Haskell Nursing Home Legislation Reviewed by Health Committee

BETHEL, CT — Nursing home legislation introduced by State Senator Will Haskell (D-26) underwent a public hearing in front of the Public Health Committee this week.

Senate Bill No. 375, "An Act Concerning Nursing Home Staffing Levels," is intended to ensure nursing homes adequately and accurately report the number of staff working in patient care. This would make sure nursing homes are not misreporting staff levels and would provide additional information to patients and their families.

"Research shows that nursing homes will often report administrative staff, and other staff members who don’t directly care for patients, in direct care roles," said Haskell. "That skews numbers that directly correlate to patients receiving the care they need and the care they deserve. About one in every six Connecticut residents is over the age of 65. This is an issue that will directly impact their health. I applaud the Public Health Committee for discussing this important bill and I look forward to continuing to work to get it passed."

Testimony submitted by the Connecticut Department of Public Health said there are national concerns about nursing home staffing being too low during the weekend.

Haskell represents parts of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.