The Connecticut legislature joined Oregon, Tennessee and Utah in passing Truth in Advertising legislation this year which requires health care providers to clearly identify the type of license, certification or employment title that they possess.

Connecticut State Society of Anesthesiologists President John Satterfield, M.D., testified in support of this legislation. ASA has been assisting state components societies in advancing truth in advertising legislation across the country. 

In Connecticut, the bill provides that:

Any health care provider who provides direct patient care shall wear in plain view during such provider's working hours a photographic identification badge issued by the health care facility or institution that includes the name of the health care facility or institution, the name of the health care provider and the type of license, certificate or employment title that the health care provider holds with the health care facility or institution. Health care facilities or institutions, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, shall develop policies and procedures concerning (1) the size, content and format of the photographic identification badge required pursuant to this subsection, and (2) any exemptions to the requirements of this subsection necessary to ensure the safety of patients and health care providers.

A health care provider is defined as any person employed by or acting on behalf of a health care facility or institution. Health care facility or institution is defined as hospital, nursing home, rest home, home health care agency, homemaker-home health aide agency, emergency medical services organization, assisted living services agency, outpatient surgical facility and an infirmary operated by an educational institution for the care of students enrolled in, and faculty and employees of, such institution.