Committee on Children
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-158
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING THE ALBERT J. SOLNIT CHILDREN'S CENTER.
Vote Date: 3/10/2020
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 2/25/2020
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Committee on Children
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill requires the Albert J. Solnit Children's Center to obtain licensure from the
Department of Public Health
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Rene D. Coleman-Mitchell, Commissioner; Department of Public Health
Due to language in the Governors budget proposal, the Department of Public Health does not
think that this bill is necessary. That language would provide for licensing of the Solnit Center,
in accordance with the recommendations of a working group formed last year pursuant to
Special Act 19-16. The proposed budget language also provides DPH with one additional
Nurse Consultant needed to conduct licensure and complaint investigation activities.
Vannessa Dorantes, Commissioner; Department of Children and Families
Supports the intent of the bill but considers it redundant. There is language in the Governor's
proposed budget that goes beyond the language in this bill by requiring DPH to promulgate
regulations on licensing the psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF) at both the
north and south campuses, as well requiring licensure of the psychiatric hospital located at
Solnit South. It also allows for 6 additional nurses and 1 more clinician to be employed at
Solnit North, positions that are needed to meet the staffing requirements for licensure. The
Department does not believe this bill is necessary.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano
The Senator testified in support of this proposed bill. This proposal would require that the
Albert J. Solnit Children's Center - South Campus obtain licensure from the Department of
Public Health, and enable the Department of Public Health to license, regulate and inspect
the center.
Sarah Eagan; Office of the Child Advocate
Supports the intent of the bill which provides greater oversight transparency regarding the
safety and operation of a state-licensed psychiatric and therapeutic treatment setting for
children but suggests amending the language to match the Governor's proposed language.
This would provide greater clarity going forward.
Dr. Jessica Guite; Connecticut Psychological Association
The Connecticut Psychological Association supports SB 158 which that require Solnit to
obtain licensure as an Institution and maintain appropriate standards/requirements set by the
CT Department of Public Health. This would help protect those in Solnit's care.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None expressed.
Reported by: Peter Murszewski Date: 3/22/2020
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