SB 413, An Act Revising Various Motor Vehicle Statutes

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

Monday, March 9, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 413, An Act Revising Various Motor Vehicle Statutes.  CHA opposes sections 2-5 of the bill, as written.

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.

SB 413, among other things, seeks to require additional continuing education for physicians, APRNs, and physician assistants (collectively called “health care professionals” under the bill and current law, Section 14-253a).  Specifically, it requires these professionals to watch an hour-long video about the requirements to obtain a removable windshield placard for an accessible parking permit, and the related certification requirements.  The video would be created by the Accessible Parking Advisory Council, an entity within the Department of Motor Vehicles.

CHA objects to this overly burdensome continuing education mandate as unnecessary.  As we have raised with the Public Health Committee, there is already far too much burden on licensed providers, including through increasingly complex and time consuming continuing education mandates. Providers are already under significant pressure to keep up with ever-changing licensure, accreditation, and certification obligations. We need to reduce provider burden, not increase it.

We urge that the committee either (1) not take action on the bill or (2) make the continuing education mandate discussed in the bill an optional choice within existing continuing medical education obligations.  For example, watching the accessible parking video could be listed as one of the ways a provider could satisfy their already existing mandatory “risk management” or “cultural competency” education unit hours.

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