House Bill No. 6980 proposes a series of technical revisions to public health statutes in Connecticut, set to take effect on October 1, 2025. Key provisions include the establishment of a Community Health Worker Advisory Body within the Office of Health Strategy, which will provide guidance on educational and certification requirements for community health workers. The bill also modifies existing laws to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities or their legal representatives receive written notice at least ten days prior to decisions regarding behavior-modifying medications or community placements. Additionally, it introduces penalties for operating facilities in violation of regulations, including fines and potential imprisonment, and clarifies Medicaid eligibility for individuals in affordable housing earning below 200% of the federal poverty level.

Further amendments in the bill address nursing facilities, real estate transactions involving private wells, and health care coverage. Notably, it allows nursing facilities to transfer or discharge residents who have intentionally transferred assets to avoid care costs and mandates that owners inform buyers or tenants about educational materials on well testing prior to real estate transactions. The bill also emphasizes the importance of public hearings before adopting health care cost growth benchmarks and updates definitions and compliance requirements for telehealth services. Overall, HB 6980 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in health care and real estate transactions while ensuring that residents of nursing facilities receive appropriate care and support, with no anticipated fiscal impact on the state or municipalities.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable:
File No. 94: