The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 6985, aims to address the issue of abandonment of residents in nursing homes and residential care homes. Effective October 1, 2025, the bill stipulates that no nursing home or residential care home shall abandon a resident, with "abandon" defined as deserting, willfully forsaking, or neglecting the duties owed to a resident. Violations of this provision will be classified as a class A violation under existing statutes, specifically sections 19a-527 or 19a-527a.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 19a-524 of the general statutes to include violations of the new abandonment provision alongside existing regulations governing nursing homes and residential care homes. The Commissioner of Public Health will have the authority to issue citations for violations, and governmental immunity will not serve as a defense against these citations or any civil penalties imposed. The act emphasizes the importance of protecting residents in these facilities and holds nursing homes accountable for their responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: