ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-seventh Legislature First Regular Session
	Senate: APPROP DPA/SE 8-1-1-0 | 3^rd Read: 24-4-1-1

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SB 1264: regional medical center; appropriation

S/E: inmates; conditional release; nursing institutions

Sponsor: Senator Dunn, LD 25

Committee on Government

Overview

Allows certain inmates with specified health conditions to be placed in a nursing care institution.

History

The Department of Corrections' (DOC) responsibilities encompass the various institutions, facilities and programs which are part of the correctional program. The DOC is also responsible for providing supervisory staff and administrative functions relating to the institutionalization, rehabilitation and community supervision functions of all adult offenders (A.R.S. § 41-1602).

A nursing care institution is a healthcare institution that provides inpatient beds or resident beds and nursing services to people who need continuous nursing services but do not require hospital care or direct daily care from a physician (A.R.S. § 36-401).

Provisions

1. Authorizes the director of the DOC to release an inmate from custody into the placement of a nursing care institution if an inmate:

a) suffers from a terminal condition or disease and requires palliative or end-of-life care.

b) is so debilitated or incapacitated by a terminal condition or disease that they require continuous care or is physically incapable of presenting a danger to themselves or others if released. (Sec. 1)

2. Requires the director to periodically review the medical records of each inmate who is released to verify the inmate continues to meet the eligibility requirements. (Sec. 1)

3. Specifies that if the director determines an inmate no longer meets the eligibility requirements, the inmate must be returned to the custody of the DOC. (Sec. 1)

4. Prohibits inmates convicted of first degree murder from being eligible for release under this measure. (Sec. 1)

5. Defines nursing care institution. (Sec. 1)

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9.                   SB 1264

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