The bill, identified as Substitute Senate Bill No. 425 with File No. 526, aims to prohibit discrimination by health care providers in the provision of health care services in the state. It is set to become effective on October 1, 2024. The bill makes it a discriminatory practice for any health care provider to refuse health care services based on a person's race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, intellectual disability, mental disability, learning disability, physical disability (including blindness), veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic violence. The term "health care provider" is defined to include any person, corporation, facility, or institution licensed by the state to provide health care services, as well as their officers, employees, or agents acting within the scope of their employment. The bill clarifies that it does not require the delivery of futile health care, affect the professional standard of care, or interfere with public health planning.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 46a-51(8) of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes by substituting a new definition for "Discriminatory practice," which includes violations of various sections of the statutes and now also includes the provisions of this act. 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. The Fiscal Impact Statement indicates that there is no anticipated state or municipal impact, as the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) is expected to handle additional complaints with existing staff. The bill analysis further explains that the act classifies the refusal to provide health care services based on certain protected classes as a discriminatory practice under CHRO laws, allowing for complaints to be filed with CHRO alleging discrimination. The effective date of the bill is October 1, 2024.