HB 6834, An Act Concerning The Department Of Mental Health And Addiction Services’ Recommendations Regarding Various Revisions To Mental Health And Addiction Services Statutes

TESTIMONY OF CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE

Monday, February 3, 2025

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 6834, An Act Concerning The Department Of Mental Health And Addiction Services’ Recommendations Regarding Various Revisions To Mental Health And Addiction Services Statutes. CHA supports Section 13 of the bill. Connecticut hospitals and health systems care for patients, strengthen the state’s economy, and support vulnerable communities across the state. Every day, they work to improve healthcare access, affordability, and health equity. Even as they face ongoing challenges, hospitals provide world-class care to everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of their ability to pay. Hospitals also support an exemplary workforce as the largest collective employer in the state, contribute significantly to the state’s economy, and invest in their communities addressing social drivers of health.

HB 6834 contains a number of provisions specific to the work of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). This testimony is specific to Section 13, which CHA supports.

Section 13 of the bill would make an important clarifying change to the telehealth laws that will better ensure that patients can receive the right care, at the right time, in the right setting. Since the pandemic, it has become increasingly evident that telehealth is a necessary communication and care modality that can be deployed successfully, with myriad safe and effective uses, particularly for mental and behavioral health patients.

Regulatory oversight of telehealth should be flexible where appropriate, including by making adjustments to existing laws to better align with patient care needs and to increase access to providers.

We encourage the passage of Section 13 of HB 6834.

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