Bill > H2832

This bill proposes to enhance health services within Massachusetts correctional institutions, houses of correction, and jails by introducing new guidelines and improving existing practices. Specifically, it mandates that health services provide inmates with drug treatment and rehabilitation, along with any other necessary medical care to support successful completion of these programs. The bill also requires the commissioner of correction and county facility directors to review and, if needed, improve the training of prison personnel to better recognize inmates' potential medical needs and facilitate access to care. Furthermore, it emphasizes that all inmate health services must be high quality while incorporating cost containment measures, similar to those authorized for other state healthcare programs, such as bulk purchasing of medications, standardized billing, contracting with non-profit providers, offering prevention services, and negotiating better prices through joint efforts.