Connecticut Senate Bill SB00249

Connecticut 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25

Caption

An Act Establishing A Mobile Health Clinic Program At Correctional Institutions.

Impact

The potential impact of SB 249 on state laws includes an amendment to the existing general statutes concerning inmate healthcare. It mandates that the Commissioner of Correction take proactive steps to establish a mobile health clinic framework throughout correctional institutions. The requirement for reporting quarterly to the joint standing committees on public health and judiciary matters signifies an increase in accountability regarding the health outcomes of inmates treated by the program. This could lead to improved monitoring and evaluation of health services provided to inmates.

Summary

Senate Bill 249, referred to as the Act Establishing A Mobile Health Clinic Program at Correctional Institutions, aims to enhance healthcare services for inmates within the state correctional system. This legislation proposes the launch of a mobile health clinic program that would deliver specialized medical care to inmates every month. The goal of the bill is to ensure that incarcerated individuals have access to necessary health services that may be lacking within correctional facilities. By implementing mobile clinics, the bill seeks to address healthcare disparities faced by inmates.

Contention

While the proposal has the potential to improve health access and outcomes for inmates, it may also face scrutiny regarding implementation and effectiveness. Stakeholders may debate the adequacy of funding, resources required for mobile clinics, and the overall feasibility of such a program within the correctional system. There may also be concerns about how such measures could be harmonized with existing healthcare protocols in prisons, alongside discussions on the privacy and consent of inmates receiving care from mobile units.