Senate Bill No. 1395 establishes licensure requirements for long-term acute care hospitals, which are currently classified as chronic disease hospitals. The bill mandates that these facilities, which provide inpatient services to Medicare patients with complex conditions requiring extended hospital stays, must be licensed by the Department of Public Health (DPH). It also introduces significant amendments to Section 19a-490 of the general statutes, including the insertion of the term "long-term acute care hospital" into the definition of "institution" and the inclusion of "employees of" educational institutions. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of "home health aide agency" and makes adjustments to existing definitions related to various healthcare facilities.

Furthermore, the bill requires the DPH commissioner to conduct a study on the regulatory framework governing long-term acute care hospitals, focusing on regulatory burdens and oversight mechanisms, with findings to be reported to the General Assembly by January 1, 2026. It also exempts long-term acute care hospitals from state criminal history records checks for patients, which may result in potential savings for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and a revenue loss to the General Fund. The effective date of the bill is set for October 1, 2025, with the study provisions taking effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable:
File No. 579: