HB 5511, An Act Expanding The Membership Of The Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee And Making The Legislative Commissioners’ Office Recommended Technical Revisions

TESTIMONY OF CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION SUBMITTED TO THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 5511, An Act Expanding The Membership Of The Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee And Making The Legislative Commissioners’ Office Recommended Technical Revisions. CHA supports the bill.

Connecticut hospitals are critical to their communities. They are confronting the challenges posed by a post-pandemic healthcare system with an exemplary healthcare workforce that continues to provide outstanding care. But challenges remain. Hospitals are treating sicker patients, it continues to be challenging to hire and retain staff, and the financial headwinds are grave. Through it all, hospitals are steadfast, providing high-quality 24-hour care for everyone who walks through their doors, focusing on making Connecticut’s healthcare system more equitable, and driving world-class innovation right here in Connecticut.

CHA remains committed to collaborating with the state to combat the opioid epidemic. Hospitals and health systems support continuing education programs for prescribers; deploying recovery coaches in emergency departments (EDs); supplying naloxone kits to first responders as well as to patients and their loved ones; incorporating opioid awareness into clinical integrated-care programs; sponsoring community awareness and education programs; screening and enrolling patients in treatment programs for opioid dependence; partnering with the CHA Connecticut Perinatal Quality Collaborative to improve the health, equity, and quality of care for mothers and infants, including those affected by opioid-use disorder; and providing to providers and other clinical staff educational services related to the causes of opioid use disorder and associated therapeutics pursuant to the Parents Recovering from Opioid Use Disorder (PROUD) grant.

CHA is grateful to the Committee for including a representative of a hospital association as one of the seven new members of the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee. Among these new members are several providers of substance use treatment and recovery services, including hospitals. Each of these new members will bring their unique perspectives to the Advisory Committee.

Thank you for your consideration of our position. For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7310.