CT HB05239

Establishes the Independent Mortality Review Board in statute within the Department of Developmental Services, codifying what was previously created by Executive Order No. 57 of Governor Dannel P. Malloy.

Requires the DDS Commissioner to conduct comprehensive reviews of deaths of persons with intellectual disabilities under department care, examining events, overall care, quality of life issues, and medical care preceding death.

Mandates board review for deaths involving abuse or neglect allegations, cases under medical examiner jurisdiction, sudden/unexpected deaths requiring independent investigation, or cases where initial review raises care appropriateness questions.

Board membership may include the DDS directors of quality improvement and investigations, Chief Medical Examiner, Commissioner of Public Health, Connecticut protection and advocacy system representative, and a private provider representative, with a majority required to be non-DDS employees.

Board proceedings operate under existing peer review confidentiality provisions (sections 19a-17b and 19a-25), and health care providers must share information with the Commissioner upon request consistent with HIPAA.