61 Pa.C.S. § 3301 Short title of chapter.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Correctional Institution Medical Services Act.
61 Pa.C.S. Ch. 33
61 Pa.C.S. Ch. 33
in effect61 Pa.C.S. § 3302 Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Program." The Medical Services Program established for inmates under section 3303 (relating to Medical Services Program).
61 Pa.C.S. § 3303 Medical Services Program.
(a) Establishment.--The Medical Services Program is established in the department which shall include, but not be limited to, the provisions of this chapter. The program shall be a copay program requiring inmates to pay a fee to cover a portion of the actual costs of the medical services provided.
(b) Fees.--
(1) The department shall develop by regulation a program for inmates which includes fees for certain medical services. The regulations shall provide for consistent medical services guidelines by specifying the medical services which are subject to fees, the fee amounts, payment procedures, medical services which are not subject to fees and fees applicable to medical emergencies, chronic care and preexisting conditions.
(2) In addition to other medical services provided to the inmate, an inmate may be required to pay a fee for medical services provided because of injuries the inmate inflicted upon himself or another inmate.
(c) Explanation of program.--Each inmate shall be advised of the medical services fees and payment procedures at the time of intake. An explanation of the program regulations shall be included in the inmate handbook.
(d) Written notice of changes.--Each inmate shall receive written notice of any changes in medical services fees and payment procedures and an initial written notice of the program's implementation.
(e) Payment for medical services.--
(1) No inmate shall be denied access to medical services because of an inability to pay the required fees.
(2) The department shall devise and implement a program whereby inmates of State correctional institutions who have medical insurance shall pay for their own medical needs through that insurance. This program shall be contained in regulations promulgated by the department.
(f) Fee debits.--An inmate shall acknowledge in writing any debit made to his inmate account for a medical services fee.
(g) Deposits.--Medical services fees collected under this chapter shall be deposited in the General Fund. Cross References. Section 3303 is referred to in sections 3302, 3304 of this title.
61 Pa.C.S. § 3304 Powers and duties of department.
The department shall implement the program by:
(1) Issuing regulations as required under section 3303 (relating to Medical Services Program).
(2) Providing department staff and medical services providers with training relating to the program.
(3) Developing administrative forms for the implementation of the program.
(4) Providing for administrative and accounting procedures for the program and an annual audit of the program.
(5) Providing written notice to all current inmates regarding implementation of the program. Cross References. Section 3304 is referred to in section 3306 of this title.
61 Pa.C.S. § 3305 Costs outstanding upon release.
(a) Right to seek recovery of costs.--The department may seek to recover any amount owed for medical services fees by an inmate upon release from prison through a civil action brought within one year of the inmate's release. The department shall have the burden to prove the amount owed.
(b) Defense.--An inmate's inability to pay as determined by the court shall be a defense to the payment of part or all of the fees.
61 Pa.C.S. § 3306 Report to General Assembly.
The department shall submit to the chairmen and minority chairmen of the Appropriations Committee and the Judiciary Committee of the Senate and the chairmen and minority chairmen of the Appropriations Committee and the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives an annual report on the program. The report shall provide information on the fees charged and the fees collected under the program and shall include a summary of the annual audit of the program as required under section 3304 (relating to powers and duties of department). The report may recommend legislative changes for the program and propose model legislation for counties which may wish to develop similar programs.
61 Pa.C.S. § 3307 Applicability.
The department shall collect fees for medical services provided to an inmate after the effective date of the program regulations as published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=61Fetched: 10/16/2026