Substitute House Bill No. 5293 is an act that introduces several changes to the statutes concerning developmental services. It establishes an Oral Health and Dental Services Unit within the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to support individuals with intellectual disabilities in achieving optimal oral health and allows the Commissioner of DDS to contract with licensed dentists to provide specialized dental care services. The bill also amends Section 20-120 of the general statutes to permit dental college graduates to practice in a clinic for up to six months with Dental Commission approval. It revises Section 17a-249, transferring responsibilities from the Commissioner of DDS to the Commissioner of Housing for providing grants or loans for supportive housing for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Additionally, the bill modifies Section 5-247 to ensure state employees' sick leave accrual is not diminished.

The bill removes the cap on the number of self-advocate general workers at DDS, making them eligible for prorated leave benefits and holiday pay. It mandates the DDS to provide comprehensive services for persons with intellectual disabilities and Prader-Willi syndrome and updates the commissioner's responsibilities. The bill requires the commissioner to review deaths of individuals under DDS care and assist the Independent Mortality Review Board. It also modifies the criteria for eligibility and assignment to residential care facilities. For transfers between residential facilities, the bill stipulates that individuals or their legal representatives must receive written notice of their right to object to a transfer at least ten days prior to the proposed transfer, with provisions for emergency transfers and hearings in case of objections. The bill includes insertions, such as the addition of the Office of Labor Relations to the list of entities that can access the registry, and deletions, such as the removal of the term "ombudsperson office" in favor of the newly established office name.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 20-120
PH Joint Favorable Substitute: 20-120
File No. 147: 20-120
HSG Joint Favorable: 20-120
File No. 657: 20-120
Public Act No. 24-122: 20-120