Bill > HB05199

This bill aims to protect healthcare accessibility and affordability by establishing new requirements for hospitals seeking to terminate inpatient or outpatient services. Specifically, the bill requires hospitals to provide clear and convincing evidence to the Office of Health Strategy (OHS) that the termination of any medical services would not negatively impact healthcare access or affordability in the affected area when applying for a certificate of need. The bill also mandates that the OHS notify the joint standing committee on public health if a hospital appeals a decision denying their application to terminate services. Furthermore, the legislation prohibits overturning the OHS's original decision to deny a service termination application unless new, previously unavailable information is presented. These provisions are designed to ensure that potential service reductions are thoroughly examined and that local healthcare needs are carefully considered before any significant changes are implemented, ultimately protecting patients' ability to receive necessary medical care in their community.

Health and Social Services

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05199&which_year=2025