Public Health Committee February 18th Meeting [Source] Translate

The meeting began with logistical announcements about the committee's schedule, noting that members would be coming in and out due to overlapping meetings. Senator Amor provided opening remarks, and the committee discussed several legislative concepts. The first item was an act concerning the review of healthcare entity transactions, aimed at expanding equitable relief and enforcement tools under the Connecticut Anti-Trust Act and requiring hospitals to include actual costs in their price filings. A motion was made to discuss this item, with Representative Clara DiStitria requesting individual votes. Questions arose about the bill's intent, particularly regarding private equity transactions and hospital price filings. LCO attorneys clarified that the bill would require hospitals to disclose actual costs, marking a significant change. The second item proposed establishing an advisory council on CAR T and gene therapy access, safety, and sustainability. Senator Gordon raised concerns about the necessity of a state-level council, given that safety is overseen by the FDA. Senator Amor explained that the council would prepare the state for advancements in these therapies. Discussion emphasized the need for the council to address sustainability in patient care and healthcare system capacity. Concerns were raised about the council's composition and responsibilities, with a focus on ensuring representation from clinicians. Senator Elmore highlighted the need for better access to treatments for various illnesses, noting that while Medicaid covers some treatments, many patients still lack access. The advisory council aims to improve treatment access and address gaps in care. Questions about the necessity of a state-level initiative were raised, clarifying that the council would provide guidance rather than dictate policy. The meeting also focused on women's health, particularly concerning menopause. Members discussed the development of a provider toolkit to improve treatment for menopause, emphasizing the importance of education among healthcare professionals. The toolkit is intended to support all providers in recognizing and treating menopause symptoms and is still in development with input from relevant health organizations. The meeting included a roll call vote, with all present members voting in favor of the women's health initiative. Senator Amar introduced item number four, concerning extreme temperature protocols, highlighting the lack of consistency in current protocols and the tragic consequences of extreme cold. The proposed bill aims to establish a safe temperature threshold for unsheltered individuals and create a legislative framework for emergency responses. Discussion emphasized collaboration with municipalities to ensure state protocols support local decision-making. The committee then recessed briefly for a public hearing, with members reminded that they would not be able to vote during the hearing. Upon resuming, the committee continued discussing item number four, with Representative Dauphiné asking about specifics regarding temperature variations. The meeting transitioned to item number five, concerning edible food recovery, with a motion made by Senator Anwar and seconded by Representative Belton, resulting in unanimous support. The committee then discussed an act concerning the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services recommendations regarding recovery-friendly language and revisions to mental health and addiction statutes, which also received unanimous support. Item number seven addressed access to opioid overdose reversal medication, with a motion made by Senator Anwar and seconded by Representative Kitt, resulting in unanimous support once more. Item number eight involved an act concerning the standard of care for immunization. Senator Anwar moved the item, and Representative Kitt seconded it. Discussion ensued, with Senator Summers expressing strong opposition due to concerns about individual rights and ongoing litigation regarding religious exemptions for vaccines. The roll call vote revealed a mix of support and opposition, with several members voting against it. The meeting concluded with a reminder that votes would remain open for 15 minutes for any members who missed the opportunity to vote earlier, and it adjourned shortly after, with gratitude expressed for the members' patience and persistence.