SB 93, An Act Implementing The Rural Health Transformation Program To Expand Health Care Access
TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 93, An Act Implementing The Rural Health Transformation Program To Expand Health Care Access. CHA supports the intent of this bill and offers recommendations to more narrowly tailor certain provisions to avoid potential unintended consequences, as outlined below.
Connecticut hospitals make our state stronger by delivering nationally recognized, world-class care, supporting jobs and economic growth, and serving communities across Connecticut. Every day, hospitals improve access, affordability, and health equity — providing care to all patients regardless of ability to pay. At the same time, hospitals invest in their workforce and local communities, even as they navigate significant financial and federal challenges.
SB 93 sets out to adjust statutory language so there is alignment with the federal requirements under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). CHA is supportive of the administration’s efforts to expand healthcare access through workforce initiatives and to maximize opportunities provided under Connecticut’s recently awarded $154 million RHTP grant.
As written, SB 93 appears to extend Department of Public Health (DPH) oversight in a way that could blur the distinction between obligations tied specifically to participation in the RHTP and the routine practice of professionals outside of the program.
Specifically, SB 93 provides that DPH may take broad regulatory action against a practitioner for failure to fulfill any obligation resulting from the receipt of funds tied to the RHTP. Such penalties could include revocation or suspension of a license or censure.
If the intent of the provision is to deter potential fraudulent behavior related to RHTP funds, we believe a more tailored potential sanction is appropriate as such a broadly defined consequence could deter provider participation in the RHTP.
CHA supports the expansion of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Compact in Connecticut as part of the RHTP and detailed in SB 93. As outlined in the state’s RHTP application, strengthening collaboration among hospitals, EMS agencies, and local and regional governments is essential to promoting shared accountability, financial stability, and coordinated service delivery.1 Expanding EMS Compact licensure will help increase workforce mobility and capacity, particularly in rural communities where access challenges may be more acute.
Thank you for your consideration of our position. For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.