CT SB00493

Establishes an Essential Caregiver Program by amending Connecticut general statutes with a statutory definition of "essential caregiver" that cannot be reinterpreted by individual long-term care facilities.

Authorizes essential caregivers to provide care to long-term care facility residents despite visitation restrictions imposed due to infection outbreaks or other factors.

Requires essential caregivers to comply with facility safety protocols designed to mitigate infection risk.

Mandates that long-term care facilities provide essential caregivers with personal protective equipment and other protections equivalent to those afforded to facility staff.

Implements recommendations from the Nursing Home and Assisted Living Oversight Working Group.