NCJ Number
151474
Date Published
1993
Length
49 pages
Annotation
The efforts of Florida Department of Corrections to identify, prevent, and treat infectious diseases were audited with respect to information regarding trends in the prevalence of infectious diseases in the correctional system, AIDS education to correctional personnel and inmates as required by law, and alternatives to current practices.
Abstract
Results revealed that the Department maintains data that can be used to identify prevalence and changes in infectious diseases. However, the Department does not identify the extent to which these diseases are spread in the prison system and lacks controls to ensure data reliability. The Department could also improve its AIDS education program by adopting formal procedures to ensure that the material is relevant to inmates and that the latest medical information is presented. In addition, the Department cannot demonstrate that all inmates receive AIDS education. Four alternatives to current practices include mandatory testing of all inmates for HIV and AIDS, increased epidemiological testing, condom distribution, and establishment of a special care facility to better allocate treatment resources. Each alternative has advantages and disadvantages that the Department and State Legislature should consider. Footnotes, tables, and appended Department responses and cost estimates for mandatory testing