SB 191 establishes a state-run pilot program for psychedelic-assisted therapy using MDMA and psilocybin, effective July 1, 2026. It directly affects qualified patients in Connecticut who are 18+ and meet specific criteria (veterans, retired first responders, or healthcare workers), providing them access to therapy administered by a state-selected medical school. The program requires federal FDA approval under 21 CFR 312 for research purposes and will terminate once MDMA/psilocybin receive DEA approval for medical use. The bill repeals an existing statute and creates a structured framework for this therapeutic pilot program.
HB 5374 requires individual health insurance policies in Connecticut that cover chemotherapy to also provide coverage for scalp cooling systems used to prevent hair loss during treatment. This applies to policies delivered, renewed, or continued on or after January 1, 2027, and mandates coverage "at least equivalent to such coverage provided under Medicare." The bill specifically targets policies covering certain chemotherapy-related treatments, directly affecting patients receiving chemotherapy who may use scalp cooling systems. It does not apply to group plans or other insurance types, focusing solely on individual health insurance policies meeting the specified coverage criteria.
HB 5045 streamlines approvals for new or expanded health care facilities by creating a new three-member panel within the Department of Public Health. This panel, chaired by the Public Health Commissioner, will make final decisions on all certificate of need applications starting January 1, 2027, replacing previous processes. The bill directly affects hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, mental health facilities, substance abuse treatment centers, and other entities requiring certificate of need reviews under state law. Key provisions include setting a fixed timeline for decisions (quarterly panel meetings) and defining "health care facility" to cover a broad range of services, effective October 1, 2026.
HB 5399 redefines supervision requirements for dental assistants and establishes new standards for expanded function dental assistants in Connecticut. It requires expanded function dental assistants to pass national exams, complete accredited programs, maintain certification, display credentials, and carry $500,000 professional liability insurance. The bill allows dental assistants to take x-rays, impressions, and apply fluoride varnish under direct supervision, while expanded function assistants may place temporary restorations, apply sealants, and perform coronal polishing under direct or indirect supervision. These changes directly affect dental assistants, expanded function dental assistants, and dentists who supervise them, effective October 1, 2026.
