CT SB00196

Prohibits involuntary discharge or transfer of nursing home and residential care home residents to homeless shelters or temporary/unstable housing, defined as hotels/motels for less than 30 days, housing without legal occupancy rights, or settings where health needs cannot be met

Requires facilities to provide written notice 30-60 days before transfer or discharge (except emergencies), including reason, effective date, appeal rights, and contact information for ombudsman and advocacy services

Establishes appeal process allowing residents to request hearing before Commissioner of Social Services within 20 days to stay proposed discharge; hearing must be held within 10-30 days with decision issued within 30-60 days

Permits transfer or discharge only for specified reasons: resident's welfare cannot be met in facility, improved health, required by law, facility closure, or (for self-pay residents) nonpayment exceeding 15 days

Requires facilities to develop discharge plans considering resident preferences, family proximity, and availability of appropriate placement; prohibits medically contraindicated transfers and requires 15-day waiting period after commissioner approval before discharge can occur

Effective date: July 1, 2022