CA SB1139

Prohibits the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from charging fees for incarcerated persons to request, review, or use their medical records.

Requires the department to assist all incarcerated persons at intake in completing forms for approved visitor lists, medical release of information, medical power of attorney, and next of kin designations, with annual review opportunities.

Mandates the department notify persons on medical release forms within 24 hours when an incarcerated person is hospitalized for a serious or critical medical condition, and allow persons outside the facility to initiate emergency telephone calls.

Requires emergency in-person contact visits and video calls to be available during hospitalization due to serious or critical medical conditions, with expedited visitor approval within 24 hours and allowance for up to four visitors when the person is in imminent danger of dying.

Establishes a grievance process for incarcerated persons or designated persons to challenge the department's failure to provide health information, notice of hospitalization, visitation during hospitalization, or adequate medical care.