LD 475
pg. 2
Page 1 of 5 An Act To Improve Conditions for Inmates with Mental Illness Page 3 of 5
Download Bill Text
LR 671
Item 1

 
implementation of the training program. The department shall
ensure that all corrections officers, including those working in
county jails, receive at least 8 hours of training about mental
illness and substance abuse, including information about suicide
prevention and techniques for calming inmates with mental health
disorders.

 
Sec. C-2. Discharge planning training for corrections officers. The Department of
Corrections shall establish a training program designed to
teach corrections officers assigned to inmate discharge
planning about the services and supports available in the
State for inmates with diagnoses of mental illness or
substance abuse, or both, and how to develop and implement
appropriate discharge plans. The department shall provide, no
later than January 30, 2004, a report to the joint standing
committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over criminal
justice matters on the development and implementation of the
training program.

 
PART D

 
Sec. D-1. 34-A MRSA §3002, as amended by PL 1989, c. 503, Pt. B,
§159, is further amended to read:

 
§3002. Boards of visitors

 
1. Appointment. The Governor shall appoint a board of 5
visitors for each correctional facility under the department,
as authorized by Title 5, section 12004-I, subsection 5.

 
A. The terms of the members of the boards of visitors are
for one year.

 
B. Members of the boards of visitors are eligible for
reappointment at the expiration of their terms. The
boards of visitors must be representative of a broad range
of professionals, family members and citizens interested
in the well-being of prisoners, including representatives
of advocacy groups for human and civil rights, medical and
psychiatric professionals, persons who have served in
corrections settings and other interested citizens.

 
C. No A member of the Legislature may not serve on any
board of visitors.

 
D. Each member of the boards of visitors shall must be
compensated according to the provisions of Title 5,
chapter 379.


Page 1 of 5 Top of Page Page 3 of 5