Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB06543

Introduced
2/28/13  

Caption

An Act Ameliorating The Debt Owed To Nursing Facilities.

Impact

This legislation modifies existing state laws regarding the operations of nursing facilities, particularly influencing statutes related to patient discharge and transfer protocols. By explicitly allowing for the discharge of self-pay residents for non-payment after a defined period, HB 06543 attempts to alleviate financial strain on facilities that serve residents who cannot afford care. Additionally, it emphasizes the responsibilities of spouses for nursing home expenses, which may change how families approach financial planning for elder care.

Summary

House Bill 06543 aims to address financial issues faced by nursing facilities by proposing measures to ameliorate debts owed for uncompensated care. The bill provides new guidelines that allow facilities to discharge or transfer patients who do not meet financial obligations, particularly those who have not paid required costs for a set duration. Specifically, the bill outlines conditions under which a resident can be involuntarily discharged, focusing on the necessity for both resident well-being and the financial sustainability of facilities that depend on timely payments for their services.

Contention

Notably, the bill may raise concerns regarding the protection of residents' rights. While its intention is to support nursing facilities financially, critics argue that it could lead to the unjust displacement of vulnerable residents, particularly those who are elderly or disabled and may struggle with payment processes. The balance between improving facility financial health and safeguarding the living situations of those in care would likely be a point of contention among legislators and stakeholders. This highlights the potential ethical implications of prioritizing financial considerations over patient care stability.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05046

An Act Promoting Nursing Home Resident Quality Of Life.

CT HB05001

An Act Supporting Connecticut Seniors And The Improvement Of Nursing And Home-based Care.

CT HB05457

An Act Concerning Nursing Home Waiting Lists.

CT HB05293

An Act Concerning The Department Of Developmental Services' Recommendations Regarding Various Revisions To Developmental Services Statutes.

CT SB00311

An Act Concerning The Connecticut Home-care Program For The Elderly.

CT SB00246

An Act Establishing A Task Force To Study Temporary Nursing Services Provided To Nursing Home Facilities.

CT SB00156

An Act Establishing A Task Force To Study Requiring Nursing Homes To Spend A Percentage Of Medicaid Reimbursement Or Total Revenue On Direct Care Of Nursing Home Residents.

CT HB05523

An Act Concerning Allocations Of Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds And Provisions Related To General Government, Human Services, Education And The Biennium Ending June 30, 2025.

CT SB00395

An Act Concerning The Reporting Of Medical Debt.

CT HB05488

An Act Concerning Various Revisions To The Public Health Statutes.

Similar Bills

CT HB06317

An Act Prohibiting Discharges From Nursing Homes And Residential Care Homes To Temporary Or Unstable Housing.

CT HB06552

An Act Concerning The Transfer And Discharge Of Nursing Facility Residents And Audits Of Certain Long-term Care Facilities.

CT SB00196

An Act Prohibiting Involuntary Discharges From Nursing Homes And Residential Care Homes To Temporary Or Unstable Housing.

CT HB05232

An Act Concerning Transfer Or Discharge Of Residential Care Home Patients.

CT HB06972

An Act Concerning Transfers And Discharges In Residential Care Homes.

CT SB00453

An Act Concerning The Department Of Public Health's Recommendations Regarding Transfers And Discharges Of Residential Care Home Residents.

CT SB00922

An Act Concerning Revisions To The Statutes Pertaining To Discharges In A Residential Care Home.

CT HB05020

An Act Implementing The Governor's Budget Recommendations Regarding Public Health.