With A New Year Comes Some New Laws

As usual, a new year will bring new state laws to Connecticut, and several pieces of legislation — governing a wide range of topics — are slated to take effect on Jan. 1.

Beginning New Year’s Day, certain health insurance policies must cover tomosynthesis mammography, or three-dimensional mammograms. Under existing law, policies have to cover baseline mammograms for women ages 35 to 39, and annual mammograms for women 40 and older. Under the new law, 3-D mammograms can be provided at a woman’s request and insurance must cover it.

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One other health-related law taking effect pertains to the state’s medical marijuana program, which launched in 2012 and in October was expanded to include seriously ill children. Starting Jan. 1, advanced practice registered nurses can certify patients for medical marijuana use; currently only physicians can certify patients.

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Also starting Jan. 1, employers will no longer be allowed to ask about a prospective employee’s prior arrests, criminal charges or convictions on an initial employment application — unless required to by state or federal law, or if the employee is applying for a position for which the employer has to obtain a security or fidelity bond.

Read more: http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/with_a_new_year_comes_some_new_laws/