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RC 582

Para ordenar a la Comisión de Seguridad Pública y a la Comisión de Salud de la Cámara de Representantes Puerto Rico realizar una investigación exhaustiva sobre la preocupante crisis de salud mental que afecta a las personas privadas de su libertad en las instalaciones del sistema correccional bajo custodia del Departamento de Corrección y Rehabilitación; con énfasis en la estadísticas de incidencia de condiciones de salud mental, las medidas de consejería tomadas para atender a esta población y el uso de farmacoterapia como tratamiento.

2025-2028 Session

Mandates investigation of mental health crisis in Puerto Rico prisons, examining prevalence, counseling services, and medication use among incarcerated individuals.

Referido a Comisión(es)
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Bill Summary · RC 582

Legislative bill overview

Bill RC 582 orders Puerto Rico's Public Safety and Health Commissions to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the mental health crisis affecting incarcerated individuals in the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation facilities. The investigation must examine prevalence statistics of mental health conditions, counseling interventions provided, and the use of pharmacological treatments in correctional settings.

Why is this important

Incarcerated populations experience mental health conditions at significantly higher rates than the general population, and inadequate treatment can lead to self-harm, suicide, and prison violence. This investigation could expose gaps in mental health care, inform policy reforms, and establish accountability for how the correctional system addresses psychiatric needs—a major public health and human rights concern.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: Findings may reveal costly treatment gaps, creating budget pressures in an already fiscally constrained Puerto Rico system
  • Privacy and data access: Obtaining comprehensive mental health statistics from correctional facilities may face resistance due to medical confidentiality laws and bureaucratic obstacles
  • Accountability concerns: Results could expose inadequate care or overreliance on medication management over counseling, potentially triggering liability issues for the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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