Connecticut
The State of Connecticut Public Act 2202-125 (P.A. 02-125) included a requirement for the Connecticut Department of Public Health to establish a quality of care program for health care facilities. The law requires the implementation of adverse event reporting by hospitals and outpatient surgical facilities. Mandatory adverse event reporting was implemented in October 2002. In May 2004, Public Act 2004-164 (P.A. 04-164) was enacted to revise the definition of reportable adverse events.
| Authorizing statutes or regulations | General Statutes of Connecticut, Title 19a, Chapter 368a, Section 19a-127n | |
| Legislative reports | Annual Legislative Reports to the General Assembly: Adverse Event Reporting | |
| Reportable event forms | Adverse Event Reporting Form (see Appendix B, Part II) | |
| User’s guide for facilities | Directions For Reporting Adverse Events (see Appendix B, Part I) |
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
