LA HB792

Department of Public Safety and Corrections must establish standardized HIV and hepatitis C screening for inmates at all Louisiana correctional facilities, with testing conducted at intake or as soon as practicable for those expected to remain incarcerated at least 72 hours.

Inmates may decline screening without penalty to their classification status, privileges, or eligibility for services, with refusals documented in medical records.

Parish prisons and jails may voluntarily participate and receive state reimbursement within 60 days for laboratory services, phlebotomy supplies, administrative reporting, and medical evaluation costs; no parish authority or sheriff is financially responsible for antiviral or antiretroviral medication costs.

Treatment funding comes from state appropriations, pharmaceutical subscription agreements, Medicaid (if eligible), or other federal sources; inmates not initiated on treatment while incarcerated must receive documented referrals for continuity of care upon release.

Annual reports due to legislative committees by March 1 must include screening numbers, positive test results, treatment rates, and fiscal impact; effective date is July 1, 2027.