CT SB00451

Establishes an advisory council on CAR T-cell therapy and other gene therapies, effective July 1, 2026, to advise the Department of Public Health on availability, equitable delivery, clinical training, patient safety protocols, and insurance coverage for cancer treatments

Council will develop recommendations for centers of excellence with required accreditation, a statewide referral network for eligible patients, and methods for tracking patient outcomes with focus on equity across diagnosis, race, ethnicity, geography, and income

Membership includes 24+ members: commissioners from Public Health, Insurance, and Social Services; legislators from public health and human services committees; and 16 appointed specialists including oncologists, patient advocates, hospital representatives, and industry experts

Initial appointments due by October 31, 2026, with first meeting by November 30, 2026; council meets quarterly and members serve three-year terms with expense reimbursement but no compensation

Annual reports required to legislative committees on public health and insurance, including research findings, legislative recommendations, and potential funding sources; council may accept grants and donations to fund activities