Bill > HB05239

This bill establishes the Independent Mortality Review Board within the Department of Developmental Services, codifying its duties and responsibilities to avoid overlap with the existing Fatality Review Board. The bill amends existing law to require the Commissioner of Developmental Services, or their designee, to conduct a comprehensive review of deaths of individuals with intellectual disability for whom the department has responsibility for medical care, and to refer cases to the newly established Independent Mortality Review Board under specific circumstances, such as allegations of abuse or neglect, jurisdiction by the Chief Medical Examiner, sudden and unexpected deaths where an independent investigation is deemed necessary, or when the department's review raises questions about the appropriateness of care. The Independent Mortality Review Board, chaired by the Commissioner of Developmental Services or their designee, will include various members from relevant state agencies and potentially external experts, with a majority of members not being employees of the Department of Developmental Services. Both the department's review process and the Independent Mortality Review Board will operate under established peer review and confidentiality provisions for medical reviews.

Health and Social Services

Public Health Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05239&which_year=2026