Substitute House Bill No. 5510 seeks to amend existing laws governing unlicensed health care institutions and practices, with an effective date of October 1, 2026. The bill repeals Sections 19a-502 and 19a-503, replacing them with stricter penalties for operating without the necessary licenses or certificates. Individuals found guilty of such violations will now face a class C misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $2,000 for each day of continued violation, a significant increase from the previous maximum fine of $100. Additionally, the Department of Public Health (DPH) is empowered to impose civil penalties of up to $5,000 per day for violations, enhancing enforcement against unlicensed operations.

The bill also clarifies DPH's authority to issue summary orders for the immediate discontinuance of activities that pose imminent risks to public health and specifies exemptions for certain financial institutions regarding penalties related to property ownership in unlicensed operations. While the bill initially proposed a maximum civil penalty of $25,000 per day for unlicensed professional services, this was adjusted to $5,000 during the legislative process. The overall intent of the bill is to strengthen regulatory oversight in the health care sector, ensuring compliance and protecting public health and safety.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 537:
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 713: