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Ombudsman and advocates press lawmakers for state oversight of correctional health care
Summary
Correctional ombudsman, advocates and veterans— groups urged the Public Health Committee to pass SB 1394 to bring Department of Correction health services under Department of Public Health oversight, require accreditation and strengthen infectious‑disease monitoring and facility inspections.
HARTFORD — State advocates, a newly created Office of the Correctional Ombudsman and public-health groups urged lawmakers Monday to give the Department of Public Health a greater role overseeing medical care inside Connecticut—s prisons, saying the state—s current approach contributes to preventable illness and costly litigation.
What witnesses asked for: Devon Ward, the state—s correctional ombudsman, told the committee that DPH already performs many public‑health duties relevant to prisons and should be empowered to inspect facilities, monitor infectious disease and help prevent environmental hazards. "The reality is that infectious diseases do not stay confined within prison walls," Ward said, citing hepatitis C, HIV and tuberculosis. The ombudsman and allied…
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