NCJ Number
111757
Journal
Pennsylvania Lawyer Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: (April 1988) Pages: 15-16,32-34
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a major health problem facing inmates.
Abstract
At last report, 1,232 inmates were confirmed as AIDS infected. Inmates, alarmed by the absence of adequate medical, housing, and precautionary services have filed at least 30 lawsuits. Several cases have dealt with the denial of AIDS testing and access to information. In Feigley v. Jeffes, the suit sought mandatory testing of food handlers. This case is still pending. In Foy v. Owens, an inmate sought segregation policies for presumed AIDS victims. While the court held that exposing inmates to communicable disease may violate their rights, it found that the inmate had failed to show a demonstrable risk of contracting the virus. Most inmates and some staff favor isolating AIDS-infected inmates to enable medical personnel to properly treat them, to reduce fears of the general inmate population, and to reduce threats against and intimidation of AIDS victims. In general, however, the courts have maintained a hands-off policy toward AIDS-related complaints. Correctional administrators should design and implement policies and programs to improve the quality of care received by these terminally ill inmates and provide timely and accurate information to dispel fear of this disease. Finally, mandatory AIDS antibody screening is necessary for a comprehensive AIDS policy for prisons.