Substitute House Bill No. 6771 establishes an Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Task Force to develop a comprehensive State Alzheimer's Plan, which will include recommendations on long-term care, caregiver support, and public health impacts. The task force, consisting of eleven members appointed by the Governor, will meet quarterly and submit annual reports starting January 1, 2027. The bill also mandates health insurance coverage for biomarker testing effective January 1, 2026, requiring that such testing be covered when clinically useful, and outlines the process for requesting exceptions to coverage. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding the transfer and discharge of residents from facilities, enhancing the appeal process and ensuring that residents are informed of their rights and the facility's responsibilities.

Key changes in the bill include the repeal of certain subsections of section 19a-491c and the introduction of new definitions and requirements for background checks for individuals with direct access to patients in long-term care facilities. The bill modifies the appeal timeline for involuntary transfers or discharges, allowing residents to appeal within ten days and requiring a hearing within seven business days. It also introduces provisions for tuition waivers for specific groups, including veterans and nursing home residents, and mandates that placement assistance consider residents' proximity to family and support networks. Overall, the bill aims to improve care quality, enhance safety standards in long-term care facilities, and increase access to medical testing and educational opportunities for vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
File No. 903:
Public Act No. 25-16: