Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-851 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319l / Section 17a-851
Sec. 17a-851. (Formerly Sec. 17a-305). Allocation of funds. Review. Voluntary fee for meals. Payment schedule. Required reporting, continuity of effort plan.
Status: in_force

(b) Sixty per cent of the state funds appropriated to the five area agencies on aging for elderly nutrition and social services shall be allocated in the same proportion as allocations made pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Forty per cent of all state funds appropriated to the five area agencies on aging for elderly nutrition and social services used for purposes other than the required nonfederal matching funds shall be allocated at the discretion of the Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services, in consultation with the five area agencies on aging, based on their need for such funds. Any state funds appropriated to the five area agencies on aging for administrative expenses shall be allocated equally.

(c) The Department of Aging and Disability Services, in consultation with the five area agencies on aging, shall review the method of allocation set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section and evaluate the method used to allocate funding for elderly nutrition services based on factors including, but not limited to, for each of the five elderly planning and service areas as described in section 17a-850 , (1) elderly population data from the most recent United States census, and (2) average and individual nutritional risk assessment scores on nutritional risk assessment surveys. The department shall solicit information and recommendations from elderly nutrition program providers for consideration in the department's evaluation. Not later than July 1, 2023, the department shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a , to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to aging, appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and human services on (A) the data collected pursuant to this subsection, (B) the rates of reimbursement for each meals on wheels provider in the department's elderly nutrition program compared to the cost to provide meals on wheels for each such provider, (C) the administrative expenses of each such meals on wheels provider, (D) the number of such meals on wheels providers that have reduced or eliminated deliveries based on inadequate state reimbursement, and (E) any recommended changes in the method of allocation of funds. Providers of meals in the department's elderly nutrition program shall annually provide the department with data on service levels and costs.

(d) An area agency may request a person participating in the elderly nutrition program to pay a voluntary fee for meals furnished, except that no eligible person shall be denied a meal due to an inability to pay such fee.

(e) The Department of Aging and Disability Services shall disburse additional payments under the elderly nutrition program to any area agency on aging contracting with the department that has expended fifty per cent or more of the initial disbursement of funding under such contract. Within available appropriations, the department shall disburse additional payments not later than thirty days after the area agency on aging provides documentation prescribed by the department of such expenditures. The area agency on aging shall transfer additional payments not later than thirty days after receipt from the department to vendors that contract with the agency to participate in the elderly nutrition program. Not later than July 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services shall file a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a , with the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to aging and human services on the feasibility of the department disbursing additional funds under an elderly nutrition program contract upon evidence that a contracting area agency on aging has expended twenty-five per cent or more of the initial disbursement of funding under the contract.

(f) The Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services shall require each area agency on aging, in consultation with the chief elected officials of the municipalities and municipal agents for elderly persons appointed pursuant to section 7-127b within the area each agency serves, to develop a continuity of effort plan to minimize any disruption to benefits provided under the elderly nutrition program in such area when a provider leaves the program or there is a significant increase in service levels or demand for the program. Such plan shall include an area agency on aging applying for funding to support elderly nutrition program services through any available grant source. An area agency on aging shall, not later than January 1, 2025, submit such plan to the commissioner and notify, in writing, chief elected officials, municipal agents for the elderly and state and federal elected officials of the area such agency serves not later than ten business days after a significant increase in service levels or demand for the elderly nutrition program. The commissioner may withhold funding from an area agency on aging or take other remedial measures against such agency for violating any provision of this subsection.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-151aa — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319a / Section 17a-151aa
Sec. 17a-151aa. Child placed in residential facility. Written agreement re care and treatment. Out-of-state residential placements by Department of Children and Families. Visits with child.
Status: in_force

(b) In the case of a child placed by the Department of Children and Families in a residential facility in another state, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall ensure that a representative of the department makes in-person visits with the child no less frequently than every two months in order to assess the well-being of the child.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-859 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319l / Section 17a-859
Sec. 17a-859. (Formerly Sec. 17a-303a). Fall prevention program.
Status: in_force

(1) Promote and support research to: (A) Improve the identification, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of older persons and others who have a high risk of falling; (B) improve data collection and analysis to identify risk factors for falls and factors that reduce the likelihood of falls; (C) design, implement and evaluate the most effective fall prevention interventions; (D) improve intervention strategies that have been proven effective in reducing falls by tailoring such strategies to specific populations of older persons; (E) maximize the dissemination of proven, effective fall prevention interventions; (F) assess the risk of falls occurring in various settings; (G) identify barriers to the adoption of proven interventions with respect to the prevention of falls among older persons; (H) develop, implement and evaluate the most effective approaches to reducing falls among high-risk older persons living in communities and long-term care and assisted living facilities; and (I) evaluate the effectiveness of community programs designed to prevent falls among older persons;

(2) Establish, in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Health, a professional education program in fall prevention, evaluation and management for physicians, allied health professionals and other health care providers who provide services for older persons in this state. The Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services may contract for the establishment of such program through (A) a request for proposal process, (B) a competitive grant program, or (C) cooperative agreements with qualified organizations, institutions or consortia of qualified organizations and institutions;

(3) Oversee and support demonstration and research projects to be carried out by organizations, institutions or consortia of organizations and institutions deemed qualified by the Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services. Such demonstration and research projects may be in the following areas:

(A) Targeted fall risk screening and referral programs;

(B) Programs designed for community-dwelling older persons that use fall intervention approaches, including physical activity, medication assessment and reduction of medication when possible, vision enhancement and home-modification strategies;

(C) Programs that target new fall victims who are at a high risk for second falls and that are designed to maximize independence and quality of life for older persons, particularly those older persons with functional limitations; and

(D) Private sector and public-private partnerships to develop technologies to prevent falls among older persons and prevent or reduce injuries when falls occur; and

(4) Award grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, organizations, institutions or consortia of organizations and institutions deemed qualified by the Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services to design, implement and evaluate fall prevention programs using proven intervention strategies in residential and institutional settings.

(b) In awarding any grants or entering into any contracts or agreements pursuant to this section, after October 1, 2017, the Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services shall determine appropriate data and program outcome measures, including fall prevention program outcome measures, as applicable, that the recipient organization, institution or consortia of organizations and institutions shall collect and report to the commissioner and the frequency of such reports.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-223 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319v / Section 17b-223
Sec. 17b-223. (Formerly Sec. 17-295). Support in humane institutions.
Status: in_force

(b) The maximum rate to be charged for the support of each patient for the ensuing year shall be the per capita cost. The commissioner shall, upon the admission of each patient to a humane institution, and may, upon any subsequent readmission of such patient, cause an investigation to be made of the financial circumstances of each liable person and the estate of each patient and, if any such person or estate is found unable to pay the per capita cost, shall bill such liable person or estate from the date of admission at a rate which he finds such person or estate able to pay, provided the total billing to all persons responsible for the support of any patient, including the patient or patient's estate, shall be based on actual days of attendance at the facility involved and shall not exceed the per capita cost. A complete disclosure for the amount and terms of such monthly billing and continuing liability for costs associated with services provided by the state shall be provided to such liable person or patient prior to admission or if the immediate need or admission precludes such notification, at the earliest possibility thereafter.

(c) Each patient, the husband or wife of such patient and the father and mother of a patient under the age of eighteen years each shall be legally liable from the date of admission for the support of such patient in such institution in accordance with his ability to pay; except that the maximum liability of legally liable relatives as such for a patient in a state humane institution shall be determined by the commissioner in accordance with section 4a-12 and subsection (b) of this section. The guardian, conservator and payee of Social Security or other benefits on behalf of any such patient shall be similarly responsible for the support of such patient, but shall be liable in such capacity only in accordance with the amount of the patient's estate or the benefits received, or both, as the case may be. Said commissioner may bill and accept payment from any other person or agency willing to assume any portion of the cost of support of a person in a state humane institution at such rate as such person or agency is willing to pay. The relatives of any such patient who is a veteran shall not be liable as such for any part of the cost of his care in such institution.

(d) Wherever a rate of billing has been established as the result of a fraud of the patient or a liable person, or where assets of the patient or relative have been concealed so as not to be available to civil process, such patient or liable person, as the case may be, shall be liable for the difference between the amounts actually billed and paid and the amount which would have been billed against such patient or liable person except for such fraud or concealment, which difference may be recovered in a civil action in the same manner as is provided in section 17b-228 , together with interest at the rate of twelve per cent from the date of such billing, and no statute of limitations shall apply to such right of action.

See Sec. 17a-461 re charges for care in Connecticut Mental Health Center.

See Sec. 19a-257 re support of patients with chronic illness excluding tuberculosis.

Annotations to former section 17-295:

Former statute cited. 139 C. 472; 142 C. 329. Cited. 152 C. 55; 183 C. 330; 192 C. 520. State not precluded by federal supremacy clause from using legal process to compel payment of institutional support charges. 205 C. 104.

Cited. 14 CS 33; 30 CS 118; 34 CS 518.

Social Security payments made to parent as “representative payee” for dependent child are property of child and may be billed against for child's hospitalization. 4 Conn. Cir. Ct. 63, 66. Estate of veteran with service-connected disability liable for maximum rate under Subsec. (b). Id., 75. Commissioner may make a retroactive change in patient's billing upon discovery of new circumstances. Id., 81. Burden of proof commissioner acted illegally or so arbitrarily and unreasonably as to abuse his discretion is on plaintiff. Id., 138. Cited. Id., 402. During confinement of Social Security recipient for mental illness under order of criminal court, defendant, representative payee of recipient, must apply such funds for support of beneficiary at institution of commitment. 5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 542.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-106 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319s / Section 17b-106
Sec. 17b-106. (Formerly Sec. 17-12f). State supplement to Supplemental Security Income Program. Adult payment standards. State supplement payments for certain residents in long-term care facilities.
Status: in_force

(b) The commissioner shall provide a state supplement payment for recipients of Medicaid and the federal Supplemental Security Income Program who reside in long-term care facilities sufficient to increase their personal needs allowance to seventy-five dollars per month. Such state supplement payment shall be made to the long-term care facility to be deposited into the personal fund account of each such recipient. For the purposes of this subsection, “long-term care facility” means a licensed chronic and convalescent nursing home, a chronic disease hospital, a rest home with nursing supervision, an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities or a state humane institution.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-886 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319l / Section 17a-886
Sec. 17a-886. Community Ombudsman program. Appointment of Community Ombudsman. Authority. Duties. Reporting.
Status: in_force

(b) There is established a Community Ombudsman program within the independent Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, established pursuant to section 17a-405 . Not later than October 1, 2022, the State Ombudsman appointed pursuant to said section shall, within available appropriations, appoint a Community Ombudsman who shall have access to data pertaining to long-term services and supports provided by a home care provider to a client, including, but not limited to, medical, social and other data relating to such client, provided (1) such client or such client's authorized representative provides written consent to such access, (2) if such client is incapable of providing such consent due to a physical, cognitive or mental health condition or disability, the client communicates consent orally, visually or through the use of auxiliary aids and services, or (3) if such client is incapable of providing such consent as described in subdivision (2) of this subsection, and has no authorized representative, the Community Ombudsman determines the data is necessary to investigate a complaint concerning such client's care.

(c) The Community Ombudsman program may:

(1) Identify, investigate, refer and resolve complaints about home care services;

(2) Raise public awareness about home care and the program;

(3) Promote access to home care services;

(4) Advocate for long-term care options;

(5) Coach individuals in self advocacy; and

(6) Provide referrals to home care clients for legal, housing and social services.

(d) The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman shall oversee the Community Ombudsman program and provide administrative and organizational support by:

(1) Developing and implementing a public awareness strategy about the Community Ombudsman program;

(2) Applying for, or working in collaboration with other state agencies to apply for, available federal funding for Community Ombudsman services;

(3) Collaborating with persons administering other state programs and services to design and implement an agenda to promote the rights of elderly persons and persons with disabilities;

(4) Providing information to public and private agencies, elected and appointed officials, the media and other persons regarding the problems and concerns of older adults and people with disabilities receiving home care;

(5) Advocating for improvements in the home and community-based long-term services and supports system; and

(6) Recommending changes in federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies and actions pertaining to the health, safety, welfare and rights of people receiving home care.

(e) Not later than December 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, the State Ombudsman shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a , to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to aging, human services and public health on (1) implementation of the public awareness strategy relating to the Community Ombudsman program, (2) the number of persons served in the program, (3) the number of complaints regarding home care filed with the program, (4) the disposition of such complaints, and (5) any gaps in services and resources needed to address such gaps.

(f) The State Ombudsman and the Community Ombudsman shall ensure that any health data obtained pursuant to subsection (b) of this section relating to a home care client is protected in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, P.L. 104-191, as amended from time to time.

(g) The State Ombudsman may assign a regional community ombudsman the duties and responsibilities of a regional ombudsman for the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, as deemed necessary by the State Ombudsman.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-352 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319y / Section 17b-352
Sec. 17b-352. Petitions for closure, certificate of need for nursing home facilities; transfer of ownership or control; introduction of additional function or service; relocation of facility beds; termination or decrease of service. Requirements for notice and informational session at facility.
Status: in_force

(b) Any facility which intends to (1) transfer all or part of its ownership or control prior to being initially licensed; (2) introduce any additional function or service into its program of care or expand an existing function or service; (3) terminate a service or decrease substantially its total licensed bed capacity; or (4) relocate all or a portion of such facility's licensed beds, to a new facility or replacement facility, shall submit a complete request for permission to implement such transfer, addition, expansion, increase, termination, decrease or relocation of facility beds to the Department of Social Services with such information as the department requires, provided no permission or request for permission is required (A) to close a facility when a facility in receivership is closed by order of the Superior Court pursuant to section 19a-545 , or (B) to change a facility's licensure as a rest home with nursing supervision to licensure as a chronic and convalescent nursing home. The Commissioner of Social Services shall consider the criteria in subdivisions (3) and (4) of subsection (a) of section 17b-354 when evaluating a certificate of need request to relocate licensed nursing facility beds from an existing facility to another licensed nursing facility or to a new facility or replacement facility. The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or, in the case of a residential facility for persons with intellectual disability licensed pursuant to section 17a-277 , as described in subsection (a) of this section, the Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson shall be notified by the facility of any proposed actions pursuant to this subsection at the same time the request for permission is submitted to the department and when a facility in receivership is closed by order of the Superior Court pursuant to section 19a-545 .

(c) A facility may submit a petition for closure to the Department of Social Services. The Department of Social Services may authorize the closure of a facility if the facility's management demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Social Services in the petition for closure that the facility (1) is not viable based on actual and projected operating losses; (2) has an occupancy rate of less than seventy per cent of the facility's licensed bed capacity; (3) closure is consistent with the strategic rebalancing plan developed in accordance with section 17b-369 , including bed need by geographical region; (4) is in compliance with the requirements of Sections 1128I(h) and 1819(h)(4) of the Social Security Act and 42 CFR 483.75; and (5) is not providing special services that would go unmet if the facility closes. The department shall review a petition for closure to the extent it deems necessary and the facility shall submit information the department requests or deems necessary to substantiate that the facility closure is consistent with the provisions of this subsection. The facility shall submit information the department requests or deems necessary to allow the department to provide oversight during this process. The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or, in the case of a residential facility for persons with intellectual disability licensed pursuant to section 17a-277 , as described in subsection (a) of this section, the Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson shall be notified by the facility at the same time as a petition for closure is submitted to the department. Any facility acting pursuant to this subsection shall provide written notice, on the same date that the facility submits its petition for closure, to all patients, guardians or conservators, if any, or legally liable relatives or other responsible parties, if known, and shall post such notice in a conspicuous location at the facility. The facility's written notice shall be accompanied by an informational letter issued jointly from the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the Department of Aging and Disability Services, or, in the case of a residential facility for persons with intellectual disability licensed pursuant to section 17a-277 , as described in subsection (a) of this section, the Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson and the Department of Aging and Disability Services on patients' rights and services available as they relate to the petition for closure. The informational letter shall also state the date and time that the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the Department of Public Health, or, in the case of a residential facility for persons with intellectual disability licensed pursuant to section 17a-277 , as described in subsection (a) of this section, the Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson and the Department of Public Health will hold an informational session at the facility for patients, guardians or conservators, if any, and legally liable relatives or other responsible parties, if known, about their rights and the process concerning a petition for closure. The notice shall state: (A) The date the facility submitted the petition for closure, (B) that only the Department of Social Services has the authority to either grant or deny the petition for closure, (C) that the Department of Social Services has up to thirty days to grant or deny the petition for closure, (D) a brief description of the reason or reasons for submitting the petition for closure, (E) that no patient shall be involuntarily transferred or discharged within or from a facility pursuant to state and federal law because of the filing of a petition for closure, (F) that all patients have a right to appeal any proposed transfer or discharge, and (G) the name, mailing address and telephone number of the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and local legal aid office, or, in the case of a residential facility for persons with intellectual disability licensed pursuant to section 17a-277 , as described in subsection (a) of this section, the Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson and local legal aid office. The commissioner shall grant or deny a petition for closure within thirty days of receiving such request.

(d) An applicant, prior to submitting a certificate of need application, shall request, in writing, application forms and instructions from the department. The request shall include: (1) The name of the applicant or applicants; (2) a statement indicating whether the application is for (A) a new, additional, expanded or replacement facility, service or function or relocation of facility beds, (B) a termination or reduction in a presently authorized service or bed capacity, or (C) any new, additional or terminated beds and their type; (3) the estimated capital cost; (4) the town where the project is or will be located; and (5) a brief description of the proposed project. Such request shall be deemed a letter of intent. No certificate of need application shall be considered submitted to the department unless a current letter of intent, specific to the proposal and in accordance with the provisions of this subsection, has been on file with the department for not less than ten business days. For purposes of this subsection, “a current letter of intent” means a letter of intent on file with the department for not more than one hundred eighty days. A certificate of need application shall be deemed withdrawn by the department, if a department completeness letter is not responded to within one hundred eighty days. The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or, in the case of a residential facility for persons with intellectual disability licensed pursuant to section 17a-277 , as described in subsection (a) of this section, the Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson shall be notified by the facility at the same time as the letter of intent is submitted to the department.

(e) Any facility acting pursuant to subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of this section shall provide written notice, at the same time it submits its letter of intent, to all patients, guardians or conservators, if any, or legally liable relatives or other responsible parties, if known, and shall post such notice in a conspicuous location at the facility. The facility's written notice shall be accompanied by an informational letter issued jointly from the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the Department of Aging and Disability Services, or, in the case of a residential facility for persons with intellectual disability licensed pursuant to section 17a-277 , as described in subsection (a) of this section, the Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson and the Department of Aging and Disability Services on patients' rights and services available as they relate to the letter of intent. The notice shall state the following: (1) The projected date the facility will be submitting its certificate of need application, (2) that only the Department of Social Services has the authority to either grant, modify or deny the application, (3) that the Department of Social Services has up to ninety days to grant, modify or deny the certificate of need application, (4) a brief description of the reason or reasons for submitting a request for permission, (5) that no patient shall be involuntarily transferred or discharged within or from a facility pursuant to state and federal law because of the filing of the certificate of need application, (6) that all patients have a right to appeal any proposed transfer or discharge, and (7) the name, mailing address and telephone number of the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and local legal aid office, or, in the case of a residential facility for persons with intellectual disability licensed pursuant to section 17a-277 , as described in subsection (a) of this section, the Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson and local legal aid office.

(f) The Department of Social Services shall review a request made pursuant to subsection (b) of this section to the extent it deems necessary, including, but not limited to, in the case of a proposed transfer of ownership or control prior to initial licensure, the financial responsibility and business interests of the transferee and the ability of the facility to continue to provide needed services, or in the case of the addition or expansion of a function or service, ascertaining the availability of the function or service at other facilities within the area to be served, the need for the service or function within the area and any other factors the department deems relevant to a determination of whether the facility is justified in adding or expanding the function or service. During the review, the department may hold an informal conference with the facility to discuss the certificate of need application. The Commissioner of Social Services shall grant, modify or deny the request within ninety days of receipt thereof, except as otherwise provided in this section. The commissioner may place conditions, as the commissioner deems necessary to address specified concerns, on any decision approving or modifying a request for a certificate of need filed pursuant to this section. Conditions may include, but are not limited to, project and Medicaid reimbursement details and applicant requirements for summary and audit purposes. If the commissioner modifies the request, the commissioner shall notify the facility of such modification prior to issuing the decision and provide the applicant with an opportunity for an informal conference to discuss the modifications. Upon the request of the applicant, the review period may be extended for an additional fifteen days if the department has requested additional information subsequent to the commencement of the commissioner's review period. The director of the office of certificate of need and rate setting may extend the review period for a maximum of thirty days if the applicant has not filed in a timely manner information deemed necessary by the department. The applicant may request and shall receive a hearing in accordance with section 4-177 if aggrieved by a decision of the commissioner.

(g) The Commissioner of Social Services shall not approve any requests for beds in residential facilities for persons with intellectual disability which are licensed pursuant to section 17a-227 and are certified to participate in the Title XIX Medicaid Program as intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, except those beds necessary to implement the residential placement goals of the Department of Developmental Services which are within available appropriations.

(h) The Commissioner of Social Services shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-690 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319j / Section 17a-690
Sec. 17a-690. (Formerly Sec. 19a-126j). Local ordinance against intoxication not to include criminal or civil penalty. Exceptions.
Status: in_force

(b) No town, city or borough may interpret or apply any law of general application to circumvent the provision of subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Nothing in sections 17a-465 , 17a-673 and 17a-680 to 17a-690 , inclusive, shall affect any law against driving under the influence of alcoholic liquor, or other similar offense involving the operation of a vehicle, aircraft, boat, machinery or other equipment, or regarding the sale, purchase, dispensing, possessing or use of alcoholic beverages at stated times and places or by a particular class of persons.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-175 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319i / Section 17a-175
Sec. 17a-615. (Formerly Sec. 17-258). Interstate Compact on Mental Health.
Status: in_force

INTERSTATE COMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH

The contracting states solemnly agree that:

Article I

The party states find that the proper and expeditious treatment of the mentally ill and mentally deficient can be facilitated by cooperative action, to the benefit of the patients, their families, and society as a whole. Further, the party states find that the necessity of and desirability for furnishing such care and treatment bears no primary relation to the residence or citizenship of the patient but that, on the contrary, the controlling factors of community safety and humanitarianism require that facilities and services be made available for all who are in need of them. Consequently, it is the purpose of this compact and of the party states to provide the necessary legal basis for the institutionalization or other appropriate care and treatment of the mentally ill and mentally deficient under a system that recognizes the paramount importance of patient welfare and to establish the responsibilities of the party states in terms of such welfare.

Article II

As used in this compact:

(a) “Sending state” shall mean a party state from which a patient is transported pursuant to the provisions of the compact or from which it is contemplated that a patient may be so sent.

(b) “Receiving state” shall mean a party state to which a patient is transported pursuant to the provisions of the compact or to which it is contemplated that a patient may be so sent.

(c) “Institution” shall mean any hospital or other facility maintained by a party state or political subdivision thereof for the care and treatment of mental illness or mental deficiency.

(d) “Patient” shall mean any person subject to or eligible as determined by the laws of the sending state, for institutionalization or other care, treatment, or supervision pursuant to the provisions of this compact.

(e) “Aftercare” shall mean care, treatment and services provided a patient, as defined herein, on convalescent status or conditional release.

(f) “Mental illness” shall mean mental disease to such extent that a person so afflicted requires care and treatment for his own welfare, or the welfare of others, or of the community.

(g) “Mental deficiency” shall mean mental deficiency as defined by appropriate clinical authorities to such extent that a person so afflicted is incapable of managing himself and his affairs, but shall not include mental illness as defined herein.

(h) “State” shall mean any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Article III

(a) Whenever a person physically present in any party state shall be in need of institutionalization by reason of mental illness or mental deficiency, he shall be eligible for care and treatment in an institution in that state irrespective of his residence, settlement or citizenship qualifications.

(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this article to the contrary notwithstanding, any patient may be transferred to an institution in another state whenever there are factors based upon clinical determinations indicating that the care and treatment of said patient would be facilitated or improved thereby. Any such institutionalization may be for the entire period of care and treatment or for any portion or portions thereof. The factors referred to in this paragraph shall include the patient's full record with due regard for the location of the patient's family, character of the illness and probable duration thereof, and such other factors as shall be considered appropriate.

(c) No state shall be obliged to receive any patient pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this article unless the sending state has given advance notice of its intention to send the patient; furnished all available medical and other pertinent records concerning the patient; given the qualified medical or other appropriate clinical authorities of the receiving state an opportunity to examine the patient if said authorities so wish; and unless the receiving state shall agree to accept the patient.

(d) In the event that the laws of the receiving state establish a system of priorities for the admission of patients, an interstate patient under this compact shall receive the same priority as a local patient and shall be taken in the same order and at the same time that he would be taken if he were a local patient.

(e) Pursuant to this compact, the determination as to the suitable place of institutionalization for a patient may be reviewed at any time and such interest of the patient.

Article IV

(a) Whenever, pursuant to the laws of the state in which a patient is physically present, it shall be determined that the patient should receive aftercare or supervision, such care or supervision may be provided in a receiving state. If the medical or other appropriate clinical authorities having responsibility for the care and treatment of the patient in the sending state shall have reason to believe that aftercare in another state would be in the best interest of the patient and would not jeopardize the public safety, they shall request the appropriate authorities in the receiving state to investigate the desirability of affording the patient such aftercare in said receiving state, and such investigation shall be made with all reasonable speed. The request for investigation shall be accompanied by complete information concerning the patient's intended place of residence and the identity of the person in whose charge it is proposed to place the patient, the complete medical history of the patient, and such other documents as may be pertinent.

(b) If the medical or other appropriate clinical authorities having responsibility for the care and treatment of the patient in the sending state and the appropriate authorities in the receiving state find that the best interest of the patient would be served thereby, and if the public safety would not be jeopardized thereby, the patient may receive aftercare or supervision in the receiving state.

(c) In supervising, treating, or caring for a patient on aftercare pursuant to the terms of this article, a receiving state shall employ the same standards of visitation, examination, care and treatment that it employs for similar local patients.

Article V

Whenever a dangerous or potentially dangerous patient escapes from an institution in any party state, that state shall promptly notify all appropriate authorities within and without the jurisdiction of the escape in a manner reasonably calculated to facilitate the speedy apprehension of the escapee. Immediately upon the apprehension and identification of any such dangerous or potentially dangerous patient, he shall be detained in the state where found pending disposition in accordance with law.

Article VI

The duly accredited officers of any state party to this compact, upon the establishment of their authority and the identity of the patient, shall be permitted to transport any patient being moved pursuant to this compact through any and all states party to this compact, without interference.

Article VII

(a) No person shall be deemed a patient of more than one institution at any given time. Completion of transfer of any patient to an institution in a receiving state shall have the effect of making the person a patient of the institution in the receiving state.

(b) The sending state shall pay all costs of and incidental to the transportation of any patient pursuant to this compact, but any two or more party states may, by making a specific agreement for that purpose, arrange for a different allocation of costs as among themselves.

(c) No provision of this compact shall be construed to alter or affect any internal relationships among the departments, agencies and officers of and in the government of a party state, or between a party state and its subdivisions, as to the payment of costs, or responsibilities therefor.

(d) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to prevent any party state or subdivision thereof from asserting any right against any person, agency or other entity in regard to costs for which such party state or subdivision thereof may be responsible pursuant to any provision of this compact.

(e) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to invalidate any institutionalization, care or treatment of the mentally ill or mentally deficient, or any statutory authority pursuant to which such agreements may be made.

Article VIII

(a) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to abridge, diminish, or in any way impair the rights, duties, and responsibilities of any patient's guardian on his own behalf or in respect of any patient for whom he may serve, except that where the transfer of any patient to another jurisdiction makes advisable the appointment of a supplemental or substitute guardian, any court of competent jurisdiction in the receiving state may make such supplemental or substitute appointment and the court which appointed the previous guardian shall upon being duly advised of the new appointment, and upon the satisfactory completion of such accounting and other acts as such court may by law require, relieve the previous guardian of power and responsibility to whatever extent shall be appropriate in the circumstances; provided, however, that in the case of any patient having settlement in the sending state, the court of competent jurisdiction in the sending state, which court in the State of Connecticut shall be the Superior Court, shall have sole discretion to relieve a guardian appointed by it or continue his power and responsibility, whichever it shall deem advisable. The court in the receiving state may, in its discretion, confirm or reappoint the person or persons previously serving as guardian in the sending state in lieu of making a supplemental or substitute appointment.

(b) The term “guardian” as used in paragraph (a) of this article shall include any guardian, trustee, legal committee, conservator, or other person or agency however denominated who is charged by law with power to act for or responsibility for the person or property of a patient.

Article IX

(a) No provision of this compact except Article V shall apply to any person institutionalized while under sentence in a penal or correctional institution or while subject to trial on a criminal charge, or whose institutionalization is due to the commission of an offense for which, in the absence of mental illness or mental deficiency, said person would be subject to incarceration in a penal or correctional institution.

(b) To every extent possible, it shall be the policy of states party to this compact that no patient shall be placed or detained in any prison, jail or lockup, but such patient shall, with all expedition, be taken to a suitable institutional facility for mental illness or mental deficiency.

Article X

(a) Each party state shall appoint a “compact administrator” who, on behalf of his state, shall act as general coordinator of activities under the compact in his state and who shall receive copies of all reports, correspondence, and other documents relating to any patient processed under the compact by his state either in the capacity of sending or receiving state. The compact administrator or his duly designated representative shall be the official with whom other party states shall deal in any matter relating to the compact or any patient processed thereunder.

(b) The compact administrators of the respective party states shall have power to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms and provisions of this compact.

Article XI

The duly constituted administrative authorities of any two or more party states may enter into supplementary agreements for the provision of any service or facility or for the maintenance of any institution on a joint or cooperative basis whenever the states concerned shall find that such agreements will improve services, facilities, or institutional care and treatment in the fields of mental illness or mental deficiency. No such supplementary agreement shall be construed so as to relieve any party state of any obligation which it otherwise would have under other provisions of this compact.

Article XII

This compact shall enter into full force and effect as to any state when enacted by it into law and such state shall thereafter be a party thereto with any and all states legally joining therein.

Article XIII

(a) A state party to this compact may withdraw therefrom by enacting a statute repealing the same. Such withdrawal shall take effect one year after notice thereof has been communicated officially and in writing to the governors and compact administrators of all other party states. However, the withdrawal of any state shall not change the status of any patient who has been sent to said state or sent out of said state pursuant to the provisions of the compact.

(b) Withdrawal from any agreement permitted by Article VII (b) as to costs or from any supplementary agreement made pursuant to Article XI shall be in accordance with the terms of such agreement.

Article XIV

This compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any party state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state party thereto, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.

Annotation to former section 17-258:

Cited. 31 CS 197.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-873 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319l / Section 17a-873
Sec. 17a-873. (Formerly Sec. 17a-408). Duties of State Ombudsman.
Status: in_force

(b) The State Ombudsman shall serve on a full-time basis, and shall personally or through representatives of the office:

(1) Identify, investigate and resolve complaints that:

(A) Are made by, or on behalf of, residents or, as to complaints involving the application for admission to a long-term care facility, by or on behalf of applicants; and

(B) Relate to action, inaction or decisions that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare or rights of the residents, including the welfare and rights of the residents with respect to the appointment and activities of guardians and representative payees, of (i) providers or representatives of providers of long-term care services, (ii) public agencies, or (iii) health and social service agencies;

(2) Provide services to protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of the residents, including, but not limited to, services designed to address the impact of socialization, visitation and the role of primary or secondary essential support persons on the health, safety and well-being of residents;

(3) Inform the residents about means of obtaining services provided by providers or agencies described in subparagraph (B) of subdivision (1) of this subsection or services described in subdivision (2) of this subsection;

(4) Ensure that the residents and, as to issues involving applications for admission to long-term care facilities, applicants have regular and timely access to the services provided through the office and that the residents and complainants receive timely responses from representatives of the office to complaints;

(5) Represent the interests of the residents, and of applicants in relation to issues concerning applications to long-term care facilities, before governmental agencies and seek administrative, legal and other remedies to protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of the residents;

(6) Provide administrative and technical assistance to representatives of the office and training in areas including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's disease and dementia symptoms and care;

(7) (A) Analyze, comment on and monitor the development and implementation of federal, state and local laws, regulations, and other governmental policies and actions that pertain to the health, safety, welfare and rights of the residents with respect to the adequacy of long-term care facilities and services in this state and to the rights of applicants in relation to applications to long-term care facilities;

(B) Recommend any changes in such laws, regulations, policies and actions as the office determines to be appropriate; and

(C) Facilitate public comment on such laws, regulations, policies and actions;

(8) Advocate for:

(A) Any changes in federal, state and local laws, regulations and other governmental policies and actions that pertain to the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents with respect to the adequacy of long-term care facilities and services in this state and to the health, safety, welfare and rights of applicants which the State Ombudsman determines to be appropriate;

(B) Appropriate action by groups or agencies with jurisdictional authority to deal with problems affecting individual residents and the general resident population and applicants in relation to issues concerning applications to long-term care facilities; and

(C) The enactment of legislative recommendations by the General Assembly and of regulatory recommendations by commissioners of Connecticut state agencies;

(9) (A) Provide for training representatives of the office;

(B) Promote the development of citizen organizations to participate in the program; and

(C) Provide technical support for the development of resident and family councils to protect the well-being and rights of residents;

(10) Coordinate ombudsman services with the protection and advocacy systems for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses established under (A) Part A of the Development Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 USC 6001, et seq.), and (B) The Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986 (42 USC 10801 et seq.);

(11) Coordinate, to the greatest extent possible, ombudsman services with legal assistance provided under Section 306(a)(2)(C) of the federal Older Americans Act of 1965, (42 USC 3026(a)(2)(C)) as amended from time to time, through the adoption of memoranda of understanding and other means;

(12) Create, and periodically update as needed, a training manual for nursing home facilities identified in section 19a-522c that provides guidance on structuring and implementing the training required by said section;

(13) Develop policies and procedures regarding the communication and documentation of informed consent in the case of resident complaints, including, but not limited to, the use of auxiliary aids and services or the use of a resident representative; and

(14) Carry out such other activities and duties as may be required under federal law.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-675 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319j / Section 17a-675
Sec. 17a-675. (Formerly Sec. 19a-4b). Allocation of federal funds by department. Grants and contracts. Report.
Status: in_force

(b) The department may: (1) Make grants to and contracts and other joint or cooperative agreements with individuals, organizations and state agencies for problems related to alcohol and drug abuse; (2) make grants and contracts from state or federal funds to public or private agencies as may be necessary in the performance of its duties and execution of its powers; (3) require quarterly reports from recipients of grants made or allocated by it and from all departments of the state whose activities are related to alcohol or drug abuse problems for the purpose of evaluating the implementation of the state plans. The department shall report its findings on or before January first of each year to the Governor and the General Assembly, with its recommendations for such executive and legislative action as it finds beneficial to the public interest.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-215g — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319b / Section 17a-215g
Sec. 17a-215g. Medicaid waiver program for persons with autism spectrum disorder. Reduction of waiting list. Required reporting.
Status: in_force

(b) Not later than January 1, 2024, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Social Services, in consultation with the Office of Policy and Management's state-wide coordinator of programs and services provided by state agencies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, appointed pursuant to section 4-67bb , shall file a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a , with the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and human services and the Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Council, established pursuant to section 17a-215j .

(c) The report shall include, but need not be limited to, aggregated, deidentified data from the prior fiscal year regarding:

(1) The number and age ranges of persons waiting for services in the Medicaid waiver program and the number and ages of persons currently being served by the waiver program;

(2) The number and age ranges of persons waiting for residential care and the number and ages of persons receiving residential care through the Medicaid waiver program;

(3) The number and age ranges of underserved persons currently receiving services in the Medicaid waiver program but who are waiting for additional services in the Medicaid waiver program and a brief description of the services for which such persons are waiting;

(4) The number and age ranges of persons added to and subtracted from the waiting list for the previous calendar year;

(5) Whether the waiting list has increased or decreased over the previous calendar year and, if so, by how many persons;

(6) Measurable data, if such data is available to the department, including outcome data, for persons who are eligible to receive services pursuant to the Medicaid waiver program for persons with autism spectrum disorder, including, but not limited to: (A) The number of such persons who are enrolled in postsecondary education, (B) the employment status of such persons, and (C) a description of such persons' living arrangements, including, if applicable, the ages of such persons' guardians with whom they reside; and

(7) Recommendations to further reduce the waiting list and associated costs.

(d) The commissioner shall post the report on the department's Internet web site.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-101q — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319a / Section 17a-101q
Sec. 17a-101q. State-wide sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention program.
Status: in_force

(1) For school employees, as defined in section 53a-65 , instructional modules that may include, but not be limited to, (A) training regarding the prevention and identification of, and response to, child sexual abuse and assault, (B) resources to further student, teacher and parental awareness regarding child sexual abuse and assault and the prevention of such abuse and assault, (C) bystander training program, and (D) appropriate interaction with children training program;

(2) For students, age-appropriate educational materials designed for children in grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, regarding child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention that may include, but not be limited to, (A) the skills to recognize (i) child sexual abuse and assault, (ii) boundary violations and unwanted forms of touching and contact, and (iii) ways offenders groom or desensitize victims, and (B) strategies to (i) promote disclosure, (ii) reduce self-blame, and (iii) mobilize bystanders; and

(3) A uniform child sexual abuse and assault response policy and reporting procedure that may include, but not be limited to, (A) actions that child victims of sexual abuse and assault may take to obtain assistance, (B) intervention and counseling options for child victims of sexual abuse and assault, (C) access to educational resources to enable child victims of sexual abuse and assault to succeed in school, and (D) uniform procedures for reporting instances of child sexual abuse and assault to school staff members.

(b) For the school year commencing July 1, 2023, and each school year thereafter, each local and regional board of education shall implement the sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention program identified or developed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(c) No student in grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, shall be required by any local or regional board of education to participate in the sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention program offered within the public schools. A written notification to the local or regional board of education by the student's parent or legal guardian shall be sufficient to exempt the student from such program in its entirety or from any portion thereof so specified by the parent or legal guardian.

(d) If a student is exempted from the sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention program pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the local or regional board of education shall provide, during the period of time in which the student would otherwise be participating in such program, an opportunity for other study or academic work.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-120 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319a / Section 17a-120
Sec. 17a-120. (Formerly Sec. 17-44e). Medical expense subsidy for blind, physically or mentally disabled, emotionally maladjusted or high risk children.
Status: in_force

(b) There shall be an annual review of the medical expense subsidy set forth in subsection (a) of this section by the Commissioner of Children and Families. If, upon such annual review, the commissioner determines that the child continues to have a condition for which the subsidy was granted or has medical conditions related to such condition, and that the adoptive parent or parents are still legally responsible for the support of the child and that the child is receiving support from the adoptive family, the commissioner shall not terminate or reduce such subsidy. If the condition is corrected and conditions related to it no longer exist, or if the adoptive parent or parents are no longer legally responsible for the support of the child or if the child is no longer receiving any support from the adoptive family, the commissioner may reduce or terminate eligibility for such subsidy. If, following such reduction or termination, such condition or related conditions reoccur, the adopting or adoptive parent or parents may reapply for such subsidy. Upon receipt of such application and determination that such condition or related conditions have reoccurred, the commissioner shall grant such subsidy provided the adoptive parent or parents are still legally responsible for the support of the child or the child is receiving support from the adoptive family. If the subsidy is to be reduced or terminated by said commissioner, notice of such proposed reduction or termination shall be given, in writing, to the adoptive parent or parents and such adoptive parent or parents shall, at least thirty days prior to the imposition of said reduction or termination, be provided a hearing by the department in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. If such an appeal is taken, the subsidy shall continue without modification or termination until the final decision of the department. Eligibility for such subsidy may continue until the child's twenty-first birthday if the condition that caused the child to be certified as a special needs child or related conditions continue to exist or have reoccurred and the child continues to qualify as a dependent of the legal adoptive parent under the Internal Revenue Code. In no case shall the eligibility for such subsidy continue beyond the child's twenty-first birthday.

See Sec. 17a-118 re responsibility of Department of Children and Families for adoption assistance agreement and subsidy payment.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-541 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319i / Section 17a-541
Sec. 17a-541. (Formerly Sec. 17-206b). Deprivation of rights of patient prohibited. Exception.
Status: in_force

See Sec. 9-159s re notice to certain guardians and conservators of voting opportunities presented to patients.

See Sec. 45a-703 re determinations of competency to vote.

Annotations to former section 17-206b:

Cited. 210 C. 806. Right to treatment and safe environment applies whether confinement voluntary or involuntary. 213 C. 548. Cited. 230 C. 828; 235 C. 426.

Cited. 17 CA 130.

A child 17 years of age may demand, on his own authority, release from a psychiatric institution to which he was voluntarily admitted at 15 years of age upon written request of his parents. 30 CS 886.

Annotations to present section:

Cited. 235 C. 426.

Cited. 44 CS 53.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-2 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319 / Section 17a-2
Sec. 17a-2. (Formerly Sec. 17-411). Composition of department. Name change.
Status: in_force

(b) Said department shall constitute a successor department to the Department of Children and Youth Services, for the purposes of sections 4-5 , 4-38c , 4-77a , 4-165b , 4a-11b , 4a-12 , 4a-16 , 5-259 , 7-127c , 8-206d , 10-8a , 10-15d , 10-76d , 10-76h , 10-76i , 10-76w , 10-76g , 10-94g , 10-253 , 17-86a , 17-294 , 17-409 , 17-437 , 17-572 , 17-578 , 17-579 , 17-585 , 17a-1 to 17a-89 , inclusive, 17a-90 to 17a-209 , inclusive, 17a-218 , 17a-277 , 17a-450 , 17a-458 , 17a-474 , 17a-560 , 17a-511 , 17a-634 , 17a-646 , 17a-659 , 17a-836a , 17b-59a , 18-69 , 18-69a , 18-87 , 19a-78 , 19a-216 , 20-14i , 20-14j , 31-23 , 31-306a , 38a-514 , 45a-593 to 45a-703 , inclusive, 45a-706 to 45a-770 , inclusive, 46b-15 to 46b-19 , inclusive, 46b-120 to 46b-159 , inclusive, 54-56d , 54-142k , 54-199 , 54-203 and in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-38d and 4-39 .

(c) Whenever the words “Commissioner of Children and Youth Services”, “Department of Children and Youth Services”, or “Council on Children and Youth Services” are used in sections 4-5 , 4-38c , 4-77a , 4-165b , 4a-11b , 4a-12 , 4a-16 , 5-259 , 7-127c , 8-206d , 10-8a , 10-15d , 10-76d , 10-76h , 10-76i , 10-76w , 10-94g , 10-253 , 17-86a , 17-294 , 17-409 , 17-437 , 17-572 , 17-578 , 17-579 , 17-585 , 17a-1 to 17a-89 , inclusive, 17a-90 to 17a-209 , inclusive, 17a-218 , 17a-277 , 17a-450 , 17a-458 , 17a-474 , 17a-511 , 17a-634 , 17a-646 , 17a-659 , 17a-836a , 17b-59a , 18-69 , 18-69a , 18-87 , 19a-78 , 19a-216 , 20-14i , 20-14j , 31-23 , 31-306a , 38a-514 , 45a-593 to 45a-703 , inclusive, 45a-706 to 45a-770 , inclusive, 46b-15 to 46b-19 , inclusive, 46b-120 to 46b-159 , inclusive, 54-56d , 54-142k , 54-199 , 54-203 , the words “Commissioner of Children and Families”, “Department of Children and Families”, and “Council on Children and Families” shall be substituted respectively in lieu thereof.

Cited. 238 C. 183.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-267 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319v / Section 17b-267
Sec. 17b-267. (Formerly Sec. 17-134h). Use of fiscal intermediaries in connection with medical assistance.
Status: in_force

(b) The Commissioner of Social Services shall not enter into an agreement with any agency or organization under subsection (a) of this section unless (1) he finds (A) that to do so is consistent with the effective and efficient administration of the medical assistance program, and (B) that such agency or organization is willing and able to assist the providers to which payments are made through it in the application of safeguards against unnecessary utilization of services furnished by them to individuals entitled to hospital insurance benefits under section 17b-261 and the agreement provides for such assistance, and (2) such agency or organization agrees to furnish to the Commissioner of Social Services such of the information acquired by it in carrying out its agreement under sections 17b-267 to 17b-271 , inclusive, as the Commissioner of Social Services may find necessary in performing his functions under said sections.

(c) An agreement with any agency or organization under subsection (a) of this section may contain such terms and conditions as the Commissioner of Social Services finds necessary or appropriate, may provide for advances of funds to the agency or organization for the making of payments by it under said subsection (a), and shall provide for payment by the Commissioner of Social Services of so much of the cost of administration of the agency or organization as is determined by the Commissioner of Social Services to be necessary and proper for carrying out the functions covered by the agreement.

Annotations to former section 17-134h:

Cited. 168 C. 336; 204 C. 17; 216 C. 85.

Annotation to present section:

Cited. 233 C. 557.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-836 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319l / Section 17a-836
Sec. 17a-836. (Formerly Sec. 46a-27). Advisory Board for Persons Who are Deaf, Deafblind or Hard of Hearing. Duties. Reporting.
Status: in_force

(1) Monitor services for persons who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing;

(2) Establish an annual leadership roundtable meeting with the Board of Regents for Higher Education, the Commissioners of Aging and Disability Services, Public Health, Social Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Education, Developmental Services, Children and Families, Early Childhood, Economic and Community Development, Emergency Services and Public Protection, Correction, Housing and Higher Education and the Labor Commissioner, or their designees, to discuss best practices to serve persons who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing, identify gaps in such services and make recommendations to rectify such gaps;

(3) Refer persons with complaints concerning the qualification and registration of interpreters for persons who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing to the entity designated pursuant to section 46a-10b ;

(4) Make recommendations for (A) technical assistance and resources for state agencies in order to serve persons who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing; (B) public policy and legislative changes needed to address gaps in services; and (C) the qualifications and registration of interpreters pursuant to section 17a-838 . The advisory board shall submit a report on such recommendations and the activities of the Bureau of Services for Persons Who are Deaf, Deafblind or Hard of Hearing in the previous calendar year, in accordance with section 11-4a , not later than January 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, to the Governor and the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations, aging, commerce, education, higher education, housing, human services, the judiciary, labor, public health and public safety.

See Sec. 46a-34 re definitions of “deaf”, “hard of hearing” and “deafblind”.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-278g — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319v / Section 17b-278g
Sec. 17b-278g. Medical assistance for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Regulations.
Status: in_force

(b) The Commissioner of Social Services, pursuant to section 17b-10 , may implement policies and procedures to administer the provisions of subsection (a) of this section while in the process of adopting such policies and procedures in regulation form, provided the commissioner prints notice of intent to adopt regulations in the Connecticut Law Journal not later than twenty days after the date of implementation of such policies and procedures. Policies and procedures implemented pursuant to this section shall be valid until the time final regulations are adopted.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-81 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319s / Section 17b-81
Sec. 17b-81. (Formerly Sec. 17-82e). Investigations of legally liable relatives by commissioner.
Status: in_force

(b) The Commissioner of Social Services shall continue to independently determine parental support obligations under subsection (b) of section 17b-179 , notwithstanding the uniform contribution scale developed pursuant to section 4a-12 . The commissioner shall promulgate support guidelines for such cases.

(c) The Commissioner of Social Services shall determine a legally liable relative contribution for the spouse of an institutionalized recipient of Medicaid only when such spouse has income in excess of (1) the minimum monthly needs allowance or (2) the monthly needs allowance for such spouse as determined by the commissioner, through a fair hearing or court proceeding. The amount of such contribution shall not cause the income of such spouse to fall below said minimum monthly needs allowance or said monthly needs allowance for such spouse as determined by the commissioner, through a fair hearing or court proceeding. The spouse of an institutionalized individual, for whom a legally liable relative contribution is determined, may request a fair hearing regarding the amount of the contribution.

Annotations to former section 17-82e:

Section neither requires nor authorizes commissioner to limit his consideration of dependents to strictly legal obligations in permitting exemptions from gross income. 170 C. 258. Cited. 185 C. 180; 206 C. 636; 207 C. 743.

Cited. 33 CS 769; 34 CS 281; Id., 284. Statute is procedural in nature and not subject to prohibition against retrospective application. 35 CS 603. Judgment does not violate rights to equal protection since statute provides for enforcement of retrospective liability for support against any parent and right exists to obtain judgment for full amount against one of several debtors jointly liable. Id., 628. Cited. 37 CS 745; Id., 891; 38 CS 503.

Cited. 6 Conn. Cir. Ct. 697.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-484b — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319i / Section 17a-484b
Sec. 17a-484b. Pilot peer engagement specialist program.
Status: in_force

(b) Not later than September 1, 2000, the commissioner may hire or contract with persons who are in recovery from psychiatric disabilities to act as peer engagement specialists under the program established under this section. Such peer engagement specialists, when so hired or contracted with, shall be accountable to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The peer engagement specialists shall participate in the assessment of individuals being considered for participation in the program established under this section. The responsibilities of the peer engagement specialists shall include, but not be limited to: (1) Assisting in the creation of the individual's recovery plan; (2) participating in or initiating conferences designed to establish individualized service strategies; (3) providing consultation to the primary care agencies; (4) participating in all treatment meetings concerning the individual; (5) providing outreach, support and follow-up services to program participants; (6) ensuring that a partnership exists among the individual participant, the peer engagement specialist and the assigned care manager; (7) serving as peer and role model for individual participants; (8) teaching life skills and interpersonal skills that will ultimately help individual participants to build their own circles of support; (9) assisting in the development of natural support systems within the community; and (10) assisting assigned care managers with the ongoing process of engagement and linkage.

(c) The peer engagement specialists shall be given access to initial training for their responsibilities, and periodic continuing training thereafter. Such training shall include, but not be limited to, training on advance directives that allow program participants to specify the types of mental health intervention they would accept in the event of a crisis. The peer engagement specialists shall inform all participating individuals concerning such advance directives and shall encourage the use of such advance directives by such individuals. The commissioner shall ensure that technical assistance by an independent entity that is not a provider of mental health services is made available to assist peer engagement specialists with such advance directives. The commissioner shall issue a certificate to each peer engagement specialist who is hired by the department and satisfactorily completes such training.

(d) Not later than July 1, 2000, the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall appoint an advisory committee to advise the commissioner on the design and implementation of the program established under this section. The committee shall be composed of twelve members, six of whom shall be present or former consumers of mental health services, advocates for such consumers or family members of such consumers, and shall be knowledgeable concerning the concept of engaging persons who are resistant to receiving mental health services and knowledgeable concerning principles of recovery, and six of whom shall be representatives of providers of mental health services, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services or professional organizations associated with the mental health field.

(e) Not later than January 15, 2002, the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall submit a report containing an evaluation of the operation and effectiveness of the program established under this section to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a . The report shall include, but not be limited to, (1) the findings and recommendations of the commissioner with respect to the program, which shall include the relevant clinical benchmarks for evaluating the participants and the program itself, and (2) the recommendations of the peer engagement specialists and the advisory committee with respect to the need for services.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-780 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319l / Section 17a-780
Sec. 17a-780. (Formerly Sec. 17b-650a). Department of Aging and Disability Services. Successor department to Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Status: repealed

(b) The department head shall be the Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services, who shall be appointed by the Governor in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-5 to 4-8 , inclusive, and shall have the powers and duties described in said sections. The Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services shall appoint such persons as may be necessary to administer the provisions of public act 11-44* and the Commissioner of Administrative Services shall fix the compensation of such persons in accordance with the provisions of section 4-40 . The Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services may create such sections within the Department of Aging and Disability Services as will facilitate such administration, including a disability determinations section for which one hundred per cent federal funds may be accepted for the operation of such section in conformity with applicable state and federal regulations. The Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the purposes of the department as established by statute.

(c) The Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services shall, annually, in accordance with section 4-60 , submit to the Governor a report in electronic format on the activities of the Department of Aging and Disability Services relating to services provided by the department to persons who (1) are blind or visually impaired, (2) are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing, (3) receive vocational rehabilitation services, or (4) are older persons or their families. The report shall include the data the department provides to the federal government that relates to the evaluation standards and performance indicators for the vocational rehabilitation services program. The commissioner shall submit the report in electronic format, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a , to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies.

(d) The functions, powers, duties and personnel of the former Department on Aging, or any subsequent division or portion of a division with similar functions, powers, duties and personnel, shall be transferred to the Department of Aging and Disability Services pursuant to the provisions of sections 4-38d , 4-38e and 4-39 .

(e) The Department of Aging and Disability Services shall constitute a successor department to the former Department on Aging, in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-38d , 4-38e and 4-39 . Wherever the words “Commissioner on Aging” are used in the general statutes, the words “Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services” shall be substituted in lieu thereof. Wherever the words “Department on Aging” are used in the general statutes, the words “Department of Aging and Disability Services” shall be substituted in lieu thereof. Any order or regulation of the former Department on Aging that is in force on June 14, 2018, shall continue in force and effect as an order or regulation of the Department of Aging and Disability Services until amended, repealed or superseded pursuant to law.

(f) The Governor may, with the approval of the Finance Advisory Committee, transfer funds between the Department of Social Services and the Department of Aging and Disability Services pursuant to subsection (b) of section 4-87 during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018.

(g) The Department of Aging and Disability Services is designated as the State Unit on Aging to administer, manage, design and advocate for benefits, programs and services for older persons and their families pursuant to the Older Americans Act. The department shall study continuously the conditions and needs of older persons in this state in relation to nutrition, transportation, home care, housing, income, employment, health, recreation and other matters. The department shall be responsible, in cooperation with federal, state, local and area planning agencies on aging, for the overall planning, development and administration of a comprehensive and integrated social service delivery system for older persons. The Department of Aging and Disability Services is designated as the state agency for the administration of nutritional programs for elderly persons described in section 17a-852 , the fall prevention program described in section 17a-859 , the CHOICES program described in section 17a-857 , the Aging and Disability Resource Center Program described in section 17a-858 and the Alzheimer's respite program described in section 17b-860 .

*Note: Public act 11-44 is entitled “An Act Concerning the Bureau of Rehabilitative Services and Implementation of Provisions of the Budget Concerning Human Services and Public Health”. (See Reference Table captioned “Public Acts of 2011” in Volume 16 which lists the sections amended, created or repealed by the act.)
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-354 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319y / Section 17b-354
Sec. 17b-354. Moratorium on requests for additional nursing home beds. Exceptions. Continuing care facility. Medicaid nursing facility bed relocation. Construction. Financing. Regulations.
Status: in_force

(b) For the purposes of this section and sections 17b-352 and 17b-353 , construction shall be deemed to have begun if the following have occurred and the department has been so notified in writing within the thirty days prior to the date by which construction is to begin: (1) All necessary town, state and federal approvals required to begin construction have been obtained, including all zoning and wetlands approvals; (2) all necessary town and state permits required to begin construction or site work have been obtained; (3) financing approval, as defined in subsection (c) of this section, has been obtained; and (4) construction of a structure approved in the certificate of need has begun. For the purposes of this subsection, commencement of construction of a structure shall include, at a minimum, completion of a foundation. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, upon receipt of an application filed at least thirty days prior to the date by which construction is to begin, the commissioner may deem construction to have begun if: (A) An owner of a certificate of need has fully complied with the provisions of subdivisions (1), (2) and (3) of this subsection; (B) such owner submits clear and convincing evidence that he has complied with the provisions of this subsection sufficiently to demonstrate a high probability that construction shall be completed in time to obtain licensure by the Department of Public Health on or before the date required pursuant to subsection (a) of this section; (C) construction of a structure cannot begin due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of the owner; and (D) at least ten per cent of the approved total capital expenditure or two hundred fifty thousand dollars, whichever is greater, has been expended.

(c) For the purposes of subsection (b) of this section, subject to the provisions of subsection (d) of this section, financing shall be deemed to have been obtained if the owner of the certificate of need receives a commitment letter from a lender indicating an affirmative interest in financing the project subject to reasonable and customary conditions, including a final commitment from the lender's loan committee or other entity responsible for approving loans. If a lender which has issued a commitment letter subsequently refuses to finance the project, the owner shall notify the department in writing within five business days of the receipt of the refusal. The owner shall, if so requested by the department, provide the commissioner with copies of all communications between the owner and the lender concerning the request for financing. The owner shall have one further opportunity to obtain financing which shall be demonstrated by submitting another commitment letter from a lender to the department within thirty days of the owner's receipt of the refusal from the first lender.

(d) Financing shall be deemed to have been obtained for the purposes of this section and sections 17b-352 and 17b-353 if the owner of the certificate of need has (1) received a final commitment for financing in writing from a lender or (2) provided evidence to the department that the owner has sufficient funds available to construct the project without financing.

(e) (1) A continuing care facility, as described in section 17b-520 , (A) shall arrange for a medical assessment to be conducted by an independent physician or an access agency approved by the Office of Policy and Management and the Department of Social Services as meeting the requirements for such agency as defined by regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (m) of section 17b-342 , prior to the admission of any resident to the nursing facility and shall document such assessment in the resident's medical file and (B) may transfer or discharge a resident who has intentionally transferred assets in a sum which will render the resident unable to pay the cost of nursing facility care in accordance with the contract between the resident and the facility.

(2) A continuing care facility, as described in section 17b-520 , may, for the seven-year period immediately subsequent to becoming operational, accept nonresidents directly as nursing facility patients on a contractual basis provided any such contract shall include, but not be limited to, requiring the facility (A) to document that placement of the patient in such facility is medically appropriate; (B) to apply to a potential nonresident patient the financial eligibility criteria applied to a potential resident of the facility; and (C) to at least annually screen each nonresident patient to ensure the maintenance of assets, income and insurance sufficient to cover the cost of at least forty-two months of nursing facility care. A facility may transfer or discharge a nonresident patient upon the patient exhausting assets sufficient to pay the costs of his care or upon the facility determining the patient has intentionally transferred assets in a sum which will render the patient unable to pay the costs of a total of forty-two months of nursing facility care from the date of initial admission to the nursing facility. Any such transfer or discharge shall be conducted in accordance with section 19a-535 . The commissioner may grant one or more three-year extensions of the period during which a facility may accept nonresident patients, provided the facility is in compliance with the provisions of this section.

(f) The Commissioner of Social Services may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-488a — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319i / Section 17a-488a
Sec. 17a-488a. Investigation of report. Findings, recommendations and disclosure of results. Registry. Confidentiality. Right of access to records.
Status: in_force

(b) The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall maintain a state-wide registry of the number of reports received under this section, the allegations contained in such reports and the outcomes of the investigations resulting from such reports.

(c) The patient's file, including, but not limited to, the original report and the investigation report shall not be deemed a public record or subject to the provisions of section 1-210 . The commissioner may disclose such file, in whole or in part, to an individual, agency, corporation or organization only with the written authorization of the patient, the patient's legal representative or as otherwise authorized under this section.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (c) of this section, the commissioner shall not disclose the name of a person who reported suspected abuse, except with such person's written permission or to a law enforcement official pursuant to a court order that specifically requires such disclosure.

(e) The patient or such patient's legal representative or attorney shall have the right of access to records made, maintained or kept on file by the department, in accordance with all applicable state and federal law, when such records pertain to or contain information or material concerning the patient, including, but not limited to, records concerning investigations, reports or medical, psychological or psychiatric examinations of the patient, except: (1) If protected health information was obtained by the department from someone other than a health care provider under the promise of confidentiality and the access requested would, with reasonable likelihood, reveal the source of the information; (2) information identifying the individual who reported the abuse of the person shall not be released unless, upon application made to the Superior Court by the patient or such patient's legal representative or attorney and served on the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, a judge determines, after in camera inspection of relevant records and a hearing, that there is reasonable cause to believe the individual knowingly made a false report or that other interests of justice require such release; (3) if it is determined by a licensed health care provider that the access requested is reasonably likely to endanger the life or physical safety of the patient or another person; (4) if the protected health information makes reference to another person, other than a health care provider, and the access requested would reveal protected health information about such other person; or (5) the request for access is made by the patient's legal representative, and a licensed health care provider has determined, in the exercise of professional judgment, that the provision of access to such legal representative is reasonably likely to cause harm to the patient or another person.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-22ee — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319 / Section 17a-22ee
Sec. 17a-22ee. Animal-assisted therapy and activities. Animal-assisted critical incident response teams.
Status: in_force

(1) “Animal-assisted activity” means any activity that involves a team consisting of a registered handler and therapy animal interacting with individuals in the state;

(2) “Animal-assisted therapy” means goal-directed intervention in which a team consisting of a therapist and a therapy animal, or a therapist, registered handler and a therapy animal, is used as an integral part of the therapy process to aid individuals who have (A) experienced mental, physical or emotional trauma, (B) witnessed, or have been a victim of, an act of violence, or (C) behavioral health care needs;

(3) “Animal-assisted activity community” means the local or regional entities capable of providing animal-assisted therapy or animal-assisted activities to individuals within the state;

(4) “Animal-assisted activity organization” means any entity involved in training, evaluating or registering members of the animal-assisted activity community;

(5) “Animal-assisted critical incident response team” means a team of registered handlers and therapy animals that (A) has been identified by the Department of Children and Families, and (B) is capable of providing animal-assisted activities to individuals during and after traumatic events;

(6) “Registered handler” means an individual who has been screened, trained and registered by a national animal therapy organization to engage in animal-assisted activities or animal-assisted therapy, or both;

(7) “Therapist” means any (A) physician licensed pursuant to chapter 370 who specializes in psychiatry, (B) psychologist or professional counselor licensed pursuant to chapter 383, (C) marital and family therapist licensed pursuant to chapter 383a, or (D) clinical social worker or master social worker licensed pursuant to chapter 383b; and

(8) “Therapy animal” means any animal trained to provide comfort to individuals who have (A) experienced mental, physical or emotional trauma, (B) witnessed, or have been a victim of, an act of violence, or (C) behavioral health care needs.

(b) Not later than January 1, 2016, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall, within available appropriations, develop and implement training for certain employees of the Department of Children and Families and mental health care providers on (1) the healing value of the human-animal bond for children, (2) the value of therapy animals in dealing with traumatic situations, and (3) the benefits of animal-assisted activities and animal-assisted therapy.

(c) Not later than January 1, 2016, the Commissioner of Children and Families, in consultation with the Commissioner of Agriculture and within available appropriations, shall develop a protocol to identify and mobilize animal-assisted critical incident response teams throughout the state. Such teams shall operate on a volunteer basis and shall be available to provide animal-assisted activities to individuals during and after traumatic events within twenty-four hours of receiving notice to do so.

(d) Not later than July 1, 2016, the Commissioner of Children and Families, in consultation with the animal-assisted activity community, shall, within available appropriations, develop a protocol to (1) identify and credential animal-assisted activity organizations and providers of animal-assisted therapy in the state, and (2) utilize animal-assisted activities and animal-assisted therapy to provide aid to children and youths living with trauma and loss.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-59a — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319o / Section 17b-59a
Sec. 17b-59a. (Formerly Sec. 4-60i). Development of uniform information and technology standards. Health information technology plan. Electronic data standards. State-wide Health Information Exchange. Report.
Status: in_force

(1) “Electronic health information system” means an information processing system, involving both computer hardware and software that deals with the storage, retrieval, sharing and use of health care information, data and knowledge for communication and decision making, and includes: (A) An electronic health record that provides access in real time to a patient's complete medical record; (B) a personal health record through which an individual, and anyone authorized by such individual, can maintain and manage such individual's health information; (C) computerized order entry technology that permits a health care provider to order diagnostic and treatment services, including prescription drugs electronically; (D) electronic alerts and reminders to health care providers to improve compliance with best practices, promote regular screenings and other preventive practices, and facilitate diagnoses and treatments; (E) error notification procedures that generate a warning if an order is entered that is likely to lead to a significant adverse outcome for a patient; and (F) tools to allow for the collection, analysis and reporting of data on adverse events, near misses, the quality and efficiency of care, patient satisfaction and other healthcare-related performance measures.

(2) “Interoperability” means the ability of two or more systems or components to exchange information and to use the information that has been exchanged and includes: (A) The capacity to physically connect to a network for the purpose of exchanging data with other users; and (B) the capacity of a connected user to access, transmit, receive and exchange usable information with other users.

(3) “Standard electronic format” means a format using open electronic standards that: (A) Enable health information technology to be used for the collection of clinically specific data; (B) promote the interoperability of health care information across health care settings, including reporting to local, state and federal agencies; and (C) facilitate clinical decision support.

(b) The Commissioner of Social Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health Strategy, shall (1) develop, throughout the Departments of Developmental Services, Public Health, Correction, Children and Families, Veterans Affairs and Mental Health and Addiction Services, uniform management information, uniform statistical information, uniform terminology for similar facilities, and uniform electronic health information technology standards, (2) plan for increased participation of the private sector in the delivery of human services, and (3) provide direction and coordination to federally funded programs in the human services agencies and recommend uniform system improvements and reallocation of physical resources and designation of a single responsibility across human services agencies lines to facilitate shared services and eliminate duplication.

(c) The Commissioner of Health Strategy shall, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Services and the State Health Information Technology Advisory Council, established pursuant to section 17b-59f , implement and periodically revise the state-wide health information technology plan established pursuant to this section and shall establish electronic data standards to facilitate the development of integrated electronic health information systems for use by health care providers and institutions that receive state funding. Such electronic data standards shall: (1) Include provisions relating to security, privacy, data content, structures and format, vocabulary and transmission protocols; (2) limit the use and dissemination of an individual's Social Security number and require the encryption of any Social Security number provided by an individual; (3) require privacy standards no less stringent than the “Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information” established under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, P.L. 104-191, as amended from time to time, and contained in 45 CFR 160, 164; (4) require that individually identifiable health information be secure and that access to such information be traceable by an electronic audit trail; (5) be compatible with any national data standards in order to allow for interstate interoperability; (6) permit the collection of health information in a standard electronic format; and (7) be compatible with the requirements for an electronic health information system.

(d) The Commissioner of Health Strategy shall, within existing resources and in consultation with the State Health Information Technology Advisory Council: (1) Oversee the development and implementation of the State-wide Health Information Exchange in conformance with section 17b-59d ; (2) coordinate the state's health information technology and health information exchange efforts to ensure consistent and collaborative cross-agency planning and implementation; and (3) serve as the state liaison to, and work collaboratively with, the State-wide Health Information Exchange established pursuant to section 17b-59d to ensure consistency between the state-wide health information technology plan and the State-wide Health Information Exchange and to support the state's health information technology and exchange goals.

(e) The state-wide health information technology plan, implemented and periodically revised pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, shall enhance interoperability to support optimal health outcomes and include, but not be limited to (1) general standards and protocols for health information exchange, and (2) national data standards to support secure data exchange data standards to facilitate the development of a state-wide, integrated electronic health information system for use by health care providers and institutions that are licensed by the state. Such electronic data standards shall (A) include provisions relating to security, privacy, data content, structures and format, vocabulary and transmission protocols, (B) be compatible with any national data standards in order to allow for interstate interoperability, (C) permit the collection of health information in a standard electronic format, and (D) be compatible with the requirements for an electronic health information system.

(f) Not later than February 1, 2017, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Health Strategy, in consultation with the State Health Information Technology Advisory Council, shall report in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services and public health concerning: (1) The development and implementation of the state-wide health information technology plan and data standards, established and implemented by the Commissioner of Health Strategy pursuant to this section; (2) the establishment of the State-wide Health Information Exchange; and (3) recommendations for policy, regulatory and legislative changes and other initiatives to promote the state's health information technology and exchange goals.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-22a — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319 / Section 17a-22a
Sec. 17a-22a. Connecticut Community KidCare. Requirements. Memorandum of understanding for joint administration. Consultation during development. Federal waivers or amendments.
Status: in_force

(b) Connecticut Community KidCare shall, within available appropriations, provide a comprehensive benefit package of behavioral health specialty services. The HUSKY Health program shall continue to provide primary behavioral health services and may provide additional behavioral health services to be determined by the Department of Social Services and shall assure an integration of such services with the behavioral health services provided by Connecticut Community KidCare.

(c) Connecticut Community KidCare shall include: (1) A system of care model in which service planning is based on the needs and preferences of the child or youth and his or her family and that places an emphasis on early identification, prevention and treatment; (2) a comprehensive behavioral health program with a flexible benefit package that shall include clinically necessary and appropriate home and community-based treatment services and comprehensive support services in the least restrictive setting; (3) community-based care planning and service delivery, including services and supports for children from birth through early childhood that link Connecticut Community KidCare to the early childhood community and promote emotional wellness; (4) comprehensive children and youth behavioral health training for agency and system staff and interested parents and guardians; (5) an efficient balance of local participation and state-wide administration; (6) integration of agency funding to support the benefit package; (7) a performance measurement system for monitoring quality and access; (8) accountability for quality, access and cost; (9) elimination of the major gaps in services and barriers to access services; (10) a system of care that is family-focused with respect for the legal rights of the child or youth and his or her parents and provides training, support and family advocacy services; (11) assurances of timely payment of service claims; (12) assurances that no child or youth shall be disenrolled or inappropriately discharged due to behavioral health care needs; and (13) identification of youths in need of transition services to adult systems.

(d) The Commissioner of Social Services and the Commissioner of Children and Families shall enter into a memorandum of understanding for the purpose of the joint administration of Connecticut Community KidCare. Such memorandum of understanding shall establish mechanisms to administer funding for, establish standards for and monitor implementation of Connecticut Community KidCare and specify that (1) the Department of Social Services, which is the agency designated as the single state agency for the administration of the Medicaid program pursuant to Title XIX of the Social Security Act and is the agency responsible for the administration of HUSKY B under Title XXI of the Social Security Act, manage all Medicaid and HUSKY Health program modifications, waiver amendments, federal reporting and claims processing and provide financial management, and (2) the Department of Children and Families, which is the state agency responsible for administering and evaluating a comprehensive and integrated state-wide program of services for children and youths with behavioral health needs, define the services to be included in the continuum of care and develop state-wide training programs for providers, families and other persons.

(e) Said commissioners shall consult with the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Commissioner of Developmental Services, the Commissioner of Public Health and the Commissioner of Education during the development of Connecticut Community KidCare in order to (1) ensure coordination of a delivery system of behavioral health services across the life span of children, youths and adults with behavioral health needs, (2) maximize federal reimbursement and revenue, and (3) ensure the coordination of care and funding among agencies.

(f) The Commissioner of Social Services and the Commissioner of Children and Families may apply for any federal waivers or waiver amendments necessary to implement the provisions of this section.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-109 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319a / Section 17a-109
Sec. 17a-109. (Formerly Sec. 17-39). Commitment of children to child-caring facilities.
Status: in_force

Annotation to former section 17-39:

Cited. 33 CS 194.

Annotation to present section:

Cited. 26 CA 58.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-112 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319s / Section 17b-112
Sec. 17b-112. Temporary family assistance program.
Status: in_force

(b) The Commissioner of Social Services shall exempt a family from such time-limited benefits for circumstances including, but not limited to: (1) A family with a needy caretaker relative who is incapacitated or of an advanced age, as defined by the commissioner, if there is no other nonexempt caretaker relative in the household; (2) a family with a needy caretaker relative who is needed in the home because of the incapacity of another member of the household, if there is no other nonexempt caretaker relative in the household; (3) a family with a caretaker relative who is not legally responsible for the dependent children in the household if such relative's needs are not considered in calculating the amount of the benefit and there is no other nonexempt caretaker relative in the household; (4) a family with a caretaker relative caring for a child who is under one year of age if there is no other nonexempt caretaker relative in the household; (5) a family with a pregnant or postpartum caretaker relative if a physician has indicated that such relative is unable to work and there is no other nonexempt caretaker relative in the household; (6) a family with a caretaker relative determined by the commissioner to be unemployable and there is no other nonexempt caretaker relative in the household; and (7) minor parents attending and satisfactorily completing high school or high school equivalency programs.

(c) A family who is subject to time-limited benefits may petition the Commissioner of Social Services for six-month extensions of such benefits. The commissioner shall grant not more than two extensions to such family who has made a good faith effort to comply with the requirements of the program and despite such effort has a total family income below one hundred per cent of the federal poverty level, or has encountered circumstances preventing employment including, but not limited to: (1) Domestic violence or physical harm to such family's children; or (2) other circumstances beyond such family's control. The commissioner shall disregard ninety dollars of earned income in determining applicable family income. The commissioner may grant a subsequent six-month extension if each adult in the family meets one or more of the following criteria: (A) The adult is precluded from engaging in employment activities due to domestic violence or another reason beyond the adult's control; (B) the adult has two or more substantiated barriers to employment including, but not limited to, the lack of available child care, substance abuse or addiction, severe mental or physical health problems, one or more severe learning disabilities, domestic violence or a child who has a serious physical or behavioral health problem; or (C) the adult is employed and works less than thirty-five hours per week due to (i) a documented medical impairment that limits the adult's hours of employment, provided the adult works the maximum number of hours that the medical condition permits, or (ii) the need to care for a disabled member of the adult's household, provided the adult works the maximum number of hours the adult's caregiving responsibilities permit. Families receiving temporary family assistance shall be notified by the department of the right to petition for such extensions. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the commissioner shall not provide benefits under the state's temporary family assistance program to a family that is subject to the thirty-six-month benefit limit and has received benefits beginning on or after October 1, 1996, if such benefits result in that family's receiving more than sixty months of time-limited benefits unless that family experiences domestic violence, as defined in Section 402(a)(7)(B), P.L. 104-193. For the purpose of calculating said sixty-month limit: (I) A month shall count toward the limit if the family receives assistance for any day of the month, provided any months of temporary family assistance received during the public health emergency declared by Governor Ned Lamont related to the COVID-19 pandemic shall not be included, and (II) a month in which a family receives temporary assistance for needy families benefits that are issued from a jurisdiction other than Connecticut shall count toward the limit.

(d) (1) Under said program, no family shall be eligible that has total gross earnings exceeding the federal poverty level, however, in the calculation of the benefit amount for eligible families and previously eligible families that become ineligible temporarily because of receipt of workers' compensation benefits by a family member who subsequently returns to work immediately after the period of receipt of such benefits, earned income shall be disregarded up to the federal poverty level. On and after October 1, 2023, the commissioner shall not deny a family assistance under said program on the basis of such family's assets unless such assets exceed six thousand dollars. Except when determining eligibility for a six-month extension of benefits pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the commissioner shall disregard the first fifty dollars per month of income attributable to current child support that a family receives in determining eligibility and benefit levels for temporary family assistance. Any current child support in excess of fifty dollars per month collected by the department on behalf of an eligible child shall be considered in determining eligibility but shall not be considered when calculating benefits and shall be taken as reimbursement for assistance paid under this section, except that when the current child support collected exceeds the family's monthly award of temporary family assistance benefits plus fifty dollars, the current child support shall be paid to the family and shall be considered when calculating benefits.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, on and after January 1, 2024, in the first month in which a family's total gross earnings exceed one hundred per cent of the federal poverty level and for a period not to exceed six consecutive months, the department shall disregard, for purposes of eligibility, a family's total gross earnings in an amount not to exceed two hundred thirty per cent of the federal poverty level. If a family's total gross earnings are an amount between one hundred seventy-one per cent and two hundred thirty per cent of the federal poverty level, the department shall reduce the household's benefit by twenty per cent for the months in which earnings are between one hundred seventy-one per cent and two hundred thirty per cent of the federal poverty level.

(e) A family receiving assistance under said program shall cooperate with child support enforcement, under title IV-D of the Social Security Act. A family shall be ineligible for benefits for failure to cooperate with child support enforcement.

(f) A family leaving assistance at the end of (1) said thirty-six-month time limit, or (2) the sixty-month limit shall have an interview for the purpose of being informed of services that may continue to be available to such family, including employment services available through the Labor Department. Such interview shall include (A) a determination of benefits available to the family provided by the Department of Social Services; and (B) a determination of whether such family is eligible for supplemental nutrition assistance or Medicaid. Information and referrals shall be made to such a family for services and benefits including, but not limited to, the earned income tax credit, rental subsidies emergency housing, employment services and energy assistance.

(g) Notwithstanding section 17b-104 , commencing on July 1, 2023, the Commissioner of Social Services shall provide an annual cost-of-living adjustment in temporary family assistance benefits equal to the most recent percentage increase in the consumer price index for urban consumers whenever funds appropriated for temporary family assistance lapse at the close of any fiscal year and such adjustment has not otherwise been included in the budget for the assistance program, provided the increase would not create a budget deficiency in succeeding years. The commissioner shall provide a prorated benefit increase from such available lapsed funds in any fiscal year when such funds are not sufficient to cover a cost-of-living adjustment in accordance with this subsection.

(h) An applicant or recipient of temporary family assistance who is adversely affected by a decision of the Commissioner of Social Services may request and shall be provided a hearing in accordance with section 17b-60 .
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-106a — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319a / Section 17a-106a
Sec. 17a-106a. Multidisciplinary teams. Purpose. Composition. Confidentiality. Records of meetings.
Status: in_force

(b) The Commissioner of Children and Families, as department head of the lead agency, and the appropriate state's attorney may establish multidisciplinary teams for the purposes of (1) reviewing particular cases or particular types of cases, (2) coordinating the intervention in and prevention of child abuse or neglect or trafficking of children and the treatment of abused, neglected or trafficked children in each judicial district, (3) reviewing selected cases of child abuse or neglect or trafficking of children, (4) advancing and coordinating the prompt investigation of suspected cases of child abuse or neglect or trafficking of children, (5) reducing the trauma experienced by alleged victims of such abuse or neglect or trafficking and, (6) ensuring the treatment of abused, neglected or trafficked children and the protection of such children and their families. The head of the local law enforcement agency or such head's designee may request the assistance of the Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection in order to accomplish such purposes.

(c) Each multidisciplinary team shall consist of at least one representative of each of the following: (1) The state's attorney of the judicial district of the multidisciplinary team, or such state's attorney's designee; (2) the Commissioner of Children and Families, or the commissioner's designee; (3) the heads of the local or state law enforcement agencies, or such heads' designees; (4) a health care professional with substantial experience in the diagnosis and treatment of abused or neglected children, who shall be designated by the multidisciplinary team members; (5) a member, where appropriate, of a youth service bureau; (6) a mental health professional with substantial experience in the treatment of abused or neglected children, who shall be designated by the multidisciplinary team members; (7) a forensic interviewer, who shall be designated by the multidisciplinary team members; (8) a victim advocate, who shall be designated by the multidisciplinary team members; and (9) any other appropriate individual with expertise in the welfare of children that the members of the multidisciplinary team deem necessary. Each multidisciplinary team shall select a chairperson. Each multidisciplinary team may invite experts to participate in the review of any case and may invite any other individual with particular information germane to the case to participate in such review, provided the expert or individual shall have the same protections and obligations under subsections (h) to (j), inclusive, of this section as members of the multidisciplinary team.

(d) The Governor's task force for justice for abused children, through the subcommittee comprised of individuals with expertise in the investigation of child abuse and neglect, shall: (1) Establish and modify standards to be observed by multidisciplinary teams; (2) review protocols of the multidisciplinary teams; and (3) monitor and evaluate multidisciplinary teams and make recommendations for modifications to the system of multidisciplinary teams.

(e) Children's advocacy centers may assist multidisciplinary teams by (1) providing safe, child and family-friendly settings that maintain the privacy of children and their families; (2) establishing policies and procedures that are culturally competent; (3) aiding in the development of written protocols for an interdisciplinary and coordinated approach to such investigations; (4) providing forensic interviews of children that (A) are conducted by a trained forensic interviewer, (B) are recorded, (C) solicit information in an unbiased, fact-finding manner that is culturally sensitive and appropriate for each child's developmental stage, and (D) may be observed by members of the multidisciplinary teams involved in such investigations whenever possible; (5) providing specialized medical evaluation and treatment, mental health services and support and advocacy services to children at such centers or through coordination with and referral to other appropriate providers of such services; (6) providing regular case review for the purpose of aiding in decision-making, problem solving, systems coordination and information sharing concerning the status of cases and the services required by children and their families; and (7) providing a tracking system for monitoring the progress and outcomes of cases.

(f) The state chapter of the National Children's Alliance and multidisciplinary teams may (1) coordinate and facilitate the exchange of information among children's advocacy centers; (2) provide technical assistance to municipalities in order to support the establishment, growth and accreditation of children's advocacy centers; (3) educate the public and the General Assembly on the needs of victims of child abuse or neglect or trafficking of children; (4) provide or coordinate multidisciplinary training opportunities that support a comprehensive response to allegations of child abuse or neglect or trafficking of children; and (5) submit a report annually to the Governor's task force on justice for abused children and the General Assembly concerning outcomes from each children's advocacy center.

(g) All criminal investigative work of multidisciplinary teams shall be undertaken by members of such multidisciplinary teams who are law enforcement officers and all child protection investigative work of such multidisciplinary teams shall be undertaken by members of such multidisciplinary teams who represent the Department of Children and Families, provided such representatives may coordinate investigative work with such multidisciplinary teams and rely upon information generated by such multidisciplinary teams in the course of such department's investigations. The protocols, procedures and standards of such multidisciplinary teams shall not supersede the protocols, procedures and standards of the agencies who are represented by members of such multidisciplinary teams.

(h) Each multidisciplinary team shall have access to and may copy any record, transcript, document, photograph or other data pertaining to an alleged child victim within the possession of the Department of Children and Families, any public or private medical facility or any public or private health professional provided, in the case of confidential information, the coordinator of the multidisciplinary team, or such coordinator's designee, shall identify the record in writing and certify, under oath, that the record sought is necessary to investigate child abuse or neglect and that the multidisciplinary team will maintain the record as confidential. No person who provides access to or copies of a record upon delivery of certification under this section shall be liable to any third party for such action. No multidisciplinary team shall be deemed a public agency as defined in section 1-200 , for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act.

(i) No person shall disclose information obtained from a meeting of a multidisciplinary team without the consent of the participant of the meeting who provided such information unless disclosure is ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or is necessary to comply with the provisions of the Constitution of the state of Connecticut.

(j) Each multidisciplinary team shall maintain records of meetings that include, but are not limited to, the name of the alleged victim and perpetrator, the names of the members of the multidisciplinary team and such members' positions, the decision or recommendation of the multidisciplinary team and information regarding support services provided. In any proceeding to gain access to such records or testimony concerning matters discussed at such meetings, the privileges from disclosure applicable to the information provided by each of the participants at such meeting shall apply to all participants.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-714a — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319j / Section 17a-714a
Sec. 17a-714a. Immunity and no violation of standard of care for prescribing, dispensing or administering opioid antagonist. Amendment of local emergency medical services plan.
Status: in_force

(b) A licensed health care professional who is permitted by law to prescribe an opioid antagonist may prescribe or dispense an opioid antagonist to any individual to treat or prevent a drug overdose without being liable for damages in a civil action or subject to criminal prosecution for prescribing or dispensing such opioid antagonist or for any subsequent use of such opioid antagonist. A licensed health care professional who prescribes or dispenses an opioid antagonist in accordance with the provisions of this subsection shall be deemed not to have violated the standard of care for such licensed health care professional.

(c) A licensed health care professional may administer an opioid antagonist to any person to treat or prevent an opioid-related drug overdose. Such licensed health care professional who administers an opioid antagonist in accordance with the provisions of this subsection shall not be liable for damages in a civil action or subject to criminal prosecution for administration of such opioid antagonist and shall not be deemed to have violated the standard of care for such licensed health care professional.

(d) Any person who in good faith believes that another person is experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose may, if acting with reasonable care, administer an opioid antagonist to such other person. Any person, other than a licensed health care professional acting in the ordinary course of such person's employment, who administers an opioid antagonist in accordance with this subsection shall not be liable for damages in a civil action or subject to criminal prosecution with respect to the administration of such opioid antagonist.

(e) Not later than October 1, 2017, each municipality shall amend its local emergency medical services plan, as described in section 19a-181b , to ensure that at least one emergency medical services provider, as defined in the regulations of Connecticut state agencies pertaining to emergency medical services, who is likely to be the first person to arrive on the scene of a medical emergency in the municipality, including, but not limited to, emergency medical services personnel, as defined in section 20-206jj , or a resident state trooper, is equipped with an opioid antagonist and such person has received training, approved by the Commissioner of Public Health, in the administration of an opioid antagonist.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-245d — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319v / Section 17b-245d
Sec. 17b-245d. Information to be provided by federally qualified health centers. Adjustment of encounter rates.
Status: in_force

(b) Each federally qualified health center shall provide to the Department of Social Services a copy of its original scope of project, as approved by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, and all subsequently approved amendments to its original scope of project. Each federally qualified health center shall notify the department, in writing, of all approvals for additional amendments to its scope of project, and provide to the department a copy of such amended scope of project, not later than thirty days after such approvals.

(c) If there is an increase or a decrease in the scope of services furnished by a federally qualified health center, the federally qualified health center shall notify the Department of Social Services, in writing, of any such increase or decrease not later than thirty days after such increase or decrease and provide any additional information reasonably requested by the department not later than thirty days after the request.

(d) The Commissioner of Social Services may impose a civil penalty of five hundred dollars per day on any federally qualified health center that fails to provide any information required pursuant to this section not later than thirty days after the date such information is due.

(e) The department may adjust a federally qualified health center's encounter rate based upon an increase or decrease in the scope of services furnished by the federally qualified health center, in accordance with 42 USC 1396a(bb)(3)(B), following receipt of the written notification described in subsection (c) of this section or based upon the department's review of documents filed in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

(f) The Commissioner of Social Services shall implement policies and procedures necessary to administer the provisions of this section while in the process of adopting such policies and procedures as regulations, provided the commissioner prints notice of intent to adopt regulations in the Connecticut Law Journal not later than twenty days after the date of implementation. Policies and procedures implemented pursuant to this section shall be valid until the time final regulations are adopted.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-261o — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319v / Section 17b-261o
Sec. 17b-261o. Imposition of penalty period when undue hardship exists. Exception.
Status: in_force

(b) For purposes of this section, “undue hardship” exists when (1) the life or health of the applicant would be endangered by the deprivation of medical care, or the applicant would be deprived of food, clothing, shelter or other necessities of life, (2) the applicant is otherwise eligible for medical assistance under section 17b-261 but for the imposition of the penalty period, (3) if the applicant is receiving long-term care services at the time of the imposition of a penalty period, the provider of long-term care services has notified the applicant that such provider intends to discharge or discontinue providing long-term care services to the applicant due to nonpayment, (4) if the applicant is not receiving long-term care services at the time of the imposition of a penalty period, a provider of long-term care services has refused to provide long-term care services to the applicant due to the imposition of a penalty period, and (5) no other person or organization is willing and able to provide long-term care services to the applicant.

(c) The commissioner shall impose a penalty period pursuant to subsection (a) of section 17b-261 or subsection (a) of section 17b-261a if (1) the applicant made a transfer or assignment of assets to deliberately impoverish such applicant in order to obtain or maintain eligibility for medical assistance, or (2) the transfer or assignment of assets was made by the applicant's legal representative or the joint owner of the assets. The commissioner may waive the imposition of a penalty period pursuant to this subsection if (A) the applicant suffers from dementia or other cognitive impairment and cannot explain the transfer or assignment of assets, (B) the applicant suffered from dementia or other cognitive impairment at the time the transfer or assignment of assets was made, (C) the applicant was exploited into making the transfer or assignment of assets due to dementia or other cognitive impairment, or (D) the applicant's legal representative or the record owner of a jointly held asset made the transfer or assignment of assets without the authorization of the applicant.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-688h — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319oo / Section 17b-688h
Sec. 17b-688h. (Formerly Sec. 17b-688d). Memorandum of understanding re employment services for TANF recipients. Pilot program.
Status: in_force

(b) Effective July 1, 1998, the Labor Department shall be responsible for the negotiation, establishment, modification, extension, suspension or termination of contracts for employment services. The Labor Department may provide administration and services directly or through the regional workforce development boards.

(c) The Labor Department and the Department of Social Services shall establish a pilot program in each of two regions commencing July 1, 1997, for the purpose of providing employment retention services.

(d) Effective July 1, 1997, the Labor Department shall transfer to the Department of Social Services the sum of nine million dollars. Effective December 1, 1997, the Labor Department shall transfer to the Department of Social Services the sum of eight million five hundred thousand dollars. The five million dollars remaining in the budget of the Labor Department designated for employment services for recipients of temporary family assistance shall be used for the computerized interagency information management system to be developed pursuant to section 17b-688c , and for the pilot programs to be established pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, and for administrative costs associated with such computerized system and such pilot programs.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-264 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319v / Section 17b-264
Sec. 17b-264. (Formerly Sec. 17-134e). Extension of other public assistance provisions.
Status: in_force

Annotations to former section 17-134e:

Cited. 168 C. 336; 172 C. 292. Since disclaimer is invalid, state may reassess eligibility for assistance. 179 C. 463. Cited. 204 C. 17; 209 C. 390; 216 C. 85; 225 C. 314.

Cited. 44 CA 143.

Section extends the provisions of chapter 302 to the medical assistance program except such provisions which are inconsistent with federal law and part IV of chapter 302. 32 CS 523.

Annotations to present section:

Cited. 233 C. 557; 237 C. 550; 240 C. 141.

Cited. 44 CA 143.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-66 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319q / Section 17b-66
Sec. 17b-66. (Formerly Sec. 17-82f). Request for hearing.
Status: in_force

Annotation to former section 17-82f:

Cited. 20 CA 470.

Annotation to present section:

Cited. 44 CA 143.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-790c — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319tt / Section 17b-790c
Sec. 17b-790c. Food and nutrition policy analysts. Employment by Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity. Definitions. Duties. Reporting requirements.
Status: in_force

(1) “Food insecurity” means a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to sufficient and nutritionally adequate food;

(2) “Food insecurity program” means a nutrition program in the state intended for households with limited or uncertain access to sufficient and nutritionally adequate food;

(3) “Food desert” means an area identified as a food desert in the Food Access Research Atlas produced by the United States Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service;

(4) “Food as medicine” means nutritional and meal preparation planning directed by a qualified health professional to treat chronic health conditions, including, but not limited to, cardiovascular conditions, cardiopulmonary conditions, prediabetes, diabetes, obesity and renal conditions.

(5) “Food recovery organization” means a public or private entity, including, but not limited to, a community-based organization, food bank, food pantry or soup kitchen, that, on a nonprofit basis and in the ordinary course of such entity's business or operations, provides nutritional assistance to individuals in the state who are in need of such assistance, free of charge; and

(6) “Nutritionally adequate food” means food that provides sufficient nutrients and proteins consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

(b) The executive director of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, subject to the approval of the Joint Committee on Legislative Management pursuant to section 2-127 , shall recruit and employ a person to serve as a food and nutrition policy analyst to help coordinate efforts in the state to reduce food insecurity, reduce or eliminate the number of food deserts, promote food as medicine and provide data on access to nutritionally adequate food.

(c) The food and nutrition policy analyst shall, at a minimum, have a bachelor's degree in public health or public administration or equivalent experience in food and health policy, including, but not limited to, demonstrated knowledge of food insecurity issues, the impact of the availability of nutritionally adequate food on public health, and policies surrounding Medicaid coverage of food as medicine. Duties of the analyst shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) Creating an interactive program that allows a user to insert a home address and receive data on local food recovery organizations, food insecurity programs, farmers markets, supermarkets and information on available government programs, including, but not limited to, supplemental nutrition assistance, the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children and free or reduced cost school meal programs;

(2) Creating an interactive map program that provides comparative food insecurity data by city, county or census tract within the state by average distance that must be traveled within such area for nutritionally adequate food, number and location of food deserts and costs of nutritionally adequate food in such area compared to the state or county average of such cost;

(3) Creating a database and updating such database not less frequently than every two years listing food recovery organizations, food insecurity programs, supermarket locations and agricultural producers of food available for sale directly to the public;

(4) Producing and submitting to the executive director an annual report on the state of food insecurity in the state;

(5) Administering a community-focused work group comprised of an equal number of representatives from local food recovery organizations, local food insecurity programs, local supermarket owners, agricultural producers of food and representatives of other working groups appointed by the General Assembly or executive branch to develop new best practices and initiatives concerning food security;

(6) Promoting public awareness of access to nutritionally adequate food and food as medicine, including planning public events focused on solutions to food insecurity; and

(7) Working with state agencies involved in food security efforts and the executive director and staff of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity to enhance public health by promoting equitable access to nutritionally adequate food.

(d) The executive director of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity shall include on the commission's Internet web site links to any programs, data and reports produced by the food and nutrition policy analyst pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. Not later than January 15, 2024, and annually thereafter, the food and nutrition policy analyst shall compile such data into a report and the executive director shall submit the report along with recommendations to reduce food insecurity, in accordance with section 11-4a , to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to aging, the environment, human services, planning and development and public health.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-850 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319ww / Section 17b-850
Sec. 17b-850. (Formerly Sec. 17-580). Program for shelter services for victims of household abuse.
Status: in_force

(b) The Commissioner of Social Services shall adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 necessary to implement the purposes of this section.

Cited. 233 C. 557.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-522 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319i / Section 17a-522
Sec. 17a-522. (Formerly Sec. 17-199). Recommitment of escaped persons.
Status: in_force

Annotation to former section 17-199:

After a person's name is stricken from the records, he is no longer subject to legal confinement and future periods cannot be calculated in the 5 years of incurable mental illness prerequisite to divorce. 16 CS 129.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-116e — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319a / Section 17a-116e
Sec. 17a-116e. Compact administrator.
Status: in_force

(b) The compact administrator may enter into supplementary agreements with appropriate officials of other states pursuant to the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance. In the event that the supplementary agreement shall require or contemplate the provision of any service by this state, the supplementary agreement shall have no force or effect until approved by the head of the department or agency which shall be charged with the rendering of the service.

(c) The compact administrator, subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, may make or arrange for any payments necessary to discharge any financial obligations imposed upon this state by the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance or by any supplementary agreement entered into under said compact.

See Sec. 17a-118 re responsibility of Department of Children and Families for adoption assistance agreement and subsidy payment.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-270 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319v / Section 17b-270
Sec. 17b-270. (Formerly Sec. 17-134k). Liability of agency and its officers.
Status: in_force

(b) No disbursing officer shall, in the absence of gross negligence or intent to defraud the state, be liable with respect to any payment by him under section 17b-267 if it was based upon a voucher signed by a certifying officer designated as provided in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) No such agency or organization shall be liable to the state for any payments referred to in subsection (a) or (b) of this section.

Annotations to former section 17-134k:

Cited. 168 C. 336; 204 C. 17; 216 C. 85.

Annotation to present section:

Cited. 233 C. 557.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-238 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319b / Section 17a-238
Sec. 17a-238. (Formerly Sec. 19a-469). Rights of persons under supervision of Commissioner of Developmental Services.
Status: in_force

(b) Each person placed or treated under the direction of the Commissioner of Developmental Services in any public or private facility shall be protected from harm and receive humane and dignified treatment which is adequate for such person's needs and for the development of such person's full potential at all times, with full respect for such person's personal dignity and right to privacy consistent with such person's treatment plan as determined by the commissioner. No treatment plan or course of treatment for any person placed or treated under the direction of the commissioner shall include the use of an aversive device which has not been tested for safety and efficacy and approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration, except any treatment plan or course of treatment including the use of such devices that was initiated prior to October 1, 1993. No treatment plan or course of treatment prescribed for any person placed or treated under the direction of the commissioner shall include the use of aversive procedures except in accordance with recommendations from a regional human rights committee and any procedures established by the Commissioner of Developmental Services. For purposes of this subsection, “aversive procedure” means the contingent use of an event which may be unpleasant, noxious or otherwise cause discomfort to alter the occurrence of a specific behavior or to protect an individual from injuring himself or herself or others and may include the use of physical isolation and mechanical and physical restraint. Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit persons who are not placed or treated under the direction of the Commissioner of Developmental Services from independently pursuing and obtaining any treatment plan or course of treatment as may otherwise be authorized by law. The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to carry out the provisions of this subsection.

(c) The Commissioner of Developmental Services shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, with respect to each facility or institution under the jurisdiction of the commissioner, with regard to the following: (1) Prohibiting the use of corporal punishment; (2) when and by whom therapies may be used; (3) which therapies may be used; and (4) when a person may be placed in restraint or seclusion or when force may be used upon a person.

(d) A copy of any order prescribing the use of therapy, restraint or seclusion in accordance with the regulations adopted under subsection (c) of this section shall be made a part of the person's permanent clinical record together with the reasons for each such order and made available in compliance with existing statutes relating to the right to know.

(e) The Commissioner of Developmental Services shall ensure that each person placed or treated under the commissioner's direction in any public or private facility is afforded the following rights and privileges: (1) The right to prompt, sufficient and appropriate medical and dental treatment; (2) the right to communicate freely and privately with any person, including, but not limited to, an attorney or other legal representative of the person's choosing; (3) the right to reasonable access to a telephone, both to make and receive calls in private, unless such access is used in violation of any federal or state statute; (4) the right to send and receive unopened mail and to make reasonable requests for assistance in the preparation of correspondence; (5) the safety of each person's personal effects shall be assured including the provision of reasonably accessible individual storage space; (6) the right to be free from unnecessary or excessive physical restraint; (7) the right to voice grievances without interference; (8) the right to a nourishing and well-balanced diet; (9) the right to be employed outside a facility and to receive assistance in his or her efforts to secure suitable employment. The department shall encourage the employment of such persons and shall promote the training of such persons for gainful employment, and all benefits of such employment shall accrue solely to the person employed; (10) the right to have the complete record maintained by the Department of Developmental Services concerning such person released for review, inspection and copying to such person's attorney or other legal representative notwithstanding any provisions of subsection (g) of section 4-193 or section 4-194 ; and (11) the right to receive or purchase his or her own clothing and personal effects, including toilet articles, and the right to wear such clothing and use such personal effects except where determined to be dangerous to the health or safety of the individual or others.

(f) The Commissioner of Developmental Services shall require the attending physician of any person placed or treated in a residential facility under the direction of the commissioner to obtain informed written consent from the following persons prior to authorizing any medical treatment or surgical procedure, excluding routine medical treatment which is necessary to maintain the general health of the person or to prevent the spread of any communicable disease: (1) The person if such person is eighteen years of age or over or is legally emancipated and competent to give such consent; (2) the parent of a person under eighteen years of age who is not legally emancipated; or (3) the legal representative of a person of any age who is adjudicated unable to make informed decisions about matters relating to such person's medical care. The person whose consent is required shall be informed of the nature and consequences of the particular medical treatment or surgical procedure, the reasonable risks, benefits and purpose of such medical treatment or surgical procedure and any alternative medical treatment or surgical procedure which is available. The consent of any person or of any parent or legal representative of any person may be withdrawn at any time prior to the commencement of the medical treatment or surgical procedure. The regional or training school director having custody and control of a person living in a residential facility may authorize necessary medical treatment or surgical procedure for such person where, in the opinion of the person's attending physician, the medical treatment or surgical procedure is of an emergency nature and there is insufficient time to obtain the required written consent provided for in this section. The attending physician shall prepare a report describing the nature of the emergency which necessitated such medical treatment or surgical procedure and shall file a copy of such report in the patient's record.

(g) The commissioner's oversight and monitoring of the medical care of persons placed or treated under the direction of the commissioner does not include the authority to make treatment decisions, except in limited circumstances in accordance with statutory procedures. In the exercise of such oversight and monitoring responsibilities, the commissioner shall not impede or seek to impede a properly executed medical order to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation. For purposes of this subsection, “properly executed medical order to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation” (1) means (A) a written order by the attending physician or advanced practice registered nurse; (B) in consultation and with the consent of the patient or a person authorized by law; (C) when the attending physician or advanced practice registered nurse is of the opinion that the patient is in a terminal condition, as defined in section 19a-570 ; and (D) when such physician or advanced practice registered nurse has requested and obtained a second opinion from a Connecticut licensed physician or advanced practice registered nurse in the appropriate specialty that confirms the patient's terminal condition; and (2) includes the entry of such an order when the attending physician or advanced practice registered nurse (A) is of the opinion that the patient is in the final stage of a terminal condition but cannot state that the patient may be expected to expire during the next several days or weeks, or (B) in consultation with a physician qualified to make a neurological diagnosis, deems the patient to be permanently unconscious, provided the commissioner has reviewed the decision with the department's director of health and clinical services, or such director's designee, the legal representative of the patient and others whom the commissioner deems appropriate, and determines that the order is a medically acceptable decision. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to individuals with a legally valid advance directive.

(h) Any person applying for services from the Commissioner of Developmental Services or any person placed by a Probate Court under the direction of the Commissioner of Developmental Services, and such person's legal representative, shall be informed orally and in writing at the time of application or placement of the rights guaranteed by this section. A summary of such rights shall be posted conspicuously in the public areas of every public or private facility providing services to persons under the care of the Commissioner of Developmental Services.

Annotation to former section 19a-469:

Cited. 221 C. 346.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-524 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319i / Section 17a-524
Sec. 17a-524. (Formerly Sec. 17-201). Writ of habeas corpus.
Status: in_force

Annotations to former section 17-201:

Cited. 168 C. 498; 173 C. 473; 174 C. 464; 189 C. 566.

Cited. 30 CS 320.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-374 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319y / Section 17b-374
Sec. 17b-374. Home care provider registry.
Status: in_force

(b) On and after January 1, 2025, the Commissioner of Social Services, in consultation with the Commissioners of Public Health and Consumer Protection, shall develop and maintain a home care provider registry and data processing system that shall promote awareness of and access to qualified home care providers for persons who receive Medicaid-covered home and community-based services, and may support recruitment and retention of qualified home care providers and support oversight of home care providers. The commissioner shall post a link to such registry on the Department of Social Services' Internet web site.

(c) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the home care provider registry shall include the following information regarding each home care provider in the state: (A) First and last name; (B) job title; (C) date of hire; (D) the home care provider's employer's legal name; (E) list of training programs offered by the home care provider's employer; and (F) the date the home care provider completed any such training. The Commissioner of Social Services, in consultation with the Commissioners of Public Health and Consumer Protection, shall develop procedures for collecting and maintaining the information described in this subsection, including, but not limited to, procedures relating to the frequency of collection and methods for updating or removing inaccurate or outdated information.

(2) A home care provider may assert an exemption from the provisions of this section if such home care provider (A) is a (i) victim of domestic violence, as defined in subsection (b) of section 46b-1 , or (ii) victim of sexual assault, as defined in section 19a-112e , (B) is protected by (i) a protective order, restraining order or standing criminal protective order issued by the courts of this state, including, but not limited to, orders issued pursuant to sections 46b-15 , 46b-16a , 46b-38c , 53a-40e , 54-1k , 54-82q and 54-82r , or (ii) a foreign order of protection, as defined in section 46b-15a , or (C) asserts that extraordinary personal circumstances require an exemption be granted to protect the health, safety or welfare of such home care provider. A home care provider shall assert such an exemption directly to such home care provider's employer in a form and manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Social Services. A home care provider who asserts an exemption pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision shall not be required to submit proof that such home care provider qualifies for an exemption.

(d) The home care provider registry may include, but need not be limited to, functionalities that:

(1) Connect persons seeking home and community-based services with qualified home care providers by (A) helping such persons identify and match with qualified home care providers by sorting such providers based on characteristics, including, but not limited to, language proficiency, certifications and previous experience or special skills, and (B) assisting such persons and their families in navigating the home and community-based services system in the state;

(2) Support recruitment and retention of qualified home care providers by (A) helping such providers become and stay enrolled as home and community-based services Medicaid providers, (B) actively recruiting home care providers through job advertisements and job fairs, (C) connecting providers to training benefits and opportunities for professional development, (D) facilitating such providers' access to health insurance coverage and other benefits, and (E) facilitating communication with such providers in the event of a public health or other emergency; and

(3) Support state oversight of home care providers by (A) facilitating background checks, (B) verifying provider qualifications and identifying special skills, and (C) facilitating communication with providers in the event of a public health or other emergency.

(e) The Commissioner of Social Services may submit an advanced planning document to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for enhanced federal financial participation relating to (1) developing and maintaining the registry, pursuant to the provisions of 45 CFR 95, Subpart F, as amended from time to time, or (2) ongoing operations relating to the registry, pursuant to the provisions of 42 CFR 433, Subpart C, as amended from time to time.

(f) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-30 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319o / Section 17b-30
Sec. 17b-30. Biometric identifier system.
Status: in_force

(b) Said system shall be utilized for office use only in programs to be determined at the discretion of the Commissioner of Social Services.

(c) A recipient of a program utilizing said system pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall participate in said system or be subject to disqualification from such program. The commissioner shall have the authority to exempt a recipient from participation in said system.

(d) Biometric identifier information obtained pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be the proprietary information of the Department of Social Services and shall not be released or made available to any agency or organization and shall not be used for any purpose other than identification or fraud prevention in this or any other state, except that such information may be made available to the office of the Chief State's Attorney if necessary for the prosecution of fraud discovered pursuant to the biometric identifier system established in subsection (a) of this section or in accordance with section 17b-90 . Any person who violates any provision of this subsection shall be guilty of a class D felony and shall be liable for the cost of prosecution.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-32 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319o / Section 17b-32
Sec. 17b-32. Pilot nurse practitioner training program.
Status: in_force

(b) The Commissioner of Social Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Health, shall establish eligibility requirements for participation in the program.

(c) The pilot program shall commence on or before October 1, 2008, and shall terminate not later than October 1, 2010.

(d) The Commissioner of Social Services shall report, in accordance with section 11-4a , to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services and public health not later than January 1, 2011, concerning any increase in access to care at community-based health centers as a result of such pilot program.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-674f — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319j / Section 17a-674f
Sec. 17a-674f. Opioid Settlement Committee. Report.
Status: in_force

(1) The opening and closing balance of the fund for the most recent fiscal year;

(2) An accounting of all credits to, and expenditures from, the fund;

(3) An inventory of fund investments as of the most recent fiscal year and the net income the fund earned for the most recent fiscal year as determined by the State Treasurer pursuant to section 17a-674c ;

(4) The name and a description of each recipient of moneys from the fund, and the amount awarded to such recipient;

(5) A description of each award's intended use, including, but not limited to, the (A) specific program, service or resource funded, (B) population served, and (C) measures that the recipient will use to assess the impact of the award;

(6) The primary criteria used to determine each recipient and its respective award amount;

(7) A summary of information included in the recipient report required under subsection (h) of section 17a-674d ;

(8) All applications for an award of moneys from the fund received during the most recent fiscal year;

(9) A description of any finding or concern as to whether all moneys disbursed from the fund, other than expenses authorized under section 17a-674c , supplemented, and did not supplant or replace, any existing or future local, state or federal government funding;

(10) The performance indicators and progress toward achieving the goals and objectives developed pursuant to section 17a-674d , including, but not limited to, metrics on improving outcomes and reducing mortality and other harms related to substance use disorders;

(11) The dollar amount and the percentage of the fund balance incurred for expenses of administering and staffing the fund and the committee during the most recent fiscal year;

(12) The dollar amount and the percentage of the fund balance incurred for expenses associated with managing, investing and disbursing moneys in the fund during the most recent fiscal year; and

(13) An explanation of any funds certified by the commissioner and Attorney General pursuant to section 17a-674c as being inconsistent with the intent of this section and sections 17a-674c to 17a-674e , inclusive, and the account or fund where such funds were deposited.

(b) The commissioner shall post the report required under subsection (a) of this section on the department's Internet web site.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-248n — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319b / Section 17a-248n
Sec. 17a-248n. Receipt of early intervention services at child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes.
Status: in_force

(1) “Early intervention services” has the same meaning as provided in section 17a-248 ; and

(2) “Individualized family service plan” has the same meaning as provided in section 17a-248 .

(b) A licensed child care center, group child care home or family child care home, as such terms are described in section 19a-77 , shall allow a child who has an individualized family service plan and is eligible for the birth-to-three program, established under section 17a-248b , to receive early intervention services at such child care center, group child care home or family child care home from the service provider designated in such individualized family service plan.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-667a — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319j / Section 17a-667a
Sec. 17a-667a. Fact sheet re opioids and opioid use disorder. Marketing campaign and public service announcements. Information portal re detoxification and rehabilitation beds and slots for outpatient treatment. Report. Working groups re disposal of opioid drugs and substance abuse treatment referral programs.
Status: in_force

(1) “Health care provider” means any person or organization that furnishes health care services and is licensed or certified to furnish such services pursuant to chapters 370, 372, 373, 375, 376, 376a, 376b, 377, 378, 379, 380, 383, 383a, 383b and 383c, or is licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 368d;

(2) “Pharmacist” means a pharmacist licensed pursuant to chapter 400j;

(3) “Opioid drug” has the same meaning as provided in section 20-14o ; and

(4) “Opioid antagonist” has the same meaning as provided in section 17a-714a .

(b) On or before October 1, 2017, the Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council, established under section 17a-667 , shall develop (1) a one-page fact sheet that includes, in clear and readily understandable language in at least twelve-point font size, the risks of taking an opioid drug, the symptoms of opioid use disorder and services available in the state for persons who experience symptoms of or are otherwise affected by opioid use disorder, and (2) strategies to encourage health care providers and pharmacists to disseminate the one-page fact sheet. Such one-page fact sheet shall be made available on the Internet web site of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for use by health care providers and pharmacists to disseminate to any person (A) whom such provider treats for symptoms of opioid use disorder, (B) to whom such provider issues a prescription for or administers an opioid drug or opioid antagonist, or (C) to whom such pharmacist dispenses an opioid drug or opioid antagonist or issues a prescription for an opioid antagonist.

(c) (1) The Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council shall examine the feasibility of the following:

(A) Developing a marketing campaign and making monthly public service announcements on the Internet web sites and social media accounts of the appropriate state agencies, as designated by the council, and any radio station and television station broadcasting to persons in the state, regarding (i) the risks of taking opioid drugs, (ii) symptoms of opioid use disorder, (iii) the availability of opioid antagonists in the state, and (iv) services in the state for persons with or affected by opioid use disorder; and

(B) Establishing a publicly accessible electronic information portal, in the form of an Internet web site or application, as a single point of entry for information regarding the availability of (i) beds at a facility in the state for persons in need of medical treatment for (I) detoxification for potentially life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol or drugs, and (II) rehabilitation or treatment for alcohol dependency, drug dependency or intoxication, and (ii) slots for outpatient treatment using opioid medication that is used to treat opioid use disorder, including methadone and buprenorphine. Such examination shall include the ability of the portal to (I) provide real-time data on the availability of beds and slots, including, but not limited to, the types of beds and slots available, the location of such beds and slots and the wait times, if available, for such beds and slots, and (II) be accessible to the public.

(2) Not later than January 1, 2019, the council shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a , to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health on the outcome of such examination.

(d) The Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council shall convene a working group to advise the council of any recommendations for statutory or policy changes that would enable first responders or health care providers to safely dispose of a person's opioid drugs upon their death. Not later than February 1, 2018, the council shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a , to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health regarding the recommendations of the working group.

(e) The Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council shall convene a working group to study substance abuse treatment referral programs that have been established by municipal police departments to refer persons with an opioid use disorder or seeking recovery from drug addiction to substance abuse treatment facilities. The working group shall (1) examine such referral programs, (2) identify any barriers faced by such referral programs, and (3) determine the feasibility of implementing such programs on a state-wide basis. Not later than February 1, 2018, the council shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a , to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and public safety and security regarding the findings of the working group.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-457 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319i / Section 17a-457
Sec. 17a-457. (Formerly Sec. 17-208a). Duties of board.
Status: in_force

(b) The board shall advise the Governor concerning candidates for the position of Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

(c) The board may issue periodic reports to the Governor and the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

(d) The board shall select a chairperson and other officers from its membership and may establish rules governing its internal procedures.

(e) Members of the board may examine the files and records of the central office of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services at any time and, upon reasonable notice, of state-operated facilities for the treatment of persons with psychiatric disabilities or substance use disorders.

(f) The board shall advise and assist the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services on program development and community mental health or substance abuse center construction planning.

(g) The board is designated and shall serve as the state advisory council to consult with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services in administering the state's mental health and substance abuse programs.

(h) The board may, from time to time, appoint nonmembers to serve on such ad hoc advisory committees as it deems necessary to assist with its functions.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-320 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319x / Section 17b-320
Sec. 17b-320. Nursing home resident day user fee.
Status: in_force

(1) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Revenue Services;

(2) “Department” means the Department of Revenue Services;

(3) “Nursing home” means any licensed chronic and convalescent nursing home or a rest home with nursing supervision, but does not include, upon approval of the waiver of federal requirements for uniform and broad-based user fees in accordance with 42 CFR 433.68, pursuant to section 17b-323 , any nursing home that is owned and operated as of May 1, 2005, by the legal entity that is registered as a continuing care facility with the Department of Social Services in accordance with section 17b-521 , regardless of whether such nursing home participates in the Medicaid program and any nursing home licensed after May 1, 2005, that is owned and operated by the legal entity that is registered as a continuing care facility with the Department of Social Services in accordance with section 17b-521 ;

(4) “Medicare day” means a day of nursing home care service provided to an individual who is eligible for payment, in full or with a coinsurance requirement, under the federal Medicare program, including fee for service and managed care coverage;

(5) “Resident day” means a day of nursing home care service provided to an individual and includes the day a resident is admitted and any day for which the nursing home is eligible for payment for reserving a resident's bed due to hospitalization or temporary leave and for the date of death. For purposes of this subdivision, a day of nursing home care service shall be the period of time between the census-taking hour in a nursing home on two successive calendar days. “Resident day” does not include a Medicare day or the day a resident is discharged;

(6) “Nursing home net revenue” means amounts billed by a nursing home for all room, board and ancillary services, minus (A) contractual allowances, (B) payer discounts, (C) charity care, and (D) bad debts; and

(7) “Contractual allowances” means the amount of discounts allowed by a nursing home to certain payers from amounts billed for room, board and ancillary services.

(b) (1) (A) For each calendar quarter commencing on or after July 1, 2005, and prior to July 1, 2017, there is hereby imposed a resident day user fee on each nursing home in this state, which fee shall be the product of the nursing home's total resident days during the calendar quarter multiplied by the user fee, as determined by the Commissioner of Social Services pursuant to subsection (a) of section 17b-321 .

(B) Commencing with the calendar quarter in which approval of the waiver of federal requirements for uniform and broad-based user fees in accordance with 42 CFR 433.68 pursuant to section 17b-323 is granted, the resident day user fee shall be the product of the nursing home's total resident days during the calendar quarter multiplied by the user fee, as redetermined by the Commissioner of Social Services pursuant to subsection (b) of section 17b-321 .

(2) Each nursing home shall, on or before the last day of January, April, July, and October of each year, render to the commissioner a return, on forms prescribed or furnished by the commissioner, stating the nursing home's total resident days during the calendar quarter ending on the last day of the preceding month and stating such other information as the commissioner deems necessary for the proper administration of this section. The resident day user fee imposed under this section shall be due and payable on the due date of such return. Each nursing home shall be required to file such return electronically with the department and to make such payment by electronic funds transfer in the manner provided by chapter 228g, irrespective of whether the nursing home would have otherwise been required to file such return electronically or to make such payment by electronic funds transfer under the provisions of said chapter 228g.

(c) Whenever such resident day user fee is not paid when due, a penalty of ten per cent of the amount due or fifty dollars, whichever is greater, shall be imposed, and interest at the rate of one per cent per month or fraction thereof shall accrue on such user fee from the due date of such user fee until the date of payment.

(d) The commissioner shall notify the Commissioner of Social Services of any amount delinquent under sections 17b-320 to 17b-323 , inclusive, and, upon receipt of such notice, the Commissioner of Social Services shall deduct and withhold such amount from amounts otherwise payable by the Department of Social Services to the delinquent nursing home.

(e) The provisions of section 12-548 , sections 12-550 to 12-554 , inclusive, and section 12-555a shall apply to the provisions of this section in the same manner and with the same force and effect as if the language of said sections had been incorporated in full into this section and had expressly referred to the user fee imposed under this section, except to the extent that any provision is inconsistent with a provision in this section. For purposes of section 12-39g , the resident day user fee shall be treated as a tax.

(f) The commissioner may enter into an agreement with the Commissioner of Social Services delegating to the Commissioner of Social Services the authority to examine the records and returns of any nursing home subject to the resident day user fee imposed under this section and to determine whether such user fee has been underpaid or overpaid. If such authority is so delegated, examinations of such records and returns by the Department of Social Services and determinations by said department that such user fee has been underpaid or overpaid, shall have the same effect as similar examinations or determinations made by the Department of Revenue Services.

(g) (1) The commissioner shall not collect the resident day user fee pursuant to this section until the Commissioner of Social Services informs the commissioner that all the necessary federal approvals are in effect to secure federal financial participation matching funds associated with the rate increases as described in subdivision (4) of subsection (f) of section 17b-340 .

(2) The commissioner shall cease to collect the resident day user fee pursuant to this section if the Commissioner of Social Services informs the commissioner that the federal approvals described in subdivision (1) of this subsection are withheld or withdrawn.

See Ch. 211c re nursing home user fee.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-369 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319y / Section 17b-369
Sec. 17b-369. Money Follows the Person demonstration project. Reports. Strategic plan to rebalance Medicaid long-term care supports and services. Data collection system. Notice if resident is likely to become eligible for Medicaid. Waivers.
Status: in_force

(b) (1) The Commissioner of Social Services shall submit, in accordance with this subdivision, a copy of any report on the Money Follows the Person demonstration project that the commissioner is required to submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and that pertains to (A) the status of the implementation of the Money Follows the Person demonstration project, (B) the anticipated date that the first eligible person or persons will be transitioned into the community, or (C) information concerning when and how the Department of Social Services will transition additional eligible persons into the community. The commissioner shall submit such copy to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to aging and human services, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a . Copies of reports prepared prior to October 1, 2009, shall be submitted by said date and copies of reports prepared thereafter shall be submitted semiannually.

(2) After October 1, 2009, if the commissioner has not prepared any new reports for submission to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for any six-month submission period under subdivision (1) of this subsection, the commissioner shall prepare and submit a written report in accordance with this subdivision to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to aging and human services, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a . Such report shall include (A) the status of the implementation of the Money Follows the Person demonstration project, (B) the anticipated date that the first eligible person or persons will be transitioned into the community, and (C) information concerning when and how the Department of Social Services will transition additional eligible persons into the community.

(c) The Commissioner of Social Services shall develop a strategic plan, consistent with the long-term care plan established pursuant to section 17b-337 , to rebalance Medicaid long-term care supports and services, including, but not limited to, those supports and services provided in home, community-based settings and institutional settings. The commissioner shall include home, community-based and institutional providers in the development of the strategic plan. In developing the strategic plan the commissioner shall consider topics that include, but are not limited to: (1) Regional trends concerning the state's aging population; (2) trends in the demand for home, community-based and institutional services; (3) gaps in the provision of home and community-based services which prevent community placements; (4) gaps in the provision of institutional care; (5) the quality of care provided by home, community-based and institutional providers; (6) the condition of institutional buildings; (7) the state's regional supply of institutional beds; (8) the current rate structure applicable to home, community-based and institutional services; (9) the methods of implementing adjustments to the bed capacity of individual nursing facilities; and (10) a review of the provisions of subsection (a) of section 17b-354 .

(d) The Commissioner of Social Services shall, within available resources, maintain a data collection system, in accordance with the federal reporting requirements pursuant to Section 6071 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, as amended from time to time, to guide the development of the strategic plan for long-term care. In maintaining the data collection system, the commissioner shall, as applicable: (1) Establish a process to identify and report on individuals participating in the Money Follows the Person demonstration project who signed an informed consent agreement to participate; (2) ensure that persons and agencies identifying persons as candidates for the Money Follows the Person demonstration project have access to information regarding plans to transition persons from institutional to community living and options for persons not eligible for the demonstration project; (3) ensure that Money Follows the Person demonstration project participants are counted only once for reporting purposes regardless of how many times they have been referred to the demonstration project; (4) establish a benchmark length of time that Money Follows the Person demonstration project participants may hold a status of “transition in process” before they are placed in a home in the community; and (5) identify steps to reduce the post-transition outcome of premature death for participants with chronic diseases or health conditions, including cardiac, pulmonary and endocrinal conditions or diabetes.

(e) The Commissioner of Social Services may contract with nursing facilities, as defined in section 17b-357 , and home and community-based providers for the purpose of carrying out the strategic plan. In addition, the commissioner may revise a rate paid to a nursing facility pursuant to section 17b-340 in order to effectuate the strategic plan. The commissioner may fund strategic plan initiatives with federal grant-in-aid resources available to the state pursuant to the Money Follows the Person demonstration project pursuant to Section 6071 of the Deficit Reduction Act, P.L. 109-171, and the State Balancing Incentive Payments Program under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, P.L. 111-148.

(f) If a nursing facility has reason to know that a resident is likely to become financially eligible for Medicaid benefits within one hundred eighty days, the nursing facility shall notify the resident or the resident's representative and the department. The department may (1) assess any such resident to determine if the resident prefers and is able to live appropriately at home or in some other community-based setting, and (2) develop a care plan and assist the resident in his or her transition to the community.

(g) The Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's designee, may waive the requirements of sections 19-13-D8t, 19-13-D6 and 19-13-D105 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, if a provider requires such a waiver for purposes of effectuating the strategic plan developed pursuant to subsection (c) of this section and the commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, determines that such waiver will not endanger the health and safety of the provider's residents or clients. The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, may impose conditions on the granting of any waiver which are necessary to ensure the health and safety of the provider's residents or clients. The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, may revoke any waiver granted pursuant to this subsection upon a finding that the health or safety of a resident or client of a provider has been jeopardized.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-340a — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319y / Section 17b-340a
Sec. 17b-340a. Determination of resident day user fee in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Status: in_force

(1) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Revenue Services;

(2) “Department” means the Department of Revenue Services;

(3) “Intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities” or “intermediate care facility” means a residential facility for persons with intellectual disability which is certified to meet the requirements of 42 CFR 442, Subpart C and, in the case of a private facility, licensed pursuant to section 17a-227 ;

(4) “Resident day” means a day of intermediate care facility residential care provided to an individual and includes the day a resident is admitted and any day for which the intermediate care facility is eligible for payment for reserving a resident's bed due to hospitalization or temporary leave and for the date of death. For purposes of this subdivision, a day of care shall be the period of time between the census-taking hour in a facility on two successive calendar days. “Resident day” does not include the day a resident is discharged;

(5) “Intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities net revenue” means amounts billed by an intermediate care facility for all services provided, including room, board and ancillary services, minus (A) contractual allowances, (B) payer discounts, (C) charity care, and (D) bad debts; and

(6) “Contractual allowances” means the amount of discounts allowed by an intermediate care facility to certain payers from amounts billed for room, board and ancillary services.

(b) (1) For each calendar quarter commencing on or after July 1, 2011, and prior to July 1, 2017, there is hereby imposed a resident day user fee on each intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities in this state, which fee shall be the product of the facility's total resident days during the calendar quarter multiplied by the user fee, as determined by the Commissioner of Social Services pursuant to section 17b-340b .

(2) Each intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities shall, on or before the last day of January, April, July and October of each year, render to the commissioner a return, on forms prescribed or furnished by the commissioner, stating the intermediate care facility's total resident days during the calendar quarter ending on the last day of the preceding month and stating such other information as the commissioner deems necessary for the proper administration of the provisions of this section. The resident day user fee imposed under this section shall be due and payable on the due date of such return. Each intermediate care facility shall be required to file such return electronically with the department and to make such payment by electronic funds transfer in the manner provided by chapter 228g, irrespective of whether such facility would have otherwise been required to file such return electronically or to make such payment by electronic funds transfer under the provisions of chapter 228g.

(c) Whenever such resident day user fee is not paid when due, a penalty of ten per cent of the amount due or fifty dollars, whichever is greater, shall be imposed, and interest at the rate of one per cent per month or a fraction thereof shall accrue on such user fee from the due date of such user fee until the date of payment.

(d) The commissioner shall notify the Commissioner of Social Services of any amount delinquent under section 17b-340b and, upon receipt of such notice, the Commissioner of Social Services shall deduct and withhold such amount from amounts otherwise payable by the Department of Social Services to the delinquent facility.

(e) The provisions of section 12-548 , sections 12-550 to 12-554 , inclusive, and section 12-555a shall apply to the provisions of this section in the same manner and with the same force and effect as if the language of said sections had been incorporated in full into this section and had expressly referred to the user fee imposed under this section, except to the extent that any provision is inconsistent with a provision in this section. For purposes of section 12-39g , the resident day user fee shall be treated as a tax.

(f) The commissioner may enter into an agreement with the Commissioner of Social Services delegating to the Commissioner of Social Services the authority to examine the records and returns of any intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities in this state subject to the resident day user fee imposed under this section and to determine whether such user fee has been underpaid or overpaid. If such authority is so delegated, examinations of such records and returns by the Commissioner of Social Services and determinations by the Commissioner of Social Services that such user fee has been underpaid or overpaid shall have the same effect as similar examinations or determinations made by the Commissioner of Revenue Services.

(g) (1) The commissioner shall not collect the resident day user fee pursuant to this section until the Commissioner of Social Services informs the commissioner that all the necessary federal approvals are in effect to secure federal financial participation matching funds associated with any authorized facility rate increases.

(2) The commissioner shall cease to collect the resident day user fee pursuant to this section if the Commissioner of Social Services informs the commissioner that the federal approvals described in subdivision (1) of this subsection are withheld or withdrawn.

See Ch. 211c re intermediate care facility user fee.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-60 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319 / Section 17a-60
Sec. 17a-60. Reunification of parent with infant. Genetic testing requirement. Confidentiality of information provided designated employee.
Status: in_force

(b) No employee of a hospital that operates an emergency room that takes physical custody of an infant pursuant to section 17a-58 , except an employee who has reasonable cause to suspect that an infant has been abused or neglected, as defined in section 46b-120 , shall disclose information concerning (1) the facts and circumstances under which the emergency room took physical custody of the infant, (2) a parent or lawful agent, or (3) the infant, unless required to disclose such information pursuant to sections 17a-101a to 17a-101d , inclusive. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, a designated employee of the emergency room shall provide (A) to the Commissioner of Children and Families all medical history information provided by the parent, and (B) to the Commissioner of Public Health the name and date of birth of the infant if the infant's birth has been registered in the state vital records system prior to the surrender of the infant, for the sole purpose of sealing the infant's original birth record. The infant's name and date of birth shall not be disclosed on the report of a foundling child described in section 7-59 . Nothing in this subsection shall limit hospital personnel from entering medically relevant information into the infant's medical record or limit any discussion or disclosure that the hospital personnel may have with anyone to the extent that such discussion or disclosure pertains to the medical care and medical treatment of the infant.

(c) Possession of a bracelet linking the parent or lawful agent to an infant surrendered to a designated employee if parental rights have not been terminated creates a presumption the parent or lawful agent has standing to participate in a custody hearing for the infant under chapter 319a but does not create a presumption of parentage or custody.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-217 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319b / Section 17a-217
Sec. 17a-217. (Formerly Sec. 19a-464). Programs for children and adults with intellectual disability. Funding.
Status: in_force

(b) No grant made under this section to assist in establishing, maintaining or expanding any program set forth in subsection (a) of this section shall exceed the ordinary and recurring annual operating expenses of such program, nor shall any grant be made to pay for all or any part of capital expenditures. The Department of Developmental Services shall: (1) Define minimum requirements to be met by each program in order to be eligible to receive funds as provided for by this section in regard to qualification and number of staff members and program operation, including, but not limited to, physical plant and record keeping; (2) establish procedures to be used in making application for such funds; and (3) adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, governing the granting of funds to assist in the establishment of day camp programs and recreational programs for persons with intellectual disability. Upon receipt of proper application, the Department of Developmental Services, within available appropriations, may grant such funds, provided the plans for financing and the standards of operation of such programs shall be approved by the department in accordance with the provisions of this section. For the purpose of developing such programs, the department may accept grants from the federal government, a municipality or any other source.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-694 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319j / Section 17a-694
Sec. 17a-694. (Formerly Sec. 19a-127c). Examination for alcohol or drug dependency. Report.
Status: in_force

(b) (1) The examiner shall determine whether the person being examined was an alcohol-dependent or drug-dependent person at the time of the crime. The commissioner shall disclose to the examiner information contained in the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Service's database concerning the date that the person received treatment for alcohol or drug dependence, if at all, and the location where such treatment was provided, for the purpose of allowing the examiner to request a release of treatment information from the department for the person.

(2) If such person is determined to have been dependent on alcohol or drugs, the examiner shall further determine (A) the history and pattern of the dependency, and (B) whether the person presently needs and is likely to benefit from treatment for the dependency. If the examiner determines that the person presently needs and is likely to benefit from treatment, the examiner shall recommend treatment and state the date when space will be available in an appropriate treatment program, provided such date shall not be more than forty-five days from the date of the examination report. A recommendation for treatment shall include provisions for appropriate placement and the type and length of treatment and may include provisions for outpatient treatment.

(c) The examiner shall prepare and sign, without notarization, a written examination report and deliver it to the court, the Court Support Services Division, the state's attorney and defense counsel no later than thirty days after the examination was ordered. An examination report ordered pursuant to this section and section 17a-693 shall otherwise be confidential and not open to public inspection or subject to disclosure.

(d) No statement made by the person in the course of an examination under the provisions of this section may be admitted in evidence on the issue of guilt in a criminal proceeding concerning the person.

(e) No person shall be denied an examination or participation in a program under this section for inability to pay any cost or fee associated with such examination or program, provided (1) the person files with the court an affidavit of indigency or inability to pay and the court enters a finding thereof, or (2) such person has been determined indigent and eligible for representation by a public defender who has been appointed on behalf of such person pursuant to section 51-296 . The court shall not require a person to perform community service in lieu of payment of such cost or fee, if such cost or fee is waived.

Annotations to former section 17a-651:

Cited. 223 C. 907; 226 C. 191.

Cited. 27 CA 225.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-47 — Connecticut Code / Title 17a / Chapter 319 / Section 17a-47
Sec. 17a-47. (Formerly Sec. 17-445). Legal division re child abuse and neglect.
Status: in_force

See Sec. 17a-106 re cooperative efforts to prevent, identify and treat child abuse and neglect.

See Sec. 53a-196a re felony offense of employing minor in obscene performance.

Commissioner or commissioner's designee has express authority to prepare, sign and file petitions for termination of parental rights. 247 C. 1.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-127 — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319s / Section 17b-127
Sec. 17b-127. (Formerly Sec. 17-282). General assistance fraud. Penalty. Forfeiture of privileges of participation in program. Termination upon conviction. Readmission.
Status: in_force

(b) Any person or vendor who defrauds or assists in defrauding any town as to the support of its paupers, or deceives the selectmen thereof in obtaining support for any person not entitled to the same, or is found in violation of subsection (a) of this section, shall be subject to (1) the penalties for larceny under sections 53a-122 to 53a-125b , inclusive, depending on the amount involved and (2) repayment to a town for the defrauded amount. In addition, any such person or vendor shall be subject to forfeiture of privileges of participation in the program provided under sections 17b-122 , 17b-124 to 17b-132 , inclusive, 17b-194 to 17b-197 , inclusive, 17b-263 , and 17b-689b . Any person or vendor who is convicted of violating this section shall be terminated from participation in such program, effective upon conviction. No vendor so terminated shall be readmitted to such program.

(c) Any person who defrauds the town to obtain any monetary award to which such person is not entitled, assists another person in so defrauding the town or with intent to defraud, or violates any other provision of sections 17b-122 , 17b-124 to 17b-132 , inclusive, 17b-136 to 17b-138 , inclusive, 17b-194 to 17b-197 , inclusive, 17b-222 to 17b-250 , inclusive, 17b-263 , 17b-340 to 17b-350 , inclusive, 17b-689b and 17b-743 to 17b-747 , inclusive, shall be subject to the penalties for larceny under sections 53a-122 and 53a-123 , depending on the amount involved. Any person convicted of violating this section shall be terminated from participation in the program for a period of at least one year.

Annotations to former section 17-282:

Cited. 209 C. 801; 213 C. 233.

Cited. 14 CA 272.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-105a — Connecticut Code / Title 17b / Chapter 319s / Section 17b-105a
Sec. 17b-105a. Supplemental nutrition assistance program. Authority of commissioner to seek waiver and implement federal options. Contract with outside vendor to update administrative system to enable staggering of distribution of program benefits.
Status: in_force

(b) The Commissioner of Social Services shall implement vehicle evaluation provisions in accordance with 7 CFR 273.8(f)(4).

(c) The Commissioner of Social Services, pursuant to 7 USC 2014(e)(6), shall implement the federal option to mandate the use of a standard utility allowance, to be used in place of actual utility costs, for purposes of calculating the excess shelter deduction of applicants for, or recipients of, supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits. Pursuant to 7 USC 2014(e)(6)(C)(iii)(III), the commissioner shall not prorate a standard utility allowance based upon the fact that an assisted household shares the utility with an individual who is not a member of the assisted household.

(d) Not later than December 31, 2024, the Commissioner of Social Services shall enter into a contract with an outside vendor to update the system utilized by the Department of Social Services to administer the supplemental nutrition assistance program for the purpose of enabling the department to stagger the distribution of program benefits so that benefits are distributed, in accordance with federal law, to cohorts of program beneficiaries designated by the commissioner at multiple intervals during each month. Not later than March 1, 2026, the commissioner shall commence staggering the distribution of such benefits to such cohorts of beneficiaries each month, in accordance with federal law. Not later than April 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the commissioner shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a , to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services regarding the staggering of distribution benefits pursuant to this subsection.

See Sec. 17b-112 re temporary family assistance program.