Medical Treatment — Ask the Inmate
Incarcerated people have a constitutional right to adequate medical care under the Eighth Amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. In practice, the quality of medical care varies significantly across facilities and the gap between what the law requires and what inmates actually receive can be substantial. This section covers how medical care works inside federal and state facilities, how to request medical attention, what to do when medical needs are ignored or inadequately addressed, how to get medications approved and delivered to an incarcerated loved one, and what legal options exist when medical care falls below constitutional standards. The questions answered here come from families who are watching a loved one's health deteriorate inside and from inmates trying to navigate a system that does not always prioritize their well-being. Advocacy from the outside matters and this section explains how to exercise it effectively. See also our sections on Prison Discipline and Emergencies and Natural Disasters.
This sounds like a logistical nightmare ahead, knowing the bureaucratic layers you're going to have to go through. Whether it's federal or state, you're going to have to start with the Unit Secretary and begin the hunt for who are the decision-makers for releasing all of the medical records. The commissary list should be easier to access since all systems have inventory software and details of every transaction made at the facility, the unit secretary would be able to guide
Read moreLosing a 34-year-old with no cardiac history to a sudden death in custody is something any family has the right to question and investigate. Here is what the family can do. Request the official autopsy report. The medical examiner's report is the starting point for any independent investigation. The family has the right to request a copy of the official autopsy and all associated medical records. Make this request in writing to both the facility and the medical examiner's
Read moreThe jails and prisons test all incoming inmates for HIV. Once diagnosed, they are placed on a treatment plan and are monitored during their incarceration.
Read morenot sure, this is a new one on me. it would be best to contact the facility nurse
Read moreJails do not offer access to methadone and buprenorphine, instead, they require inmates to go through forced withdrawal. Although rare, there are jails and prisons around the country that offer methadone and buprenorphine. The state of Rhode Island has offered both medications to inmates since 2016. For inmates that have opioid use disorder (OUD) there is evidence that suggests that methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) during incarceration can reduce inmates’ risks of overdose and other short-term adverse outcomes after release, but few jails and prisons offer it. Prisoners who received
Read moreWho "told him this"? For instance, having a pacemaker would not prohibit you from going to federal prison, because they have medical facilities, but we are not sure about SRCCC, but we would doubt that he doesn't have to go in. If it is possible, this would depend on the severity of the crime, the possible danger to the community, and the length of the sentence.
Read moreThe worse thing you can do is get sick in prison. Things don't happen at the speed they do on the outside. You can call the facility and inquire. We recommend using your most humble and polite version of yourself when you do. Making a bad impression by demanding things for your inmate will cause him more harm than good.
Read moreYes, All of the ASPC facilities provide adequate dental care for all inmates. This is basic dental work, nothing that requires a specialist. For instance, in federal, the dentist would pull a bad tooth before trying to save it with a filling. I'm sure that is not the norm but this is what i witnessed.
Read moreYes, they do in most facilities. The screening of the inmate during intake gives the staff an idea of who needs it and who doesn't. The ones that do, are designated to facilities with the programs they need.
Read moreYou must call the facility and start with the unit team secretary. If that goes nowhere, ask for the counselor or the case manager. They will definitely help you get peace of mind.
Read more