Substitute House Bill No. 7156 proposes significant revisions to the statutes governing developmental services in Connecticut, particularly focusing on the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Key amendments include the clarification of the term "Administration" in section 20-14h, which now explicitly excludes the administration of epinephrine or insulin via auto-injector by non-nursing staff in DDS-licensed facilities, provided they are trained. The bill also introduces new definitions in section 17a-247a, such as "Community companion home licensee" and "Community companion home designee," and updates the definitions of abuse, neglect, and protective services to align with current practices. Additionally, it establishes a registry for individuals involved in substantiated abuse or neglect cases, including former employees and community companion home licensees, while outlining the responsibilities of DDS in maintaining this registry.

Further provisions of the bill include the requirement for DDS to respond to inquiries about individuals on the registry and to conduct hearings before placing names on it. It also allows community companion home licensees to contest potential license revocations following substantiated abuse findings. The bill mandates that names can be removed from the registry under specific conditions, such as findings of unfair termination, and provides immunity to employers from civil actions related to good faith reporting. Moreover, it updates terminology from "behavioral services program" to "children's services program" and ensures that information regarding licensed community living arrangements that have committed abuse or neglect can be shared with relevant agencies for protective service determinations. The bill is set to take effect in stages, with some provisions effective immediately and others on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 20-14i
PH Joint Favorable Substitute: 20-14i
File No. 323: 20-14i