Current law requires the department of corrections (department)
to assess a copayment for inmate-initiated visits to providers of medical, dental, mental health, and optometric care services. Current law permits a waiver or reduction of the copayment under a range of circumstances. The department's current administrative regulations assess fees when an inmate fails to attend or refuses a scheduled health-care appointment. The bill eliminates the copayment and prohibits the department from assessing a fee when an inmate fails to attend or refuses a health-care appointment.
