The bill amends section 83-178 of the Nebraska Treatment and Corrections Act to provide committed offenders with access to their individual files maintained by the department. The term "person" is replaced with "offender" throughout the section to clarify that the provisions apply specifically to those committed to the department. The bill establishes that committed offenders can request access to their own files, which include various records such as admission summaries, presentence investigation reports, and disciplinary infractions. Additionally, it stipulates that the content of these files is confidential and not subject to public inspection, except by court order.

Furthermore, the bill allows committed offenders to access their medical records through a request to the provider, while maintaining the department's authority to withhold mental health and psychological records when appropriate. The chief executive officer of the facility is given final authority over treatment classifications and recommendations for offenders in custody. The bill also clarifies that the Public Counsel's access to medical or mental health records is contingent upon the offender's consent, and any disclosure of such records is strictly regulated. The original section 83-178 is repealed as part of this amendment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 83-178