CT HB05211

Adds new definition of "reduction of specialty services" as a 50% or greater decrease in direct care staff hours in units providing obstetric, pediatric, emergency, or critical care services.

Requires certificate of need approval for reduction of specialty services offered by hospitals, effective October 1, 2016.

Lowers public hearing threshold from requiring three or more individuals or an entity representing five or more people to requiring only any single individual requesting a hearing on certificate of need applications.

Adds community needs assessment as an evaluation criterion for certificate of need applications, requiring applicants to demonstrate proposals meet public health care needs in their geographic region.

Expands appeal rights to include any three or more individuals collectively or any individual representing an entity with five or more people, in addition to health care facilities and state institutions.