Source: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/BA/2017SB-00796-R000482-BA.htm
Timestamp: 2018-02-20 01:56:54
Document Index: 699247233

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 72', '§ 64', '§ 66', '§ 76', '§ 88', '§ 18', '§ 46', '§ 72', '§ 64', '§ 66']

This bill generally updates terminology to use “person first” language in various statutes relating to older adults and individuals with disabilities. Among other things, it substitutes the terms “person with disabilities” for “handicapped person,” “deaf and hard of hearing” for “hearing impaired,” and “older person” for “elderly person.” (The bill does not update these terms consistently.)
1. removes the prohibition on certain older persons, disabled veterans, and individuals with disabilities working extended hours in manufacturing, mechanical, or mercantile establishments, restaurants, and various other settings (§§ 72-74);
2. modifies the conditions under which the Department of Public Health (DPH) may purchase certain medical equipment for children with disabilities without going through the state's normal purchasing procedures (§ 64);
3. adds a statutory definition for “supervision” pertaining to licensed occupational therapists who oversee the work of occupational therapy assistants (§ 66);
4. designates the month, instead of the first week, of each October as “Disability Employment Awareness Month” (§ 76);
5. renames the “Commission on the Deaf and Hearing Impaired” the “Advisory Board for Persons who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing” (§§ 88-89);
6. renames the “Board of Education and Services for the Blind” the “Advisory Board for Persons with Blindness or Visual Impairment” (§§ 18-21); and
7. removes obsolete provisions (a) requiring the aging and social services departments to report on alternative funding sources for elderly nutrition programs by October 1, 2016 and (b) transferring certain funds and responsibilities between the two departments in 2013 (when the aging department was re-established (§§ 46 & 48)).
§§ 72-74 — EXTENDED WORK HOURS FOR OLDER ADULTS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
The bill retains the extended work hour limits for individuals under age 18 who are not enrolled in a secondary education institution (e.g., high school). Existing law, unchanged by the bill, generally applies stricter limits to individuals under age 18 who are enrolled in such an institution.
§ 64 — DPH EQUIPMENT PURCHASES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
§ 66 — OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS
By law, an occupational therapy assistant must be licensed to assist in the practice of occupational therapy under a licensed occupational therapist's supervision or consultation. The bill defines “supervision” as a licensed occupational therapist overseeing or participating in an occupational therapy assistant's work. It includes:
3. a predetermined plan for emergency situations, including designating an alternate licensed occupational therapist when the usual one is absent.