The bill amends the Corrections Code of 1953 by adding a new section, Sec. 64a, which mandates that the Department of Corrections provide each prisoner with a medical information release form and an emergency contact form upon their admission to a correctional facility. Additionally, prisoners already in custody on the effective date of the amendment will also receive these forms. The bill outlines the responsibilities of prisoners to ensure the accuracy of the contact information provided on these forms and allows them to amend the information as needed.

In the event of a critical medical emergency, the department is required to notify one designated emergency contact from the prisoner's emergency contact form. The bill also allows for the possibility of approved visitors to see the prisoner in the hospital if deemed necessary by the department in consultation with the prisoner's physician. Furthermore, the department is tasked with developing the necessary forms and a brochure to explain the process and responsibilities associated with these forms within specified timeframes. Definitions for key terms such as "approved visitors," "authorized recipient," and "critical medical emergency" are also included in the new section.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 791.201, 791.285