HB 354 -- OFFENDERS IN THE CUSTODY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

SPONSOR: Young

This bill requires the Department of Corrections to provide electronic copies of all medical records related to an offender while in the custody of the Department upon the request of the offender or his or her representative. Electronic copies must be provided within 30 days of the request being made, and at no cost to the offender. The Department will develop a form for offenders to designate a personal representative who may receive medical records on their behalf.

The bill allows the Department to develop a hospice and end-of-life care training program within the State prison system. In cooperation with the Department of Health and Senior Services and the Department of Commerce and Insurance, a determination will be made for the requirements and appropriate training in order for offenders to receive licensure or certification. Requirements for the curriculum are specified in this bill. Training will be provided by a licensed health care professional, as provided in the bill.

Upon successful completion of the training program, the Department of Corrections will issue to the offender a program completion certificate, and develop a process for submission of notice of training completion, as well as application for licensure or certification. The Department of Health and Senior Services, in consultation with the Department of Corrections and the Department of Commerce and Insurance, will have the rulemaking authority for rules and regulations related to the administration of this bill.

This bill is the same as HB 2718 (2024) and similar to HB 1236 (2023).

Statutes affected:
Introduced (1202H.01): 217.075, 217.312, 217.1200