Raised Bill No. 6978 proposes significant revisions to public health statutes, particularly enhancing the Department of Public Health's maternal mortality review program. Key insertions include a new subsection (h) in Section 19a-6t, which allows the council to accept various funding sources to support its functions. The bill also amends Section 19a-59h to require hospitals to provide the Department with remote access to patient medical records for maternal death reviews while ensuring confidentiality. Additionally, it emphasizes that information gathered for the maternal mortality review can be utilized to improve the accuracy of vital statistics data. The bill further clarifies confidentiality provisions related to maternal and infant mortality reviews and modifies licensing procedures for health institutions, allowing waivers of inspections under certain conditions.

Moreover, the bill expands the powers of the Commissioner of Public Health, allowing for the establishment of advisory councils and the authority to enter contracts for the distribution of funds. It amends Section 20-99 to permit contested case hearings and broadens the commissioner’s authority under Section 19a-494 to take disciplinary actions against non-compliant licensees. The bill also introduces provisions for directed plans of correction and civil penalties for violations, while repealing and substituting specific subsections to clarify conditions for license revocation or suspension. Overall, Raised Bill No. 6978 aims to strengthen public health initiatives, enhance regulatory oversight, and ensure compliance within the public health sector, with various effective dates for its provisions.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 20-99