CA AB1785

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to include protocols in its existing guidelines by January 1, 2012 for determining when telemedicine services are medically appropriate for inmates.

Mandates an operational telemedicine services program at all adult institutions by January 1, 2015, including goals for expanding services, IT infrastructure, and guidelines for store-and-forward telemedicine technology.

Prohibits using telemedicine to replace civil service physician and dental positions within the department.

Requires the department to schedule inmate evaluations with distant physicians via telemedicine only when medically necessary and in the best interest of inmate health and safety.

Requires annual reports to the Legislature beginning March 1, 2012 on telemedicine implementation progress, with the reporting requirement ending March 1, 2017.