(Sacramento) – Seeking to address the increasing health crisis from HIV/AIDS positive prisoners returning to their community, Assembly Labor & Employment Chair Sandré Swanson's (D-Oakland) bill AB1984 cleared the Assembly Committee on Public Safety yesterday on a 6-1 vote.

"Prisoners returning to their community often do not know that they are infected with HIV/AIDS. Even more troubling, they do not have access to their prison medical records, and it is incredibly difficult for other state or private health care institutions to obtain these records. AB1984 will make voluntary testing available at each prison site, and will also make medical records available to these individuals, enabling them to get the care they need, keeping them and their families safe," Assemblymember Swanson stated.

"Furthermore, the two issues the bill addresses are closely linked. Without knowledge of their medical status, infected parolees can often spread the disease within their community, creating a medical hazard that can impact lives and put further strain on the local health care system. In fact, a growing number of women and significant others are, without their knowledge, exposed to infection by their partners, who have unknowingly contracted the disease while in prison," Assemblymember Swanson continued.

Additionally, the reentry population has difficulty in obtaining primary medical care in their community, as a principal eligibility requirement for public health and social services programs is an official medical diagnosis. Currently, there is very little connection between prison health records and medical providers.

"Practically speaking, the lack of an official record generates huge lapses in medical services for HIV/AIDS parolees. As such, parolees often go without care, creating a health risk to themselves and those around them, and eventually taxing the system as missed opportunities for regular care give way to necessary trips to the emergency room for untreated symptoms," Assemblymember Swanson said.

"Having medical verification of a positive diagnosis will ensure a continuum of care for parolees. AB1984 will also give individuals access to their medical record, and will allow them to empower a public health agency to obtain their medical records from the Department of Corrections. Ensuring a continuation of care once they are home will help to promote healthy life styles, mitigate symptoms, and keep themselves and others medically safe," Assemblymember Swanson concluded.

AB1984 now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The hearing date is pending.