Section 17b-NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered] Timely repair of wheelchairs; repair requests; report(a) An authorized wheelchair dealer shall timely repair a wheelchair, including a complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair, sold or leased by such dealer in the state. An authorized wheelchair dealer who sells or leases a complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair in the state shall provide timely repair of such wheelchair at a consumer's home upon request.(b) An authorized wheelchair dealer shall maintain an electronic mail address and a phone line for consumer repair requests that are accessible each business day and capable of receiving and recording messages. The authorized wheelchair dealer shall (1) respond to a request for wheelchair repair not later than one business day after the date of request, and (2) order parts for a repair not later than three business days after assessing the need for the repair or after receiving prior authorization from an insurer for the repair.(c) On and after July 1, 2024, the Office of the Healthcare Advocate, in consultation with the Department of Consumer Protection, shall maintain a phone number and electronic mail address to be posted conspicuously on the Internet web sites of the Office of the Healthcare Advocate and the department, to receive and record complaints regarding timely repair issues. Not later than January 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, the Healthcare Advocate shall submit a report to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to general law, human services and insurance regarding the complaints received and recorded pursuant to this subsection.(d) Not later than December 31, 2024, and annually thereafter, an authorized wheelchair dealer that contracts with the Department of Social Services to sell or lease wheelchairs to Medicaid recipients shall submit a report to the Commissioner of Social Services and the advisory council established pursuant to section 4 of this act regarding repair of such wheelchairs. The report shall include, but need not be limited to, minimum, maximum and average times from the date and time of a repair request for the authorized wheelchair dealer to (1) respond; (2) conduct a repair assessment (A) in the home or other community location, (B) remotely, or (C) at a repair facility; (3) request any necessary prior authorization from the Department of Social Services and receive a decision from the department on such request; (4) order any wheelchair parts needed; (5) receive delivery of any needed repair parts; and (6) complete repairs (A) in the home or other community location, (B) remotely, or (C) at a repair facility.Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17b-NEW
Added by P.A. 24-0058,S. 2 of the Connecticut Acts of the 2024 Regular Session, eff. 7/1/2024.