SB 1240 Summary

• Creates a Bureau of Rehabilitative Services within the Department of Social Services, consolidating functions of the Commission on the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, Board of Education and Services for the Blind, and Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, effective July 1, 2011.

• Establishes an advisory Commission on the Deaf and Hearing Impaired and Board of Education and Services for the Blind to advise the new bureau on policy matters related to services for deaf, hearing impaired, blind, and visually impaired individuals.

• Implements various Medicaid and human services program modifications including changes to the Charter Oak Health Plan, ConnPACE program, prescription drug coverage, and medical assistance provider rates for nursing homes and other facilities.

• Delays establishment of a Department on Aging from July 1, 2011, to July 1, 2013, and consolidates functions of the Department on Aging with the Department of Social Services until that date.

• Modifies various healthcare and social service provisions including epilepsy medication substitution protections, early intervention service coverage, antiepileptic drug dispensing requirements, and establishes new oversight councils and task forces for immunizations and child health quality improvements.