HB 5510, An Act Concerning The Department Of Public Health’s Recommendations Regarding Unlicensed Institutions And Practices

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE

Friday, March 13, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 5510, An Act Concerning The Department Of Public Health’s Recommendations Regarding Unlicensed Institutions And Practices.  CHA opposes the bill as written because it is overly broad.

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.

HB 5510 seeks to make it a crime to operate a healthcare facility without a license.  HB 5510 fails to distinguish administrative and clerical failures from intentional bad acts.  This would have the effect of designating it a felony if there were, for example, an administrative mistake in a license renewal filing (after a thirty-day grace period).

An administrative failure and clerical mistake should never be a felony. 

To avoid the use of the updated statute in situations of administrative or clerical errors, the following additional language should be included as a new, separate section:

(NEW) Nothing in this act shall be construed to apply criminal penalties to any administrative or clerical errors, including misunderstandings or unintentional failures relating to licensure applications, renewals or filing obligations.

Thank you for your consideration of our position.  For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.