HB 5389, An Act Concerning A Provider Toolkit For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Menopause, Perimenopause And Postmenopause

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

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 5389, An Act Concerning A Provider Toolkit For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Menopause, Perimenopause And Postmenopause.  CHA supports the bill.

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 5389 requires the Department of Public Health (DPH), in consultation with the University of Connecticut Health Center’s Health Disparities Institute, to develop and distribute a provider toolkit, created by DPH, for the diagnosis and treatment of menopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause.

Patients experiencing symptoms of menopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause are seen across a wide range of care settings.  Yet menopause-related symptoms are often under-recognized or inconsistently treated due to a lack of standardized, evidence-based guidance.  HB 5389 would support hospitals and health systems by providing practical, culturally appropriate, and clinically grounded resources to improve screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. 

By equipping clinicians with clear and accessible guidance, HB 5389 will promote more consistent, high-quality care and advance broader efforts to reduce disparities and improve women’s health outcomes.

CHA supports this bill as an important step in strengthening clinical practice and continuing education for providers.

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