Incarcerated persons: health records.
The bill mandates that all county behavioral health departments and contractors implement a secure and standardized system for sharing mental health records. Each county is required to prepare a report that details the effectiveness of this data sharing, continuity of care measures, and evaluations on how these efforts impact inmate well-being, safety, and recidivism rates. Reports must be submitted to the Legislature by June 30, 2028, indicating a long-term commitment to measuring the success of these initiatives and ensuring accountability. Additionally, the bill is expected to impose a state-mandated local program burdening local entities with new responsibilities to facilitate these records.
Assembly Bill 2478, introduced by Assembly Member Ramos, aims to enhance the sharing of mental health records for incarcerated persons by establishing protocols for the electronic transmission of these records between facilities. The legislation requires the disclosure of mental health information when an inmate is transferred between county correctional facilities, county medical facilities, state hospitals, or any agency caring for inmates. This requirement intends to ensure continuity of mental health treatment and sufficient historical data is available for the proper care of inmates prior to their release. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health support within the correctional system.
While the bill aims to improve the mental health treatment of inmates, there may be concerns regarding privacy and the management of sensitive information. Given that the bill requires compliance with existing state and federal laws, including the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act and HIPAA, there is a crucial balance that must be struck between maintaining inmate privacy and ensuring their health records are accessible for effective treatment during transfers. The need to establish secure systems of communication and data handling may lead to discussions about resource allocation among local agencies tasked with implementing these changes.