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House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	March 18, 2019 02:39 PM
From:	Representative Morgan Cephas
To:	All House members
Subject:	Dignity for Incarcerated Women: Health Services Reporting and Health

Preventative screenings have long been considered important for promoting the health and wellness of all Americans. As we grow and age, our bodies change and we become more susceptible to certain diseases and ailments. For many of us, having the ability to be screened for and educated by medical professionals about things like cancers, blood pressure, depression, and osteoporosis can be invaluable. For incarcerated individuals, access to health care and education about health care guidelines is just as important. However, families of incarcerated loved ones may still wonder if their family member is truly getting the care they need while in a state facility. My legislation requires the DOC to submit an annual report on the number of health care screenings, emergency, maternal, and specialty care services they provide to the House Health Committee, House Human Services Committee, and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Currently, no state law requires the DOC to report the number of inmates who receive health screenings or pre-and-post-natal care to any external body, which I find concerning. The DOC would also be required to provide inmates with comprehensive written guidelines regarding health care screening procedures. While I understand that the DOC provides inmates with this information in their handbook, I believe it is crucial that this requirement be codified in our state laws. It is our duty as legislators to show our constituents with loved ones in state facilities that we take their concerns about health care and education seriously. By requiring the DOC to annually provide this information, as well as requiring them to educate incarcerated individuals on current health care guidelines, we will be able to better answer and estimate the current and future needs of those incarcerated in Pennsylvania. Please join me in putting the minds of our constituents at ease by continuing to support the rights of their incarcerated loved ones.

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