Bill > HB07106

This bill addresses wheelchair repair services by establishing comprehensive guidelines and requirements for authorized wheelchair dealers in Connecticut, with a focus on timely and emergency repairs for wheelchair users. The legislation mandates that wheelchair dealers must respond to repair requests within one business day, assess repair needs promptly, order parts quickly, and provide repair services within ten business days. The bill introduces new definitions such as "emergency repair" (repair services for completely inoperable wheelchairs on weekends and holidays) and "systemic noncompliance" (failure to meet repair requirements for more than 5% of repair requests in 30 days). For Medicaid recipients, the bill ensures coverage for wheelchair repairs, replacements, transportation to repair facilities, annual maintenance, and expedited parts delivery. The Office of the Healthcare Advocate will maintain a complaint system and conduct public awareness campaigns about wheelchair repair rights. Authorized wheelchair dealers must now submit monthly and annual reports detailing repair timelines and staffing, and may face potential financial penalties for consistent failure to meet repair standards. The bill applies to both publicly and privately funded wheelchair users and aims to improve the accessibility and reliability of wheelchair repair services across Connecticut.

Health and Social Services

Human Services Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB07106&which_year=2025