Lawmakers expand protections for health professionals

HARTFORD — The House of Representatives on Thursday built on last year’s so-called safe harbor legislation for reproductive rights and approved a bill that would offer further protections for women’s health and gender-affirming health professionals.

The bill, which passed 128-19 and next heads to the Senate, is aimed at preventing out-of-state entities, including government officials and nongovernmental agencies, from attacking the credentials, privileges, certifications and licenses of Connecticut doctors, physicians assistants, midwives and others. It would protect both residents of Connecticut and nonresidents who perform health care treatments here, said Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey, DFairfield, co-chairwoman of the legislative Public Health Committee who introduced the bill for an hour-long debate.

It would also prohibit insurers from raising malpractice insurance rates or denying coverage to providers.

“In all cases, whether it is the Department of Public Health, the Department of Consumer Protection, our healthcare institutions or insurance companies, all providers must follow Connecticut law,” she said.

Conservative Rep. Gale Mastrofrancesco, R-Wolcott, led opposition to the legislation, but most of the House’s 53-member minority voted for the bill. “These are life-changing decisions for people,” she said.

“These folks, again, who are abiding by Connecticut law are able to provide the services that we defined as reproductive health care services and not be penalized for doing so in our state,” McCarthy Vahey added.

“We’re protecting people who are only trying to do their jobs,” said Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, RSeymour. “That’s what bill does.”

“I see this simply as a way to protect the men and woman who are treating the people of Connecticut who providing critical and legal services,” Rep. Cristie Carpino, R-Cromwell.

Democrats including Rep. Trenee McGee of West Haven, Rep. Robyn Porter of New Haven and Rep. Anabel Figueroa of Stamford, voted against the bill.