General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1543 proposes significant amendments to the healthcare provisions for individuals who are incarcerated in Connecticut's correctional facilities. The bill replaces the term "inmate" with "person who is incarcerated" throughout the text, promoting a more humane approach to language. Key provisions include the requirement for comprehensive healthcare plans to be developed by the Commissioner of Correction by October 1, 2025, which must address mental health, substance use disorders, and dental care. The bill mandates annual physical examinations, initial health assessments within fourteen days of intake, and the maintenance of medication records. It also emphasizes the need for adequate staffing of mental health professionals and the establishment of guidelines for prescribing psychotropic medications.

In addition to healthcare improvements, the bill introduces measures to enhance safety and operational efficiency within correctional facilities. It requires the Commissioner of Correction to ensure adequate staffing levels and develop a recruitment and retention program for correctional officers by January 1, 2026. The bill also mandates the provision of productive programming for incarcerated individuals and establishes protocols for documenting assaults on staff. Furthermore, it includes provisions for transparency regarding medical malpractice, allowing individuals to file claims based on published reports of extreme cases. Overall, Raised Bill No. 1543 aims to improve the treatment, conditions, and rights of individuals in correctional facilities while addressing systemic issues within the correctional system.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 18-81pp