HB 5474 Connecticut House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING OVERSIGHT OF MEDICAL CARE FOR PERSONS WHO ARE INCARCERATED AT THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION.

This bill establishes new oversight requirements for medical care provided to incarcerated individuals at the Department of Correction, directly affecting prisoners and correctional facilities. It mandates that the Commissioner of Correction develop a health care plan by October 1, 2025, ensuring sufficient mental health therapists at each institution and requiring specific protocols for psychotropic medication prescriptions, including thorough medical history reviews and benefit-risk assessments. The legislation also requires annual physical examinations, initial health assessments within 14 days of intake, and appropriate placement in medical or mental health housing units when recommended by medical professionals.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 5, 2026 Last action Apr 1, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → GOS Joint Favorable Substitute · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was converted from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Joint Favorable Substitute,' indicating it has been amended and approved by both legislative chambers. The most significant substantive change is the addition of 'dental professionals' (dentists, hygienists, and assistants) to the list of qualified providers for incarcerated individuals, expanding access to dental care. Additionally, the definition of 'mental health therapist' was updated to include physician assistants who specialize in mental health, broadening the pool of eligible providers for mental health services.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include dental care services and to allow physician assistants to serve as mental health therapists within correctional facilities.

ELIGIBILITY

Added 'dental professional' (dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant) to the list of qualified providers for incarcerated persons, ensuring dental care is included in the required health care plan.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'mental health therapist' to include physician assistants who specialize in mental health, alongside existing categories like psychiatrists and psychologists.

TECHNICAL

Changed the document title from 'Raised Bill' to 'Substitute Bill' and updated page counts, reflecting that the bill has passed through committee and been amended by the other chamber.

Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

lower

Mar 5, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Government Oversight

lower

5 primary · 0 co-sponsors