Substitute House Bill No. 6987 aims to improve the procedures for the closure and evacuation of residential care homes and nursing homes. Key provisions include a requirement for these facilities to assist residents in finding new placements that consider their proximity to family and support networks, as indicated by new insertions in sections 1 and 2. The bill also establishes a working group led by the Commissioner of Social Services, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Public Health and the State Ombudsman, to evaluate evacuation procedures and explore the implementation of a mutual aid digital platform for healthcare organizations. This group is expected to report its findings by January 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill introduces new insurance requirements for nursing homes and residential care homes to cover personal property loss or damage due to closures or evacuations, effective October 1, 2025. It modifies admission criteria, allowing expedited transfers from facilities that are closing or under specific conditions related to certificate of need requests. The bill repeals and substitutes existing legal language in sections 19a-535, 19a-535a, and 19a-533 to incorporate these changes. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the safety and well-being of residents during transitions and emergencies in care facilities, while also establishing a database to track real-time bed availability.