1. Working with Elected Officials and Engaging Stakeholders: Connecticut
AHFSA Annual Conference
Background Screening Interest Track
August 4-7, 2019
Working with Elected Officials and Engaging Stakeholders: Connecticut
Today’s Objective: Providing a history and overview of Connecticut’s experience with legislation
Patricia Trella, Program Supervisor
Connecticut Department of Public Health

2. Applicant Background Check System (ABCMS)
Connecticut’s General Statutes, Section 19a- 491c. effective 1/1/12
Facilities Unit: Intra-agency collaboration
Connecticut State Police and other sister agencies: Inter-agency collaborations
10/19/15 - Program Implementation
All providers phased in
Provider types: skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, Assisted Living Service Agencies and Hospice Care Agencies, Residential care homes, Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF/IID), Long term care hospitals (chronic disease hospitals).
Facilities Unit different unit than where the program is housed.
In addition to CT State Police, DPH consulted with Stakeholder Agencies:
Commissioners Developmental Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Social Services and Consumer Protection; State Long-Term Care Ombudsman; Chair for the Board of Pardons and Paroles. 
September 2010: Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) received grant award and technical assistance.
This type of program has long been a goal of patient advocates and members of legislature in CT.

3. Steps to Legislation Phase 1: Before the legislative session begins
Planning and Preparing
Anticipating and addressing challenges
Building consensus and alliances
Long-Term Care (LTC) Community
Legislative Advocate
Senior Senator was an advocate for older adults
Phase 2: During the Process
Fall/ Winter 2011: With DPH’s Government Relations unit, stakeholder meetings with LTC entities held
Senator chaired stakeholder meetings
DPH described grant as opportunity to establish an automated program.
Needed to broaden support among LTC community. We needed their buy in.
Several stakeholder meetings were held at the Connecticut State Capitol.
The Legislative Advocate was our State Champion for this law.
Senior Senator was one of Connecticut’s leading advocates for older adults.
September and December 2011: With CT DPH’s Government Relations unit, CT DPH’s Legal Office held stakeholder meetings with LTC entities
CT DPH described this grant as an opportunity to assist CT in establishing an automated background check program.
Anticipated features of the ABCMS were provided by PowerPoint demonstration.
Information obtained on background check processes presently used by LTC providers
The CT Board of Pardons and Paroles presented to DPH and stakeholders re: the effect of full and provisional pardons on employment in CT.

4. Steps to Legislation (continued)
Phase 2: During the Process (continued)
Stakeholders reviewed, commented on the draft legislation
DPH listened to the stakeholders’ concerns (e.g., cost) and worked toward a consensus
Coordinating with key legislators
Being available to respond to questions
Compromising if the bill is defeated
Senator rallied colleagues for support
Phase 3: After the session
Compliance and reporting
Communicating with key constituents ($577,500)
Keep in mind that… It’s not all about “Getting the law passed” – OK, it is, but there are three steps/stages with legislation.
Phase 2 is DURING the process of getting the law passed.
Phase 3: after the legislative session.
$577,500 allocated from grant funds, to offset initial fingerprinting fees for providers.
Senator advocated for this program by rallying colleagues for their support.

5. Conclusion: Enabling Legislation
CGS 19a-491c authorizes a background check program - direct patient access employees in LTC settings
Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) continues to support CGS 19a-491c
Amendment October 2019
Ongoing Continued Collaboration
Sister state agencies: CT State Police and Office of Policy and Management
Stakeholder groups/ Provider Community
CGS 19a-491c authorizes a criminal history and patient abuse background check program - direct patient access employees in LTC settings
DPH continues to support the requirements of CGS 19a-491c
Amendment in October 2019 – added to the disqualifying offenses.
Continued Collaboration involves an open dialogue and positive relationships.
-through , telephone contact and roundtable conferences.
-With supportive sister state agencies:
Legal and Information Technology of CT State Police - system upgrade with new vendor.
Office of Policy and Management (OPM) – grant money ran out so resources for staffing; being responsive to questions about data.
-Stakeholder groups and the provider community

6. Lessons Learned Build consensus among sister agencies and stakeholders
Maintain current and build new alliances
Relationships needed down the line
DPH negotiated with lawmakers
Flexibility re: certain legislative elements
Good general idea: Benefit to maintaining current and building new alliances.
Relationships needed down the line to get that buy in for the next legislative change, for example. Don’t forget them down the line!
DPH negotiated with lawmakers for the good of the long-term care population in CT. Gotta give a little to get a lot: DPH had to be flexible to get the law passed, so to recognize the importance of flexibility regarding certain legislative elements.
We couldn’t get everything we wanted. But once the program was fully implemented, DPH has the opportunity to go back to the CT Legislature to request amendments.
CT DPH’s approach:
Flexibility re: certain elements of the legislation were key
Establish the foundation for the program. Over time, certain aspects may be modified as necessary.

7. Questions from States?

8. Working with Elected Officials and Engaging Stakeholders: Connecticut
Thank You! (860)