AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE ADULT CORRECTION HEALTHCARE REVIEW COMMITTEE.

This Act makes permanent and temporary changes to the Adult Correction Healthcare Review Committee ("ACHRC") which is a committee that serves in an advisory capacity to the Governor, General Assembly and the Commissioner of the Department of Correction on all matters relating to the provision of inmate health care services. The permanent changes include adding to ACHRC a healthcare professional who by virtue of the professional's training, education, and specialization hold expertise in correctional health and allowing either a psychiatrist or forensic psychologist to serve as a member. The temporary changes address the Department's response to COVID-19 from March 12, 2020 to March 30, 2021. This Act requires ACHRC to provide a report to the Governor, General Assembly and Commissioner a report regarding the efficacy and appropriateness of the Department's response identifying total numbers of correctional officers and inmates who tested positive and died from COVID-19 or COVID-19 related illnesses. The report also identifies the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement and assesses the medical treatment provided to inmates who tested positive for COVID-19. The Act authorizes ACHRC to request records, consult with additional medical professionals and engage additional staff. Finally, for 2021 and 2022, the Chairpersons of the House and Senate Corrections Committees will be voting members of ACHRC, but cannot designate another individual to attend meetings or vote.