State Overview: Connecticut

Prior authorization requirements are up to the discretion of the state Medicaid program or insurance company.

Connecticut credentials two types of addiction counselors. A Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) requires a high school diploma, 300 hours of supervised practice, three years of supervised paid work experience or an unpaid internship working directly with alcohol and drug clients and completion of 360 hours of relevant coursework. A Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor requires a master's degree or higher and all requirements of the CADC. Conn. Gen. Stat. §376b and Connecticut Department of Public Health

In Connecticut, licensed professional counselors (LPCs) are trained in the counseling of established principles of psycho-social development and behavioral science to the evaluation, assessment, analysis, diagnosis and treatment of emotional, behavioral or interpersonal dysfunction or difficulties that interfere with mental health and human development. LPCs may provide services to individuals and groups, marriage and family counseling, functional assessments for persons adjusting to a disability, appraisal, crisis intervention and consultations. Conn. Gen. Stat. §383c.20-195aa

In Connecticut, there are currently no statutory or regulatory standards for the certification of peer recovery support specialists. Instead, the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services recognizes the certification process of peer recovery support specialists by a third-party, non-profit certification provider.

Full independent practice and prescriptive authority.

NMs shall practice within a health care system and have clinical relationships with obstetrician-gynecologists that provide for consultation, collaborative management or referral, as indicated by the health status of the patient. Conn. Gen. Stat. §20-86b

A licensed NM may prescribe, dispense, and administer controlled substances in Schedules II-V. Conn. Gen. Stat. §21a-251

Transition to independent practice and prescribing period required.

For the first three years after initial licensure, the NP must collaborate with a physician. The written agreement must address a reasonable and appropriate level of consultation and referral, coverage for the patient in the absence of such advanced practice registered nurse, a method to review patient outcomes and a method of disclosure of the relationship to the patient. After three years, the NP may practice independently. Conn. Gen. Stat. §20-87a(2)

Written collaboration is required for three years after initial licensure addressing the level of Schedule II and III controlled substances that an NP is able to prescribe. The collaboration must include a method to review patient outcomes. After three years, the NP may prescribe independently. Conn. Gen. Stat. §20-87a(3)

NPs are authorized to sign medical orders for life-sustaining treatment forms. Conn. Gen. Stat. §19a-580h

NPs are recognized in state policy as primary care providers. A patient may designate a participating, in-network physician or a participating, in-network advanced practice registered nurse as their primary care provider. Conn. Gen. Stat. §38a-478d

Optometrists may only examine, diagnose and treat conditions of the visual system including the removal of foreign bodies. Conn. Gen. Stat. §20-00-127(1)

Optometrists may only administer an epinephrine autoinjector for treatment of anaphylaxis. Conn. Gen. Stat. §20-00-127(1)

Optometrists may prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances and also Schedule II hydrocodone or hydrocodone combination medications. Conn. Gen. Stat. §20-00-127(1)

A dental hygienist with two years of experience may practice without supervision in institutions, public health facilities, group homes and schools. Conn. Gen. Stat. §20-126l

Dental therapists must have a written collaborative management agreement with a dentist. Statute outlines what must be included in the agreement including practice settings and any limitations on services. Dental therapists may dispense and administer medications if outlined in the written practice agreement. Conn. Gen. Stat. §20-126y

A licensed dentist is included in the definition of a telehealth provider. A telehealth provider means any person who provides health care or other health services through the use of telehealth within such person's scope of practice and in accordance with the standard of care applicable to such person's profession. Conn. Gen. Stat. §19a-906

Connecticut has not enacted legislation allowing pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the federal PREP Act allowed pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine through the duration of the public health emergency.

Connecticut does not allow pharmacists to modify prescriptions.

Connecticut allows pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives.

The pharmacist must adhere to multiple requirements prior to obtaining this authority such as completing an educational training program, reviewing the United States Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use published by the CDC, screen and counsel the patient, and notify relevant primary care providers or provide the patient with relevant documentation.

*Public Act No. 23-52 recently passed – statute not yet updated*

Connecticut does not allow pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation aids.

Supervision by a physician is required for practice and prescriptive authority.

A PA may perform medical functions delegated by a supervising physician if the PA has: demonstrated competency; the delegation is consistent with the health and welfare of the patient; and the functions are performed under the oversight, control and direction of the supervising physician. CONN. GEN. STAT. § 20-12d(a),(d)

A PA may, as delegated by the supervising physician within the scope of such physician's license, prescribe and administer controlled substances schedule IV-V. Prescribe and administer controlled substances in schedule II and III with documented physician approval. CONN. GEN. STAT. § 20-12d(a)-(b)

Statute does not limit the number of PAs a physician may supervise.

A physician may function as a supervising physician for as many PAs as is medically appropriate under the circumstances, provided the supervision is active and direct. CONN. GEN. STAT. § 20-12c(b)

Chart co-signatures may be determined at the practice level.

The supervising physician shall review the charts and records of the PA on a regular basis as necessary to ensure quality patient care. Connecticut State Department of Public Health

Statute allows adaptable proximity.

Supervision includes the continuous availability of direct communication either in person or by radio, telephone or telecommunications between the PA and the supervising physician. CONN. GEN. STAT. § 20-12a(7)(A)-(B)

The supervising physician may delegate tasks to the PA when the supervising physician is satisfied as to the ability and demonstrated competency of the physician assistant, such delegation is consistent with the health and welfare of the patient and in keeping with sound medical practice, such functions are performed under the oversight, control and direction of the supervising physician. Conn. Gen. Stat. §20-12d