77 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 9, § 002

Current through September 17, 2024

Section 77-9-002 - Health Services

The facility has written policies and procedures, approved by the facility medical authority governing all aspects of health services and shall include, at a minimum, the following general provisions:

002.01 Health Authority

The facility has a designated health authority with responsibility for health care pursuant to a written agreement, contract, policies or job description. The health authority may be a physician, health administrator, health agency or the medical director of the parent agency.

002.02 Health Authority Staffing

If the facility provides medical treatment on-site, personnel who provide health care services to inmates are qualified. Duties and responsibilities of such personnel are governed by written job descriptions approved by the health authority. Verified credentials and job descriptions are on file at the facility. Appropriate state and federal licensure, certification or registration requirements and restrictions apply.

002.03 Medical Orders

If the facility provides medical treatment on-site by a nurse, such treatment is performed pursuant to written standing or direct orders by personnel authorized by law to give such orders.

002.04 Observation of Inmates

The facility administrator shall make provisions for the collection and review of inmate medical requests and to insure that these are transmitted to the medical authority. If there are indications of an illness, injury or communicable disease, the facility administrator shall insure that the proper medical attention is provided as soon as possible.

002.05 Records

If medical treatment is provided at the facility, accurate health records for inmates are maintained separately and confidentially. The method of recording entries in the records and the procedures for the maintenance and retention are approved by the health authority.

002.06 Transfers

If health care is provided at the facility for inmates being transferred to other facilities, summaries or copies of the medical history record are forwarded to the receiving facility prior to or at arrival.

002.07 Medication

Policy and procedure direct the possession and use of prescribed medications, supplies and over-the-counter drugs.

002.07A Prescribed medications are administered according to the directions of the prescribing physician.

002.07B If medications are distributed by facility staff, records are maintained and audited monthly that includes the date, time and name of the inmate receiving the medication and the name of the staff distributing it.

002.07C Prescribed drugs administered to the inmate shall be taken in view of the dispensing facility employee to prevent misuse.

002.07D The utmost care shall be used in dispensing non-prescription medication.

002.07E The facility administrator shall establish procedures and provide space for the secure storage and controlled administration of all medicines and drugs.

002.08 First-aid Supplies and Training

First aid kits are available in designated areas of the facility. Contents and locations are approved by the health authority. First aid training and instruction shall be made available to all facility employees.

002.09 Physical Fitness

It is the responsibility of the facility administrator to determine that each inmate is physically fit to perform work duties assigned. Inmates who have received medical attention by a physician or dentist shall not be required to work until approval is given by the attending medical authority or qualified medical employee.

002.10 Suicide Prevention

There is a written suicide prevention and intervention program that is reviewed and approved by a qualified medical or mental health professional. All staff with inmate supervision responsibilities are trained in the implementation of the suicide prevention program.

002.11 Health Education

Health education is provided to inmates, health education includes information on facility medical services, immunizations, personal hygiene, dental hygiene, nutrition, venereal disease, HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and other communicable diseases.

002.12 Extraordinary Events

Authorities having jurisdiction are promptly notified of an inmate's death.

002.12A Procedures specify and govern the actions to be taken and the reports to be completed in the event of the death of an inmate.

002.12B The next of kin shall be notified immediately by the facility administrator in the event of a death or serious illness or injury of an inmate.

002.13 Emergency Treatment

Twenty-four hour emergency medical and mental health care is provided for inmates, which includes arrangements for the following;

002.13A On-site emergency first aid and crisis intervention;

002.13B Emergency transfer of the inmate from the facility;

002.13C Use of an emergency medical vehicle;

002.13D Use of one or more hospital emergency rooms or other appropriate health facilities;

002.13E Security procedures for the immediate transfer of inmates when appropriate.

002.13F to contact the proper judicial authority to request the discharge of the inmate from custody.

002.14 Availability of Medical Authority Data

Each facility administrator shall ensure that the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of medical and dental authorities are readily available to facility employees at all times.

002.15 Personal Physicians

An inmate may make arrangements to retain the services of their own physician or dentist concerning their medical care.

77 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 9, § 002