This bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance the management and use of funds from the Contractor-Operated Institutions Inmate Welfare Trust Fund and to improve medical services for inmates. Specifically, it mandates that funds from the Trust Fund be used exclusively for programs aiding inmate reintegration and for environmental health upgrades in contractor-operated correctional facilities. Additionally, the bill revises the definition of "health care provider" to "community health care provider" and establishes new compensation structures for medical services provided to inmates, including emergency medical transportation.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the legislative intent to ensure that inmates have adequate access to emergency and specialty medical services at cost-effective rates. It introduces new definitions related to inmate medical services and allows community health care providers to negotiate compensation above the Medicaid allowable rate under certain conditions. The bill also requires Medicaid providers to ensure reasonable access to adequate medical services for inmate patients. Overall, these changes aim to improve the welfare of inmates and the quality of medical care they receive while incarcerated.

Statutes affected:
S 1012 Filed: 945.215, 945.6041