Sec. 42-337. Wheelchair repair requirements. Definitions. As used in this section and section 42-338:
(1) “Authorized wheelchair dealer” means any company doing business in the state selling or leasing wheelchairs, including complex rehabilitation technology wheelchairs.
(2) “Complex rehabilitation technology” has the same meaning as provided in section 17b-278j.
(3) “Complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair” means a specialized, medically necessary manual or powered wheelchair individually configured for the user with specialized equipment that requires evaluation, configuration, fitting, adjustment, programming and long-term maintenance and repair services.
(4) “Consumer” means the purchaser or lessee of a wheelchair, including a complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair, irrespective of whether the purchase or lease of the wheelchair is funded in whole or in part by the consumer or privately or publicly funded health insurance.
(5) “Timely repair” means as soon as practicable but not later than ten business days after the date of request for repair from a consumer, provided (A) the consumer makes the wheelchair available, (B) any prior authorization required from an insurer has been acquired, and (C) any time spent waiting for prior authorization from an insurer or for delivery of necessary parts ordered for the repair by an authorized wheelchair dealer shall not be included in the ten business days.
(6) “Wheelchair” means a manual or motorized wheeled device that enhances the mobility or positioning of an individual with a disability and includes a complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair.
(P.A. 24-58, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 24-58 effective July 1, 2024.