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.
SB 391 requires the Commissioner of Correction to arrange breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment services for women in state custody at licensed healthcare facilities closer to their correctional facility than the University of Connecticut Health Center. The bill specifically allows for on-site mammograms when possible, but if unavailable, permits arranging services at nearer facilities instead of defaulting to UConn Health Center. This applies to all women committed to correctional custody and takes effect July 1, 2026. The law directly expands access to timely breast cancer care by prioritizing proximity to correctional facilities.
HB 5241 establishes a pilot program in a city with over 148,000 residents to test a "Triple Bottom Line Justice" approach, which integrates environmental cleanup, health equity, and community engagement. The program requires state health and environmental agencies to partner with a local community organization to use ICD-10 Z codes (which track social and environmental health factors) in healthcare billing, aiming for 20% adoption by 2030. It mandates annual reports on progress, develops educational materials for healthcare providers on these codes, and evaluates how transforming polluted sites ("Brownfields to Healthfields") can reduce long-term health costs. The pilot must conclude by January 2028 with a final report to the legislature.
HB 5323 requires school-based health centers in Connecticut to use evidence-based screening tools for disordered eating behaviors during annual health assessments for students in grades 9-12, starting January 1, 2028. The bill also creates two new groups: a task force to develop recommendations for identifying and treating disordered eating in children, and a Holistic Food Education Working Group to create a state-wide food education roadmap and nutrition curriculum. Both groups include representatives from education, health, advocacy, and school organizations. The screening is optional for students or their parents/guardians, and the task force must report by January 1, 2028. The bill directly affects schools, health centers, and students in grades 9-12 through these new requirements and planning efforts.
SB 125 requires nursing homes with private equity ownership to disclose detailed ownership and financial information annually to the Commissioner of Social Services, including ownership entity details, financial statements, and mortgage terms. It mandates that these facilities secure a performance bond covering 90 days of operating costs when applying for or renewing licenses. The bill also prohibits selling nursing home properties within five years of acquisition without written approval from the Commissioner of Public Health, which can only be granted if the sale benefits resident care or operational stability. These provisions directly affect nursing homes owned by private equity firms, real estate investment trusts, or other investment entities.
This bill updates how the state calculates reimbursement for ambulance services under Medicaid, specifically changing how out-of-district mileage is measured. Starting July 1, 2026, the Department of Social Services will base payments on the actual distance traveled with the patient onboard, rounded to the nearest tenth of a mile, rather than using fixed town-to-town rates. Ambulance providers can use GPS data, navigation systems, or mapping programs to document mileage and must keep trip reports with patient details and pickup and destination addresses in their records. The change aims to ensure reimbursement reflects actual service costs while maintaining flexibility for providers to choose verification methods.
This bill directs the Commissioner of Social Services, working with the Commissioner of Public Health, to study the need for palliative and hospice care services in Litchfield County. The study must consider existing findings from the state's Palliative Care Advisory Council and must be completed by October 1, 2026. If the study finds a need, the commissioner may create a pilot program using available funds, federal resources, and Medicaid options to provide these services. The bill requires a final report to be submitted to the relevant legislative committees.
This bill expands state Medicaid coverage to include room and board costs for patients receiving hospice care at short-term hospice specialty hospitals or licensed hospice facilities. Starting July 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Social Services will use available state funds to reimburse these specific care settings for eligible Medicaid beneficiaries. The legislation requires a report by January 15, 2027, to document any cost savings achieved by treating patients in these facilities compared to acute care hospitals or skilled nursing facilities.
This bill establishes a legal framework for supported decision-making, allowing adults to voluntarily choose supporters who help them understand and communicate their personal and financial decisions without removing their decision-making authority. The law requires a written agreement signed by the adult, their chosen supporters, and two witnesses, and mandates that businesses, government agencies, medical providers, and schools must recognize and respect these agreements. Supporters can assist with accessing information, making appointments, and advocating for the adult's wishes, but they are prohibited from making decisions on behalf of the adult or exerting undue influence. The Department of Aging and Disability Services will create a program to educate adults and families about this option, and third parties who rely on these agreements in good faith will be protected from liability.
This bill establishes new Medicaid payment rates and service limits for adult dental care and cognitive assessments in Connecticut. Starting July 1, 2026, it requires prior authorization for nonemergency dental services while exempting basic preventive care and medically necessary procedures from a $1,000 annual spending cap. The legislation also directs the state to update Medicaid reimbursement rates to match Medicare standards for cognitive assessments and care planning for patients under 65 showing signs of cognitive impairment. Additionally, it creates a structured advisory council with representatives from various healthcare sectors to oversee Medicaid service modifications and ensure balanced oversight of dental benefit limitations.
