NCJ Number
58589
Date Published
1976
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS VIDEO CASSETTE FROM THE NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE EXECUTIVE TRAINING PROGRAM OF ADVANCED CRIMINAL JUSTICE PRACTICE DISCUSSES THE ISSUES AND OPERATIONS INVOLVED IN THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL CARE TO PRISON INMATES.
Abstract
PRACTITIONERS AND MEDICAL PERSONNEL OF CORRECTIONS INSTITUTIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEMS OF INMATE HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS. MEDICAL CARE IN PRISONS IS NOT ONLY CONSTRAINED BY THE OBVIOUS BARRIERS OF PRISON SECURITY, BUT ADDITIONALLY CONFRONTED BY PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND LEGAL ORDERS WHICH CALL FOR A HIGH DEGREE OF CARE, IN CONFLICT WITH THE LIMITED RESOURCES OF A STATE INSTITUTION. A LINCOLN, NEBR., STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION STANDARDS IN PRISONS INDICATED THAT MINIMUM STANDARDS OF PHYSICAL SCREENING EXAMINATIONS, MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS, AND USE OF A PHARMACY COULD BE FOLLOWED. THE SECURE ENVIRONMENT OF A PRISON DOES OFFER A CHALLENGE TO MEDICAL PERSONNEL BUT ALSO PROVIDES THEM WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASSIST PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT HAD PREVIOUSLY ADEQUATE TREATMENT. UNATTENDED ILLNESSES ARE COMMONLY DIAGNOSED IN PRISONS, AND THE LACK OF SUBSEQUENT ATTENTION MAY RESULT IN VALID LITIGATION BY PRISONERS. IN CALIFORNIA, PRISON ADMINISTRATORS HAVE BEEN HELD PERSONALLY LIABLE FOR FAILURES TO COMPLY WITH COURT ORDERED MEDICAL PROGRAMS. PRISONERS' ABUSE OF THE PRIVILEGE OF SICK CALL CAN BE ADMINISTRATIVELY CONTROLLED.