SB 93 Connecticut Senate · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM TO EXPAND HEALTH CARE ACCESS.

SB 93 implements Connecticut's Rural Health Transformation Program to improve healthcare access in rural areas. The bill updates nurse aide regulations (effective 2027), clarifying definitions and strengthening complaint procedures for misconduct in nursing facilities. It also establishes an interstate compact (effective 2026) to streamline emergency medical services (EMS) personnel licensure across state lines, facilitating quicker deployment during emergencies. The program directly affects rural healthcare facilities, nurse aides, EMS personnel, and tribal health programs receiving federal funds under 42 USC 1397ee(h).

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 5, 2026 Last action Mar 17, 2026

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What changed between versions

Governor's Bill → PH Joint Favorable Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was renamed from 'Governor's Bill' to 'Substitute Bill' after passing committee, and the effective date for new nurse aide training requirements was changed from October 1, 2026, to October 1, 2027. The most significant substantive change is the addition of specific training modules on suicide prevention and mental health for nurse aides, which must now be included in the required curriculum.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding nurse aide training requirements was expanded to include mandatory instruction on suicide prevention, mental health disorders, and challenging behaviors. The scope regarding the Emergency Medical Services Interstate Compact was modified to clarify the timeline for its adoption.

TIMELINE

The effective date for new nurse aide training requirements was delayed from October 1, 2026, to October 1, 2027.

REQUIREMENT

New mandatory training hours were added focusing on suicide prevention, mental health disorders, and responding to challenging behaviors related to cognitive and psychiatric conditions.

Training hours for nurse aides must now include specific instruction on screening for PTSD, depression, and grief, as well as suicide prevention training approved by designated organizations.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'Registration' was updated to remove the specific requirement that an aide must be found qualified for employment in a chronic and convalescent nursing home or rest home.

ENFORCEMENT

The section establishing the Emergency Medical Services Interstate Compact was renumbered and slightly reworded to clarify the conditions for Connecticut's adoption of the compact.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

upper

Feb 5, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors