Requires that the department of public safety test all inmates for hepatitis C.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that a growing number of inmates confined within the correctional system are carrying various strains of the hepatitis C virus. Currently it is not the policy of the department of public safety to test all inmates for hepatitis C, so the full extent of this problem can only be guessed. What is known is that the correctional population is at high risk for carrying hepatitis C since inmates have a higher prevalence of risk factors such as intravenous drug use and certain sexual behaviors. Given the nature of life within correctional facilities, facility staff and inmates who do not carry the virus are at a higher risk of contracting it than are members of the general public.

The purpose of this Act is to mitigate the possible spread of this disease by requiring the department of public safety to test all inmates to make medically prudent policy decisions.

SECTION 2. Chapter 353, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§353- Testing for hepatitis C. The director shall ensure that every inmate confined is tested for hepatitis C and that proper steps are taken to mitigate the transmission of the disease."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.