Substitute Bill No. 7 seeks to improve healthcare access and equity in Connecticut through various significant amendments to existing laws. One of the key changes involves the regulation of fluoride levels in drinking water, where the previous requirement of maintaining fluoride levels within 0.15 milligrams per liter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' recommendations is repealed. Instead, the bill mandates a consistent fluoride level of 0.7 milligrams per liter, with a permissible deviation of 0.15 milligrams. Additionally, the bill allows the Commissioner of Public Health to form an advisory committee to provide evidence-based guidance on health matters. It also introduces protections for healthcare providers, ensuring they can deliver comprehensive reproductive and gender-affirming care without fear of employer retaliation, and prohibits hospitals from transferring patients for nonmedical reasons.

The legislation further establishes new protocols for patient transfers between hospitals, requiring detailed transfer summaries and ensuring that hospitals cannot refuse emergency services based on a patient's financial status or other discriminatory factors. It creates a "safe harbor account" for grants related to reproductive health and gender-affirming services, while also addressing the public health crisis of opioid use disorder by mandating specific goals from the Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council. The bill introduces a mental health pilot program in schools and establishes new accounts for public health communication and financial safeguards. Additionally, it sets new licensing requirements for healthcare administrators and mandates that certain healthcare providers inform patients about risks associated with epilepsy. Overall, the bill aims to enhance public health responses, improve patient safety, and ensure equitable healthcare delivery in the state.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill:
PH Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 604:
JUD Joint Favorable:
APP Joint Favorable: