of domestic violence. The legislation proposes amendments to existing statutes, specifically section 19a-59i of the general statutes, which mandates the maternal mortality review board to create educational materials about intimate partner violence. These materials are intended to be distributed by the Department of Public Health to birthing hospitals and healthcare professionals such as obstetricians and gynecologists, with the ultimate goal of informing postpartum patients about the risks and resources available to combat such violence.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding SB00167 could be the resources and funding necessary to implement the educational programs mandated by the bill. There may be discussions about how to adequately support healthcare providers in integrating these screening processes and distributing educational materials. Additionally, the effectiveness of these measures in truly impacting rates of intimate partner violence may also be scrutinized, raising questions about accountability and the metrics of success for such programs.