From Left: Rep. Susan Johnson, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, Senator Terry Gerratana and Governor Malloy.
July 12, 2013
State Representative Susan Johnson joined Governor Dannel Malloy today at a ceremonial bill signing for several public health related bills recently passed by the General Assembly.
From Left: Rep. Susan Johnson, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, Senator Terry Gerratana and Governor Malloy.
"I greatly appreciate Governor Malloy's support and signing of the Legislature's Public Health Committee bills today," said Rep. Susan Johnson, House Chair of the Public Health Committee. "I am very pleased to see these bills signed into law. The Public Health Committee plays a significant role in shaping the policies affecting the health and well-being of Connecticut residents and the hard work that goes into making good legislation is reflected in these bills."
The public health bills signed today include:
Restricting the use of indoor tanning devices by anyone under 17 years old
The creation of a School Nurse Advisory Council and an Advisory Council on Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) within the Connecticut Department of Public Health
Reducing the frequency of mandatory continuing education courses for physicians and adding behavioral health to the list of topics. The mandatory topics currently include infectious diseases, risk management, sexual assault, domestic violence, and cultural competency
Creating a Task Force on Alzheimer's disease to study the care provided to patients and make recommendations to improve: services to patients, family members and caregivers; coordination between state agencies and private community-based health care providers; case management services for patients, family members and caregivers. The task force will study transition and placement issues in community-based settings or health care facilities other than nursing homes, whenever possible.
Another important bill endorsed by the committee is a new initiative in early childhood behavioral health services, part of the gun violence prevention and child school safety measures passed early this year. This new law is focused on reducing mental, emotional and behavioral health issues in children through early identification and intervention. Public Act 13-178 promotes better consistency between the different home visitation programs; orders a study of incarcerated youth with mental health issues; creates a public education campaign and a Children's Mental Health Task Force.
The Public Health Committee has cognizance over all programs under the Department of Public Health; the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Department of Developmental Services; the Office of Health Care Access; and all other matters relating to health, including emergency medical services, all licensing boards within the Department of Public Health, nursing homes, pure food and drugs, and controlled substances, including the treatment of substance abuse.
Susan Johnson is serving her third term representing Connecticut's 49th General Assembly District in Windham. She is Chair of the state legislature's Public Health Committee and a member of the Education and Insurance & Real Estate Committees.