Substitute House Bill No. 5375 introduces important changes to the liability framework for nonprofit human services providers in Connecticut and establishes new reimbursement protocols for pharmacists. The bill grants civil immunity to nonprofit human services providers that enter into purchase of service contracts with the state, shielding them from liability for injuries caused by the actions of state officials, employees, or third parties while fulfilling their contractual duties. This immunity specifically applies to providers delivering health and human services, including behavioral health and services for individuals with disabilities. The bill also defines a "purchase of service contract" as an agreement for direct health and human services, explicitly excluding administrative or clerical services. In addition to liability protections, the bill mandates that health carriers, third-party administrators, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) must include licensed pharmacists in their reimbursement processes for covered clinical services, ensuring that pharmacists are compensated for services within their licensed scope of practice. The bill clarifies that it does not require coverage for services not already included in health plans. Furthermore, it tasks the Insurance Commissioner with studying the feasibility of liability insurance pooling for nonprofit entities and the impact of litigation on insurance costs, with findings due by February 1, 2027. The provisions for liability immunity will take effect on October 1, 2026, while the pharmacist reimbursement requirements will begin on January 1, 2028.

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