The following information is found in the custodial death report (CDR) for Texas Surratt, who had been detained in Nueces County Jail and was in the jail’s custody when he died on July 24, 2023. The notes begin with the date of Mr. Surratt’s death. At approximately 10:26 AM a signal 35U (medical emergency) was called in the Intake Area. Officers were attempting to move Texas Surratt from a holding cell when they observed he was pale, his skin was cold to touch, and he was not following verbal commands. Officers called for the licensed vocational nurse (LVN) to examine Mr. Surratt. Upon entering the cell, Nurse Japheth Fernandez attempted to obtain a temperature on Mr. Surratt and received a “LO” reading. Nurse Fernandez asked for a wheelchair in order to move Mr. Surratt to the Intake Medical Station.

Rule §273.4-Health Records.

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards specifies the type of medical care that detainees shall receive when they are incarcerated. The minimum jail standards begin with a requirement that a separate health record will be maintained for each inmate. The record shall include a health screening procedure administered by health personnel or by a trained booking officer upon the admission of the detainee to the facility and shall cover, but shall not be limited to, the following items:

(1) health history;

  (2) current illnesses (prescriptions, special diets, and therapy);

  (3) known pregnancy;

  (4) current medical, mental, and dental care and treatment;

  (5) behavioral observation, including state of consciousness and mental status;

  (6) inventory of body deformities, ease of movement, markings, condition of body orifices, and presence of lice and vermin.

(b) Separate health records shall reflect all subsequent findings, diagnoses, treatment, disposition, special housing assignments, medical isolation, distribution of medications, and the name of any institution to which the inmate’s health record has been released.

(c) The Texas Uniform Health Status Update form, in the format prescribed by the Commission, shall be completed and forwarded to the receiving criminal justice entity at the time an inmate is transferred or released from custody.

(d) Each facility shall report to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) the release of an inmate who is receiving treatment for tuberculosis in accordance with DSHS Guidelines.

See Part 1 and Part 2 of this continuing series.

Helping Texas jail detainees and their families with resources is one of the purposes of this website. There is no intention of suggesting that people or organizations have been involved in misdeeds.

–Guest Contributor