Substitute House Bill No. 6978, also known as Public Act No. 25-96, amends various public health statutes, particularly focusing on the maternal mortality review program and the regulation of health institutions. The bill introduces a new subsection (h) to Section 19a-6t, allowing the council to apply for and accept funding to support its responsibilities. It also modifies Sections 19a-59h and 19a-59i to ensure confidentiality of information obtained for the maternal mortality review program, while emphasizing hospitals' obligations to provide access to patient medical records. Additionally, the bill repeals and replaces certain subsections in Sections 19a-25 and 19a-493, clarifying the confidentiality of morbidity and mortality studies and streamlining the license renewal process for Medicare or Medicaid-certified institutions by allowing waivers for inspections.

The bill further enhances the regulatory framework for healthcare providers by allowing the Department of Public Health to impose disciplinary actions on licensees and establishing new requirements for hospitals to notify the Department of emergency department diversions. It also introduces provisions for retired medical professionals to renew their licenses at reduced fees and mandates professional liability insurance for licensed practitioners. Furthermore, the bill addresses regulations for sewage treatment systems and public water systems, empowering the Commissioner of Public Health to adopt regulations and issue permits while ensuring compliance with health standards. Overall, the amendments aim to improve public health administration, enhance patient safety, and streamline processes related to healthcare and environmental health.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 20-99
PH Joint Favorable: 20-99
File No. 149: 20-99
Public Act No. 25-96: 20-99