OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 137

AN ACT CONCERNING FEAR OF RETALIATION TRAINING IN NURSING HOME FACILITIES.

SUMMARY:

Current law requires a nursing home administrator to ensure all nursing home staff receive annual in-service training in an area specific to the needs of the home's residents. The trainer must be familiar with that home's resident population. The bill requires the training to also include residents' fear of retaliation. Specifically, the training must discuss (1) residents' rights to file complaints and voice grievances, (2) examples of what constitutes or may be perceived as employee retaliation against residents, and (3) methods to prevent employee retaliation and alleviate residents' fear of retaliation.

The bill also requires the state long-term care ombudsman to create and periodically update a training manual that provides nursing home administrators guidance on structuring and implementing this new training requirement.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2012

COMMITTEE ACTION

Aging Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference

Public Health Committee

Joint Favorable