§ 18-81d — Medical and dental treatment of inmates under age of eighteen.

(a) When he deems it in the best interest of any inmate under the age of eighteen committed to the custody of the Commissioner of Correction, the commissioner or his designee may authorize medical or dental treatment, including surgery and oral surgery, to insure the continued good health of such inmate. Any such authorization for medical treatment or surgery shall be made on the advice of a physician licensed to practice in the state under the provisions of chapter 370, except that if any such surgery is not of an emergency nature, the advice of two such physicians shall be required. Any such authorization for dental treatment or oral surgery shall be made on the advice of a dentist licensed to practice in the state under the provisions of chapter 379, except that if any such oral surgery is not of an emergency nature the advice of two such dentists shall be required. (b) Prior to such authorization, the commissioner shall exercise due diligence to obtain the consent of the parents or guardian of such inmate for such treatment or surgery, and in all cases shall send notice to the parents or guardian by letter to their last-known address informing them of the actions taken, of their necessity and of the outcome. In any case where the commissioner fails to notify such parents or guardian, such failure will not affect the validity of the authorization. All costs incurred for any such treatment or surgery shall be paid by the state.

Legislative History

(P.A. 85-295.)