Michigan House Bill HB5828

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/20/24
• Refer: 6/20/24
• Report Pass: 12/3/24

Caption

Corrections: state facilities; medical information regarding a prisoner provided to individuals as authorized by a prisoner; allow. Amends 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.201 - 791.285) by adding sec. 64a.

Impact

The impact of HB 5828 is primarily centered on enhancing the management of medical information for prisoners within the state's correctional facilities. By requiring these forms to be provided to all individuals entering the system, the bill aims to improve the flow of critical health information between the prison, medical providers, and the designated emergency contacts. This amendment may lead to better health outcomes for prisoners, as family members or other authorized individuals can be consulted during vital medical situations, thereby facilitating more informed health decisions.

Summary

House Bill 5828 seeks to amend the Corrections Code of Michigan by introducing provisions that ensure prisoners receive a medical information release form and an emergency contact form upon their entry into a correctional facility. The intent is to streamline communication regarding a prisoner's medical situation, especially in cases of critical medical emergencies. The bill mandates that each prisoner can designate individuals who will receive medical information and be contacted in emergencies, thus giving them greater control over how their medical information is shared and ensuring their families are kept informed during crises.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding HB 5828 in terms of how effectively it balances prisoner privacy and the need for family involvement in medical emergencies. Potential concerns could be raised about the ability of the prison administration to maintain the confidentiality of the medical information while fulfilling the bill's requirements. Furthermore, questions may arise regarding the adequacy of resources allocated to ensure compliance with the new procedures outlined in the bill. Additional scrutiny might focus on whether the system for collecting and managing emergency contacts is robust enough to handle the demands that come with this legislative change.