Substitute Senate Bill No. 431, also known as Special Act No. 26-27, mandates the Commissioner of Social Services, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Public Health, to conduct a study assessing the need for palliative and hospice care services in Litchfield County. The study will consider findings from the Palliative Care Advisory Council as established under section 19a-6o of the general statutes. The bill requires the Commissioner to submit a report on the study's findings by January 1, 2027, to the relevant joint standing committees of the General Assembly.

If the study identifies a need for palliative and hospice care services, the Commissioner is authorized to design and implement a pilot program within available appropriations. The bill emphasizes the importance of maximizing federal funding for this initiative, allowing the Commissioner to seek a Medicaid waiver or amend the Medicaid state plan to secure additional resources. The bill does not include any deletions from current law but introduces new provisions to enhance palliative and hospice care services in the specified region.