On June 29, 2023, Mario Rios was booked into Dallas County Jail at 111 W. Commerce St, Dallas TX 75207. It was noted during intake that he exhibited medical problems. Mr. Rios was housed in a multiple occupancy cell. However, at least as of July 22, 2023, he was at the Gill-Hernandez Medical Facility tank NG01. For unknown causes, Mr. Rios died on July 23, 2023, at age 54. His cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy.

Are Detainees in Texas County Jails Provided with Medical Care?

The operational standards for county and municipal jails in Texas are established by the Texas Commission for Jail Standards (TCJS). The minimum jail standards by which jails must operate in Texas include specifics about inmate mental, medical, and dental services. Based on the requirements for a Health Services Plan, Rule §273.2 of the Texas Administrative Code, detainees are provided with the following services and more:

• Sick calls on a regularly scheduled basis
• Medical, mental, and dental services
• Prompt and efficient care of acute and emergency situations
• Long-term, convalescent, and medical care necessary for disabled detainees
• Obstetrical and gynecological care
• Pregnant detainees must receive needed mental and nutritional requirements, special housing, and appropriate work assignments
• Prescriptions must be distributed by an appropriate person designated by the sheriff or jail operator in accordance with the written instructions from a doctor

Learn more in this continuing series.

Assisting Texas jail detainees and their families with helpful resources is one of the purposes of this website. Accusing persons or institutions of involvement in wrongdoing is never intended on this site.

–Guest Contributor