SB 1540, An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Pediatric Hospice Working Group

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

Monday, March 24, 2025

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 1540, An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Pediatric Hospice Working Group. CHA supports improving the quality of care as envisioned in SB 1540.

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.

SB 1540 would require the working group concerning pediatric palliative and hospice care to develop recommendations concerning the establishment of a Children’s Health, Advocacy, Management and Palliative Care program (Program) and, within that program, a Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Care Center of Excellence pilot program (Center). It would also require the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health (DPH) to establish such a Program and Center.

Fewer things are more heartbreaking than caring for a child with life-limiting injuries or illness. Over the course of the last year, the Pediatric Hospice Working Group, established pursuant to Sec. 29 of PA 24-19, has discussed ways to improve, expand, and provide palliative and hospice services for children and their families. SB 1540 would continue this work and set in motion programs that would increase the quality of life at the end of life for certain children by providing them and their families services before, during, and after their death.

For almost 20 years, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has provided palliative and hospice services to children and their families through the Pediatric Palliative Care Network. This program has provided children and families with programs and supports absent here in Connecticut. These programs and supports could be achieved here in Connecticut with the passage of SB 1540.

CHA urges the committee to continue its support of this important initiative to improve the quality of care for injured and ill children.

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