Today, the State Senate voted to ensure health care providers cannot knowingly discriminate against patients due to protected statuses, strengthening the state’s standards against improper treatment.
“Today, we take a simple but very important step to codify the prevention of discrimination in Connecticut medical practices,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “In taking this action, we can better secure that all people in our state are confident and secure in seeking health care, improving public health.”
“When studies have shown Black and Hispanic patients are less likely to receive aggressive care in health care settings in Connecticut, it’s clear that discrimination still exists in our communities,” said State Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee. “No matter who you are, our health systems should be ready to provide you with needed care, but they cannot do that if you do not trust them. Today, we work to better secure a better result for all.”
Senate Bill 1380, “An Act Prohibiting Discrimination By Health Care Providers In The Provision Of Health Care Services In The State,” takes these additional steps to specifically prohibit discrimination for health care providers, with race, color, religion, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, intellectual, mental, learning or physical disabilities, veteran status or status as a victim of domestic violence.
The bill specifically does not require the delivery of futile health care and services conflicting with professional judgment or ethical considerations, affect a professional standard of care or interfere with public health planning.
The Center for Children’s Advocacy testified that Connecticut lacks statutory language explicitly preventing discrimination and this bill takes a strong step forward in directly enshrining that right.
The Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association gave strong support to the bill, noting that discriminatory behavior prevents people from seeking medical services and treatment, breeds mistrust in health systems and ultimately can lead to loss of life that could be prevented with timely non-discriminatory care.
“By passing this legislation, Connecticut can take a vital step toward ensuring all people have fair and impartial access to quality health care services,” the CTLA added.
The Connecticut Hospital Association testified that this legislation protects people from discrimination and noted appreciation that the law is not intended to override sound medical practices or needed public health planning.
The bill previously passed the Judiciary Committee by a 41-0 tally in April. It next goes to the House for further consideration.
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