This bill requires health-trained personnel to perform a medical, dental, and mental health screening on each inmate upon arrival at a jail; the establishment of procedures that health-trained personnel must follow if an inmate is taking psychoactive drugs like Xanax or Valium; and to provide that the sheriff ensure that health-trained personnel responsible for health screenings be trained on the symptoms and consequences of withdrawal from addictive drugs.

Jurisdiction/Legislation Level

State

LCS Legislation Status

http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/billstatus.cfm?ID=129_HB_249

Our Take on This Bill

Properly trained health personnel are essential to the safety and well-being of inmates. The ACLU of Ohio supports the state’s efforts in HB 249 to ensure that inmates are able to receive adequate medical attention for potentially serious health issues.

Committees

Health and Aging (H)

Sponsors

Rep. Antonio (D), Rep. Letson (D), Rep. Murray (D), Rep. Pillich (D)

Authors

Rep. Boyd (D)

Status

Failed

Bill number

HB 249