Sean’s Law

Sean Levert – September 28, 1968 – March 30, 2008

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H.B. 84 HAS CHANGED TO HB 249
As Introduced
129th General Assembly
Regular Session
2011-2012
H.B. No. 249
Representative Boyd
Cosponsors:
Representatives Letson, Pillich, Murray, Antonio

A BILL

To enact section 5120.101 of the Revised Code to require health-trained personnel to perform a medical, dental, and mental health screening on each inmate upon arrival at a jail, to establish procedures that health-trained personnel must follow if an inmate is taking xanax, ativan, valium, or any other benzodiazepine, and to provide that the sheriff ensure that health-trained personnel responsible for medical, dental, and mental health screening be trained as to symptoms and consequences of withdrawal from addictive drugs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:

Section 1. That section 5120.101 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 5120.101. (A) This section applies to a jail that is used primarily to confine inmates charged with or convicted of any crime in this state or under the laws of the United States for one hundred twenty hours or more.

(B) The sheriff who oversees a jail shall ensure that the health-trained personnel responsible for conducting medical, dental, or mental health screening under division (C) of this section are trained as to the symptoms, consequences, and treatment options of withdrawal from benzodiazepines, alcohol, and other addictive drugs prior to the health-trained personnel conducting a medical, dental, or mental health screening. The jail physician or physician servicing the jail shall ensure that adequate measures are in place to identify and treat inmates at risk of withdrawal from addictive drugs.

(C)(1) Health-trained personnel shall perform a medical, dental, and mental health screening on each inmate upon arrival at the jail and shall record the findings of the screening. The screening shall include inquiry into the inmate’s use of alcohol and drugs, including the type of alcohol or drug used, the frequency and amount used, the date or time of last use, and the history of any problems after ceasing use.

(2) If health-trained personnel discover that an inmate is taking xanax, ativan, valium, or any other benzodiazepine, the health-trained personnel shall attempt to verify the prescription with the prescribing physician within twenty-four hours of the inmate being admitted to the jail. If health-trained personnel are unable to verify the prescription in that time period, the health-trained personnel shall arrange for the inmate to meet with a psychiatrist within seventy-two hours of the inmate being admitted to the jail to ensure that, if the psychiatrist considers it necessary, the benzodiazepine is tapered off in a timely and clinically appropriate manner using appropriate, less addictive medication. If health-trained personnel verify the prescription within twenty-four hours of the inmate being admitted to the jail, the jail physician or physician servicing the jail shall ensure that the benzodiazepine is tapered off in a timely and clinically appropriate manner using appropriate, less addictive medication.

(D) This section shall be commonly known as “Sean’s Law.”

(E) As used in this section, “health-trained personnel” means members of the jail staff who are trained in limited aspects of heath care, including any correctional officers and other personnel approved by the jail physician or physician servicing the jail.

Doesn’t seem like 4 years… The last time I was with Sean 3/22/08 we were in the studio on 93rd in Cleveland, Ohio working on the “Dedication” project, preparing for a photo shoot not even thinkin’ what was about to happen within the next week…not thinkin’ that would be the last time I’d see him alive… Some time after this tragedy, I decided to do a song in honor of my friend, my group member…”My Brotha” featuring Sean Levert, Jr. I miss you my brotha… celebrate Sean’s life and help us pass Sean’s Law so everyone can be treated fair while in custody.He didn’t die in vain…  “Whatever you do in life , be dedicated” click the link “Like” Seans Law page & leave a comment, thank you! ♥♥♥