Senate Bill No. 275, identified as File No. 319, is a legislative proposal that aims to prevent discrimination in nursing homes against individuals who have received mental health services. The bill defines "nursing home" according to section 19a-490 of the general statutes and "mental health services" as including counseling, therapy, rehabilitation, crisis intervention, emergency services, or psychiatric medication for the screening, diagnosis, or treatment of mental illness. It mandates that nursing homes cannot reject a person applying for admission solely on the grounds that the individual has previously received mental health services. This prohibition is a new insertion into the law and is set to be effective from October 1, 2024.

The bill's fiscal impact statement clarifies that there is no anticipated fiscal impact on the state or municipalities as a result of this legislation. The bill analysis further explains that while existing state regulations and federal laws, such as Medicaid Preadmission Screening Requirements for Nursing Homes, already require certain screenings and evaluations for applicants with mental illnesses or intellectual and developmental disabilities, this bill specifically prohibits discrimination based solely on the receipt of mental health services. The bill also ensures that applicants will receive all necessary services as per federal regulations. The Public Health Committee has given a joint favorable recommendation for this bill with a unanimous vote of 37 to 0 on March 20, 2024.