An Act Concerning The Study Of The Provision Of Community-based Health Care Services.
Impact
The bill specifically suggests a review of various factors pertaining to community-based healthcare, including assessing healthcare needs for those reliant on emergency services, exploring the feasibility of follow-up home visits for recently discharged hospital patients, and addressing the necessity of training emergency medical services personnel in providing home visitation services. By addressing these key areas, SB00217 seeks to optimize the delivery of healthcare services and reduce unnecessary costs that burden Medicaid, particularly those expenses associated with transportation for nonemergency cases.
Summary
SB00217, known as An Act Concerning The Study Of The Provision Of Community-based Health Care Services, mandates a comprehensive investigation by the Commissioners of Social Services and Public Health into the effectiveness of community-based healthcare services in the state. The focus is particularly on individuals who utilize the 9-1-1 emergency system in nonemergency scenarios, emphasizing the need to identify alternative care solutions that could better serve these individuals while alleviating some of the burden on emergency departments.
Reporting
The bill mandates that preliminary reports on the study's findings are due on specific dates, promoting transparency and accountability in the legislative process. The expectation for final reports by December 1, 2016, aims to provide actionable insights that can guide subsequent healthcare policy decisions, ultimately influencing how community-based health services are financed and structured moving forward.
Contention
Debate surrounding the implementation of SB00217 resides largely in the effectiveness of its proposed measures. Supporters argue that conducting a thorough study will yield valuable data that can improve healthcare delivery systems and potentially save state resources by preventing unnecessary emergency visits. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns regarding the adequacy of current emergency services and the implications of relying on emergency medical personnel for broader healthcare responsibilities, questioning whether this could dilute the quality of emergency response.
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.