Researcher: JO Page 1 4/17/24
OLR Bill Analysis
sSB 425
AN ACT PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION BY HEALTH CARE
PROVIDERS IN THE PROVISION OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN
THE STATE.
SUMMARY
This bill specifically prohibits health care providers from refusing to
provide health care services due to someone’s race, color, religion, sex,
gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin,
ancestry, intellectual disability, mental disability, learning disability,
physical disability, including blindness, status as a veteran, or status as
a domestic violence victim.
The bill classifies this as a discriminatory practice under the
Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) laws. By
doing so, the bill allows people aggrieved by these violations, or CHRO
itself, to file a complaint with CHRO alleging discrimination.
The bill specifies that it does not require the delivery of futile health
care, affect the professional standard of care, or interfere with public
health planning.
Under the bill, a “health care provider” is any person, corporation,
facility, or institution licensed by the state to provide health care
services, or their officers, employees, or agents acting in the course and
scope of their employment.
Under existing law, it is generally a discriminatory practice to deny
someone, based on similar protected classes as listed above, equal
accommodations in any place of public accommodation (i.e., one that
caters to or offers its services, facilities, or goods to the general public),
subject to lawful conditions and limitations that apply alike to everyone
(CGS § 46a-64). 2024SB-00425-R000526-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JO Page 2 4/17/24
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2024
BACKGROUND
Related Federal Law
Federal law prohibits discrimination in federally funded health
programs or activities based on race, color, national origin, age,
disability, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender
identity) (42 U.S.C. § 18116).
Among other related laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act
prohibits discrimination based on disability in public accommodations,
specifically including private hospitals or health care provider offices
(42 U.S.C. §§ 12181(7)(F) & 12182).
COMMITTEE ACTION
Judiciary Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 24 Nay 12 (03/28/2024)