The proposed General Assembly Raised Bill No. 6910 seeks to amend Section 19a-533 of the general statutes to create exceptions to waiting lists for service-connected veterans seeking admission to federally-contracted veterans nursing homes. Key insertions in the bill include definitions for "federally-contracted veterans nursing home" and "service-connected veteran," along with new requirements for nursing homes to manage waiting lists effectively. This includes maintaining electronic records, ensuring non-discrimination against indigent applicants based on payment source, and providing clear communication about waiting list policies. The bill also empowers the Department of Social Services to impose financial penalties for non-compliance with these regulations.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions regarding the admission of indigent persons, stating that nursing homes with 30% or fewer self-pay residents are not required to admit an indigent person from a waiting list for six months after a vacancy arises, provided they notify the Commissioner of Social Services. It deletes the previous requirement for nursing homes to admit applicants transferring from a closing facility and adds specific eligibility for service-connected veterans. The bill clarifies that nursing homes are not obligated to admit applicants without a payor source or those who do not require nursing home level care. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to enhance the admissions process for eligible veterans in long-term care facilities.

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