SF3509 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Larry R. Hill Medical Reform Act

Related bill: HF264

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to improve the standards of medical care provided in correctional facilities throughout Minnesota. It seeks to establish a more comprehensive framework for the health and safety of individuals incarcerated in these institutions.

Main Provisions

  • Inspection and Licensing: The commissioner of corrections will oversee the inspection and licensing of all correctional facilities in Minnesota. This responsibility includes both public and private facilities used for detention and incarceration.
  • Minimum Standards: The bill outlines specific minimum standards correctional facilities must meet, including management, health treatment, and safety of incarcerated individuals.
  • Health Care Standards:
    • Screening and treatment for mental illness and substance use disorders.
    • Policies on involuntary medication administration and mental health assessments.
    • Suicide prevention and well-being checks.
    • Verification and timely provision of prescribed medications.
    • Creation of discharge plans that include continuing prescribed medications upon release.
    • Policies for medical referrals, use of telehealth, and identification of individuals with special needs.
    • Procedures for handling substance use disorders and opioid overdoses.
  • Operational Procedures:
    • Critical incident debriefings and use-of-force reporting.
    • Annual staff training and a code of conduct policy.
    • Mandatory death reviews and rights statements for detainees.
  • Medication Provision: Correctional facilities must provide inmates with the medications prescribed to them before incarceration unless deemed unnecessary or replaced by a more appropriate treatment by a licensed healthcare professional.

Significant Changes

  • The establishment of clear protocols for medical care, mental health treatment, and medication provision in correctional facilities.
  • Increased accountability with mandatory reporting of emergencies, deaths, and uses of force resulting in bodily harm.
  • Enhancements in facility inspections to ensure compliance with the newly established standards, with inspection reports being made publicly available within 30 days of completion.

Relevant Terms

  • Corrections
  • Medical care
  • Correctional facilities
  • Mental health treatment
  • Substance use disorder
  • Medication provision
  • Inspection standards
  • Suicide prevention
  • Health care policies
  • Licensing and compliance

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
May 11, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
May 11, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Additional standards for medical care, suicide prevention, and mental health checks."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends requirements for corrections, specifically regarding the inspection and licensing standards for correctional facilities.",
      "modified": [
        "The rules for inspection and reporting requirements have been expanded to include more detailed health care and safety protocols."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "241.021",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This citation pertains to firearm possession regulations in private adult correctional facilities.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "624.714",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 13"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This citation involves the requirements for the operational standards of correctional facilities.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "243.52",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This relates to certification standards for programs in juvenile facilities.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "245A.02",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]