Relating To Health Care Fees Of Detainees And Committed Persons.
The legislation, if enacted, would have a significant impact on the current policies governing healthcare fees in state correctional facilities. Specifically, it repeals section 353-13.1 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which allowed the department to develop policies for assessing fees on detainees for nonemergency healthcare services. By removing the ability to collect such fees, the bill seeks to ensure that healthcare services are freely available to individuals regardless of their financial situations, thereby promoting better health outcomes among the incarcerated population.
Senate Bill 2013 aims to amend existing statutes regarding the assessment of healthcare fees imposed on detainees and committed persons within public correctional institutions in Hawaii. The bill explicitly prohibits the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from charging any fees for medical, dental, or mental health services provided to individuals in its care. This includes a wide range of services from medication to elective medical procedures and treatment for self-inflicted injuries.
Notably, the bill highlights a shift in attitude towards the treatment of detainees and their access to healthcare. While supporters may argue that the prohibition of fees protects the welfare of those in correctional settings, detractors might raise concerns about the funding implications for correctional healthcare systems. These discussions may lead to debates about resource allocation and the potential impact on the quality and availability of healthcare services in public institutions.