House Republican Press Release

June 28, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Labriola: Gov. Rell Signs Bill to Create Assistance Program for Health Professionals

Legislation Cosponsored by Rep. Labriola to Help Health Professionals with Addiction, Psychological Problems

Legislation authorizing an assistance program for health care professionals who are drug dependent or suffer from emotional or behavioral disorders has been signed into law by Governor Rell, state Representative David K. Labriola, a cosponsor of the bill, said today.

The measure (House Bill 7155), which allows health care organizations to establish the program, was signed by Governor Rell in a ceremony Tuesday, June 26^th attended by Representative Labriola, R-131^st District, and other legislators who worked to enact the legislation.

“This new law will enable health care professionals who are drug dependent or have psychological problems to obtain rehabilitative services through an alternative program that will be voluntary and confidential,” Representative Labriola said. “The program will be available to any health care professional - but its benefits will extend beyond the health care community to everyone in Connecticut who needs quality health care services.”

Once in place, the assistance program will be available to: physicians and surgeons, physician assistants, chiropractors, podiatrists, physical therapists, alcohol and drug counselors, nurses, dentists, dental hygienists, optometrists, opticians, psychologists, veterinarians, massage therapists, and paramedics, among others, Representative Labriola said.