CT HB05903

Commissioner of Public Health shall conduct a study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Services, Connecticut Hospital Association, and national patient organizations with COPD expertise

Report due to the joint standing committee on public health by February 1, 2016, including hospitalization rates, 30-day readmission rates, and current state agency awareness and education activities

Report must assess the need for community-based services and recommend whether to conduct a needs assessment, host annual summits, develop pilot programs to lower readmission rates, and identify funding sources

Department of Public Health shall post information about COPD from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on its website to help patients discuss the disease with healthcare providers