The following continues with the rules involving health care for inmates being held in restraints as established by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS):

§273.6(6)(B)- This rule is an exception to §273.6(6), which states that restraints must not be used on a county jail inmate who has a confirmed pregnancy or who gave birth in the preceding 12 weeks, for the duration of a pregnancy, and for a period of no fewer than 12 weeks after the inmate gave birth. The exception is:

If a health care professional who is responsible for the safety and health of the inmate determines that using restraints is appropriate for the safety and health of the inmate and, if applicable, the inmate’s unborn child, restraints can be used.

§273.6(10)- The restraints on an inmate must be removed at the earliest moment possible when the inmate no longer exhibits the behavior that necessitated restraint. Under no circumstances shall an inmate remain in restraints longer than 24 hours.

Noncompliance indicated on jail inspection reports provides insights into possible medical neglect. In the next segment, learn about several instances in which Texas county jails failed to provide the health protection required for inmates in restraints.

Learn more in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, and this continuing series.

Providing helpful resources for Texas inmates is the purpose of this and all posts on this website. There is no intention on this site of implicating individuals or organizations in acts of wrongdoing.

–Guest Contributor