Sec. C-1. 34-A MRSA §3069, sub-§4 is enacted to read:
4. Review use of seclusion and restraint with prisoners with major mental illness; report. Beginning October 1, 2003, the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services, utilizing its medical directors and forensic psychiatrists, shall review the use of seclusion and restraint with prisoners with major mental illness in all adult correctional facilities. The department and the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services shall agree to the design and scope of this review. This review must include, but not be limited to, a case review of the rates of and duration of such practices with prisoners with major mental illness, whether the use of seclusion and restraint is appropriate and whether there is a pattern of restraint and seclusion with any particular prisoners with major mental illness. Beginning December 30, 2004 and annually thereafter, the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services shall issue a written report that includes its findings and recommendations for improvements determined to be necessary. That report must be forwarded to the commissioner and to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over criminal justice and public safety matters.
Sec. C-2. Discharge planning training for state corrections officers. The Department of Corrections shall assist its correctional officers assigned to inmate discharge planning in increasing the officers' understanding of the services and supports available in the State for inmates with mental illness or substance abuse diagnoses and how to develop and implement an appropriate discharge plan. By January 30, 2004, the department shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety regarding the development and implementation of the training.
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