Public Health Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-102
AN ACT CONCERNING THE CERTIFICATION OF MENTAL HEALTH FIRST
Title: AID TRAINING PROGRAMS.
Vote Date: 3/26/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/8/2021
File No.: 418
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:
The Public Health Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill allows additional vendors to provide the required mental health first aid training
(MHFA) necessary for paramedic licensure candidates. The training must share substantially
similar certifying requirements as the current training along with the approval of the
Department of Public Health (DPH).
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Greg Allard, President, Association of Connecticut Ambulance Providers (ACAP):
Mr. Allard and ACAP support this bill to expand the allowable mental health first aid (MHFA)
training programs as required by the Department of Public Health (DPH) for successful
paramedic licensure. Current statute only allows for one program from one vendor and the
training provided is costly, inflexible, and does not meet the diverse learning styles of
paramedic licensure candidates. The ACAP does request an amendment to allow for a
"subject matter expert" to provide the training even if they are not registered with a MHFA
training program approved by the DPH.
Derrick Caranci, President, Connecticut Association of Paramedics and EMTs (CAPE):
Mr. Caranci and CAPE support this bill because current law only allows for one vendor to
provide MHFA training and the law is not clear on the specific training needed to meet the
DPH's paramedic and EMT licensure requirements. Students are limited to one nationally
based vendor, classes are typically not in easily accessible locations and can be cost
prohibitive for many applicants. Additionally, the DPH does not have oversight or control of
the curriculum provided by the one allowable vendor, nor are they able to vet any of the
instructors. CAPE would like an amendment to remove language referring to any specific
vendor and would like DPH to be entrusted with the authority to approve any MHFA program
of study that addresses the current licensure requirements.
Valerie English Cooper:
Ms. English Cooper supports this legislation and requests for an amendment requiring the
use of evidence-based mental health training. While she supports the addition of more
vendors to provide MHFA training, she is concerned that the current bill language will allow
for a fast and loose interpretation of MHFA training that is not evidence-based. This does not
support the original intent of the current legislation which is to support both patients and
providers with MHFA to address the impact of trauma. Ms. English Cooper lists several
requirements necessary for a successful and comprehensive MHFA training program.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Ben Shaiken, Manager of Advocacy & Public Policy, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance
(The Alliance):
Mr. Shaiken and The Alliance do not support this bill as the current language would diminish
the requirements for MHFA training programs as it allows for uncertified and unapproved
programs to become MHFA training providers in the state. Mr. Shaiken lists many community
resources that provide MHFA training to nonprofit organizations across the state and they all
use programs utilizing peer reviewed, evidence-based research and methodologies. The
Alliance would like the DPH to have the final authority on which MHFA training programs are
allowable to meet licensure requirements.
Reported by: Kate Hamilton Date: April 13, 2021
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