An Act to improve mental health services in places of incarceration

This bill transfers supervision of mental health services for prisoners from the Department of Correction to the Commissioner of Mental Health. Under the new rules, the Commissioner will review and approve all contracts related to inmate mental care and set minimum standards for how these services are delivered. Additionally, the Commissioner must audit every state correctional facility and House of Correction at least twice a year to ensure compliance with these standards. The legislation also requires the collection of specific data on service provision to help secure federal funding for prisoners with mental health needs.