Fla. Stat. 945.35
Requirement for education on human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and other communicable diseases


(1)

The Department of Corrections, in conjunction with the Department of Health, shall establish a mandatory introductory and continuing education program on human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and other communicable diseases for all inmates. Programs shall be specifically designed for inmates while incarcerated and in preparation for release into the community. Consideration shall be given to cultural and other relevant differences among inmates in the development of educational materials and shall include emphasis on behavior and attitude change. The education program shall be continuously updated to reflect the latest medical information available.

(2)

The Department of Corrections, in conjunction with the Department of Health, shall establish a mandatory education program on human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and other communicable diseases with an emphasis on appropriate behavior and attitude change to be offered on an annual basis to all staff in correctional facilities, including new staff.

(3)

When there is evidence that an inmate, while in the custody of the department, has engaged in behavior which places the inmate at a high risk of transmitting or contracting a human immunodeficiency disorder or other communicable disease, the department may begin a testing program which is consistent with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and recommendations of the Correctional Medical Authority. For purposes of this subsection, “high-risk behavior” includes:Sexual contact with any person.An altercation involving exposure to body fluids.The use of intravenous drugs.Tattooing.Any other activity medically known to transmit the virus.

(a)

Sexual contact with any person.

(b)

An altercation involving exposure to body fluids.

(c)

The use of intravenous drugs.

(d)

Tattooing.

(e)

Any other activity medically known to transmit the virus.

(4)

The results of such tests shall become a part of that inmate’s medical file, accessible only to persons designated by agency rule.

(5)

If the department has reason to believe that an inmate may have intentionally or unintentionally transmitted a communicable disease to any correctional officer or any employee of the department, or to any person lawfully present in a correctional facility who is not incarcerated there, the department shall, upon request of the affected correctional officer, employee, or other person, cause the inmate who may have transmitted the communicable disease to be promptly tested for its presence and communicate the results as soon as practicable to the person requesting the test be performed, and to the inmate tested if the inmate so requests.

(6)

If the results of the test pursuant to subsection (5) indicate the presence of a communicable disease, the department shall provide appropriate access for counseling, health care, and support services to the affected correctional officer, employee, or other person, and to the inmate tested.

(7)

The results of a test under subsections (5) and (6) are inadmissible against the person tested in any federal or state civil or criminal case or proceeding.

(8)

The department shall promulgate rules to implement subsections (5), (6), and (7). Such rules shall require that the results of any tests are communicated only to a person requesting the test and the inmate tested. Such rules shall also provide for procedures designed to protect the privacy of a person requesting that the test be performed and the privacy of the inmate tested.

(9)

The department shall establish policies consistent with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and recommendations of the Correctional Medical Authority on the housing, physical contact, dining, recreation, and exercise hours or locations for inmates with immunodeficiency disorders as are medically indicated and consistent with the proper operation of its facilities.

Source: Section 945.35 — Requirement for education on human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and other communicable diseases, https://www.­flsenate.­gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0945.­35 (accessed Aug. 7, 2025).

945.01
Definitions
945.04
Department of Corrections
945.10
Confidential information
945.12
Transfers for rehabilitative treatment
945.25
Records
945.025
Jurisdiction of department
945.27
Proceedings by department
945.28
Selection of probation or parole offices by the department
945.31
Restitution and other payments
945.35
Requirement for education on human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and other communicable diseases
945.035
Notice of employment, appointment, or separation
945.36
Law enforcement personnel authorized to conduct drug tests on inmates and releasees
945.40
Corrections Mental Health Act
945.041
Reports
945.41
Legislative intent of ss
945.42
Definitions
945.43
Placement of inmate in a mental health treatment facility
945.043
Department-operated day care services
945.44
Emergency placement of inmate in a mental health treatment facility
945.45
Continued placement of inmates in mental health treatment facilities
945.46
Initiation of involuntary placement proceedings with respect to a mentally ill inmate scheduled for release
945.47
Discharge of inmate from mental health treatment
945.047
Licensing requirements for physicians, osteopathic physicians, and chiropractic physicians employed by the department
945.48
Rights of inmates provided mental health treatment
945.49
Operation and administration
945.71
Inmate training programs
945.72
Eligibility and screening of inmates
945.73
Inmate training program operation
945.74
Implementation
945.091
Extension of the limits of confinement
945.092
Limits on work-release and minimum security custody for persons who have committed the crime of escape
945.215
Inmate welfare and employee benefit trust funds
945.0311
Employment of relatives
945.355
HIV testing of inmates prior to release
945.601
Correctional Medical Authority
945.602
State of Florida Correctional Medical Authority
945.603
Powers and duties of authority
945.604
Medical claims
945.0913
Inmates prohibited from driving state-owned vehicles to transport inmates in a work-release program
945.2151
Verifying social security numbers
945.6031
Required reports and surveys
945.6032
Quality management program requirements
945.6033
Continuing contracts with health care providers
945.6034
Minimum health care standards
945.6035
Dispute resolution
945.6036
Enforcement
945.6037
Nonemergency health care
945.6038
Inmate litigation costs
945.6041
Inmate medical services
945.21501
Employee Benefit Trust Fund
945.21503
Federal Grants Trust Fund

Current through Fall 2025

§ 945.35. Requirement for education on human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, & other communicable diseases's source at flsenate​.gov