Bill > SB00256

This bill proposes to modify the Certificate of Need (CON) process for labor and delivery (L&D) and intensive care units (ICUs) in order to prevent the creation of "health care deserts" - areas with limited access to critical medical services. Specifically, the bill would require that before a hospital can close its L&D or ICU unit, there must be another similar unit located within 25 miles of the proposed closure. The Certificate of Need process is a regulatory mechanism that requires healthcare providers to obtain approval before making significant changes to healthcare services or facilities, such as closing a unit or reducing medical capabilities. By adding this geographic proximity requirement, the bill aims to ensure that communities maintain reasonable access to essential medical services like childbirth and intensive care, preventing situations where patients would have to travel long distances to receive urgent or specialized medical treatment. This provision is designed to protect residents, particularly in rural or underserved areas, from losing critical healthcare resources that are vital to community health and safety.

Health and Social Services

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00256&which_year=2025