Substitute Senate Bill No. 1280 seeks to enhance the Community Ombudsman Program within the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman by broadening its scope and responsibilities. The bill repeals Section 17a-886 and introduces new definitions, notably expanding the term "home care provider" to include individuals providing long-term services and supports directly. It also introduces the term "home and community-based long-term services and supports," which encompasses a wider array of services aimed at improving the quality of life and supporting independent living for individuals with various health conditions. The bill emphasizes the necessity of client consent for data access and outlines the Community Ombudsman’s role in identifying, investigating, referring, and resolving complaints related to these services. Furthermore, the bill mandates the State Ombudsman to submit annual reports detailing the implementation of the Community Ombudsman program, including the number of individuals served and complaints filed. It ensures that any health data obtained is protected in accordance with federal privacy laws. The proposed changes do not impose any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities, as they primarily involve technical adjustments to existing responsibilities without additional funding requirements. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
AGE Joint Favorable:
File No. 102: