CT SB01182

Department of Correction must continue all medications prescribed for chronic conditions prior to incarceration, with continuation beginning upon admission and continuing during facility transfers.

Medications must continue for a minimum of 30 days from commitment to the department, after which the facility resumes appropriate management of chronic conditions including therapeutic treatments and medications or generic substitutes.

Commissioner of Correction, in consultation with Commissioner of Public Health, must establish by March 1, 2012 a system for timely medication administration including trained screening staff, prescription validation, medication labeling checks, and maintaining supplies of common necessary medications at each facility.

"Necessary medication" is defined as any medication that, if not taken or administered, may cause death, serious illness, or other harmful effects.

Act takes effect October 1, 2011.