103 Mass. Reg. 505.23

Current through Register 1523, June 7, 2024
Section 505.23 - Medical Treatment
(1) Qualified Healthcare Professionals shall examine any inmate involved in a use of force as soon as possible and, if feasible, outside the presence of any correctional officer involved in the use of force. Where the inmate has sustained an injury, such examination shall include, photographs of such injury. This examination, treatment performed, or refusal shall be communicated directly to a Qualified Healthcare Professional and shall be documented in an inmate's medical file as well as in an incident report. Medical examinations that take place more than 30 minutes from the time force was last utilized will require an explanation in the Shift Commander's and Superintendent's Cover Letters to determine if such a delay was reasonable.
(2) In the case of a use of force involving an inmate who is on Therapeutic Supervision, or who is in a specialized unit for inmates with mental health needs, such as the Secure Treatment Program or Behavioral Management Unit, a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) shall examine the inmate as soon as practicable.
(3) Any employee injured during a use of force shall be examined as soon as possible by a Qualified Healthcare Professional. Such care, treatment or refusal shall be made directly to a Qualified Healthcare Professional and shall be documented in an incident report by the Qualified Healthcare Professional. These reports shall be marked as confidential and may only be disseminated in accordance with state or federal laws.

103 CMR 505.23

Adopted by Mass Register Issue 1486, eff. 1/6/2023.