The proposed bill would amend current statutes by allowing the Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) to release inmates to contracted medical institutions if they qualify for enrollment in the Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS). This change would be implemented by inserting new provisions that outline the process for determining an inmate's eligibility for release, including the establishment of a preliminary baseline eligibility determination and the requirement for notification of eligibility within specified timeframes. Additionally, the bill mandates that medical institutions provide inmates with freedom of movement and association, while prohibiting limitations based solely on their inmate status unless necessary due to medical conditions.

Furthermore, the bill introduces definitions for "baseline eligibility" and "debilitating illness," which specify the criteria for inmates to qualify for medical release. It also stipulates that inmates cannot receive ALTCS services until they are released to a medical institution and requires the Director to inform victims of the inmate's release upon request. If an inmate no longer meets ALTCS eligibility requirements, they must be returned to custody. Overall, these updates aim to streamline the process for releasing eligible inmates to receive necessary medical care while ensuring that their rights and the rights of victims are considered.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 31-243
Senate Engrossed Version: 31-243