Bill > SB0769

This bill, amending the Corrections Code of 1953, allows prisoners to authorize the release of specific medical information to designated individuals. It requires the Department of Corrections to provide prisoners with forms to designate "authorized recipients" for their "qualified medical information" (specific medical details they choose to share) and "emergency contacts" (individuals to be notified in a "critical medical emergency," defined as a hospitalization). The bill mandates that prisoners sign these forms and are responsible for keeping contact information accurate, with the ability to update it. In a critical medical emergency, the department must immediately notify one emergency contact and may disclose the prisoner's hospital location if deemed necessary, and can arrange for "approved visitors" (immediate family or clergy) to visit the prisoner in the hospital unless there are safety concerns. The department will develop these forms and a brochure explaining the differences between authorized recipients and emergency contacts, making it available to prisoners and on its website.