Posted on February 14, 2019
HARTFORD – State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-38) submitted written testimony yesterday to the Legislative Transportation Committee encouraging their leadership to raise Senate Bill (S.B.) 66 for a vote from the full General Assembly. This bill would allow certain livery permit holders to transport elderly persons and individuals with disabilities who require a stretcher and might not otherwise have access to appropriate transportation services to use stretcher vans.
Rep. McCarty proposed another bill this session, H.B. 5065, to allow more non-ambulatory nursing home residents to visit the homes of their families, which would similarly improve the quality of life for seniors and individuals with disability who do not require medical services during transport.
“Currently, an individual confined to a stretcher and in need of remaining in a prone position during non-emergency transportation is forced to use an ambulance,” said Rep. McCarty. “This proposed legislation would allow seniors or individuals with a disability to utilize the livery service to visit family or loved ones, a senior center and/or various other activities without paying the higher costs of ambulance service.
“In addition to lowering costs to small businesses and individuals/their families for providing an alternative mode of transportation, this bill safeguards both the driver and the individual being transported by requiring, prior to transport, that the individual submits to the livery permit holder a written consent by the individual’s primary care provider that the use of a stretcher van is both permissible and safe for the person being transported. Additionally, and as another safety measure, the livery permit holder receives training in the lifting, moving, and transporting of a person on a stretcher,” said Rep. McCarty.
For those who would also like to share their opinion on this bill, please email written testimony to tratestimony@cga.ct.gov. Make sure to state the bill number, S.B. 66, in the subject of the email, and copy Rep. McCarty, Kathleen.McCarty@housegop.ct.gov.
