Memo Reminds TX Jails Re Transfer of Inmates Needing Specialized Care
All Texas sheriffs and jail administrators received a Technical Assistance Memorandum from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) dated April 24, 2024. It doesn’t appear that any changes were made on the topic, which is the transfer of inmates to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and other jails.
The memo reminds municipal and county jail facilities that they have a duty and responsibility to take specific actions on behalf of inmates with serious medical or mental impairments. They are to notify and coordinate the inmates’ care with receiving facilities.
The Texas Uniform Health Status Update form must be completed and forwarded to receiving criminal justice agencies at the time a detainee is transferred or released from their custody. Also, these instructions apply to inmates being transferred to TDCJ: Sending facilities must contact TDCJ’s Office of Health Services Liason prior to transfer (the number is provided). The liaison should be contacted to coordinate the intake of inmates with specific conditions, which are listed.
Below are examples of the conditions TDCJ wants to be notified about when an inmate is being transferred to their facilities. To meet some of the specific conditions presented, familiarity with the inmates’ needs and their current status is necessary:
- Cardiac –Inmate has had a heart attack or stroke recently (within 30 days) or residual problems;
- Seizure disorder – Medications are not helping, may require an infirmary bed placement;
- High blood pressure – ONLY if uncontrolled with treatment;
- Need for supplemental oxygen (even occasionally);
- Active infectious diseases (chicken pox, end-stage HIV/AIDS, mumps, shingles, tuberculosis); and
- Unable to perform any or all activities of daily living (i.e. bathing, dressing, feeding, remembering to take medications, etc.).
A Texas Inmate Dies After He is Denied Insulin
Tending with care to detainees with special needs in Texas jails is important, as reflected in the instructions for transferring inmates with special needs. When a reasonable level of care is denied, the result is often death.
In 2022, a 27-year-old male was booked into a county jail in Texas, and the jail was provided with the insulin he needed at the time of intake. Tragically, although the medications were properly checked in for distribution, he was never administered the insulin. On his sixth day in the jail, he was discovered unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased minutes later. After an autopsy was conducted, it was verified that the man died from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
To prevent death from diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition, the steps are simple. Among other things such as checking blood sugar often, taking the medicines prescribed even if you feel fine will prevent death from DKA.
Have you Lost a Loved One Due to Jail Neglect?
Texas jailers can be held accountable if they deny inmates certain rights, such as needed medical care in an emergency. Help is available for former detainees who suffered severe injuries while incarcerated and families of detainees who died from jail neglect. Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone for a free case evaluation. We have years of experience defending inmates’ rights.
You can reach us 24/7 by calling, texting, or filling out our online form.
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