Oklahoma Senate Bill SB686

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21
• Report Pass: 2/8/21
• Refer: 2/8/21

Caption

Prison training program; providing for program creation. Effective date.

Impact

The implementation of SB686 significantly impacts state laws regarding inmate educational programs and healthcare training. By instituting a hospice care training program, the state acknowledges the potential for rehabilitation through education, providing inmates with job skills that could facilitate their reintegration into society. This may also improve healthcare services within the prison system, as trained inmates can contribute positively to the care of their peers.

Summary

Senate Bill 686 is aimed at establishing a hospice care training program within the Oklahoma prison system. The bill authorizes the Department of Corrections to collaborate with the State Department of Health and the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to create a training program tailored for inmates. The goal is to provide a structured curriculum that prepares these inmates for licensure and certification in hospice care, thereby offering them a chance to acquire valuable skills while incarcerated.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes provisions that restrict participation for inmates with certain convictions, requiring prior permission from the State Department of Health. This aspect could raise questions about fairness and access to educational opportunities within the prison system. Furthermore, while the bill aims to enhance the employability of inmates, it explicitly states that completing the program does not guarantee employment with any hospice provider, which may be a point of concern among advocates for prison reform.