Substitute House Bill No. 6978, also known as Public Act No. 25-96, amends various public health statutes with a focus on enhancing the Department of Public Health's maternal mortality review program. The bill introduces a new subsection (h) to Section 19a-6t, allowing the council to seek and accept funding through grants and donations. It also modifies Sections 19a-59h and 19a-59i to ensure the confidentiality of information collected for the maternal mortality review program, which can be utilized to improve vital statistics data. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for expert consultation during committee meetings to evaluate findings and make recommendations aimed at preventing maternal deaths. The act also repeals and replaces certain subsections in Sections 19a-25 and 19a-493 to further protect the confidentiality of data collected by the Department of Public Health.

Moreover, the bill streamlines the licensing process for health institutions, allowing waivers for inspections for those certified under Medicare or Medicaid, and clarifies that licenses for these institutions will be issued for a maximum of three years. It enhances the powers of the Commissioner of Public Health, including the ability to enter contracts for services and enforce public health laws. The bill also introduces new regulations for retired medical professionals, allowing them to renew their licenses at a reduced fee, and mandates that licensed medical professionals maintain professional liability insurance. Additionally, it addresses regulations for volunteer services at clinics, on-site sewage treatment systems, and public water systems, ensuring compliance with health standards and improving operational efficiency within the Department of Public Health.

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