CT SB00170

Commissioner of Correction shall establish and implement a pilot program effective July 1, 2013 in at least two correctional facilities and two transitional incarceration facilities with participation from one or more primary health care providers and at least two behavioral health care providers.

Program shall create transition health plans for inmates nearing release that include physical and behavioral health summaries, medication lists, laboratory results, and scheduled appointments for inmates over 50 or with chronic conditions, substance abuse history, or mental health issues.

Correctional facilities shall provide each released inmate with prescription medication for at least 60 days or 15 days after their first scheduled appointment with a health care provider, whichever is longer.

Program shall establish communication methods between community health care providers and the Department of Correction and create a system for providers to assess inmates prior to release.

Commissioner shall report annually beginning February 1, 2014 to the Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division and relevant joint standing committees on program results, including analysis of recidivism rates, emergency room visits by former inmates, and changes in health care costs for correctional facilities.