Sec. 12.14.03.03. Standards — Inmate Safety

The managing official of a correctional facility is responsible for the following:

A. A written policy and procedure ensuring that a facility meets all fire safety regulations as verified by an annual inspection by authorized representatives of the State Fire Marshal;

B. A written policy and procedure requiring facility personnel with documented training in fire safety practices to perform monthly internal inspections to monitor compliance with fire safety and prevention regulations;

C. Written disaster plans for fires, chemical spills, civil defense, natural disasters, power outage, and other circumstances which include provisions for:

(1) Documented coordination with appropriate responding agencies and organizations;

(2) Specific description of staff duties and responsibilities;

(3) Full, partial and medical evacuation addressing:

(a) The handling of injured persons;

(b) Security considerations;

(c) Instructions for responding emergency personnel and vehicles; and

(d) Movement of affected persons to safe areas;

(4) The placement and housing of inmates within the facility and at alternate sites when the facility or portions of it are rendered uninhabitable;

(5) Quarterly fire drills on each shift to include inmates, unless their inclusion compromises security;

(6) A written evacuation plan that conforms to federal, State, and local fire safety codes; and

(7) An annual review that includes:

(a) Building interior diagram or floor plan;

(b) Marked exits;

(c) Directional symbols; and

(d) Locations of posted evacuation diagrams;

D. A written policy and procedure ensuring that all personnel are informed of the disaster plans;

E. A written policy and procedure ensuring 24-hour emergency medical services including provisions for:

(1) Access to health care facilities and qualified health care personnel;

(2) Designation of first aid kit content and location, approved by qualified health care personnel, and monthly inventories to determine supply; and

(3) A person with current certification in basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) available to inmate living and activity areas on each shift;

F. A written policy and procedure specifying the method for requesting weekly access to sick call and the provisions for prompt staff referral of special medical problems to appropriate health care professionals, which is communicated to personnel having direct contact with inmates;

G. A written policy and procedure which provides that medical screening of an inmate is conducted by health-trained or qualified health care personnel within 24 hours of admission to an initial reception facility;

H. A written policy and procedure for the dispensing of prescribed medication which includes provisions for:

(1) Prescription initiation by authorized persons;

(2) Designation of the method for the filling of prescription orders; and

(3) Specification of the system of packaging and labelling of prescription medication;

I. A written policy and procedure for the administration of prescription and over-the-counter medication which includes provisions for:

(1) Standing orders or protocol approved by the physician in charge;

(2) Instruction of nonmedical personnel on the proper method of administration by qualified health care personnel;

(3) A record of the administration and refusal of medications; and

(4) Designation of circumstances for inmate self-administration;

J. A written policy and procedure governing the availability, control, storage, and management of prescription, stock, and over-the-counter medication which includes provisions for:

(1) Secure storage of facility medication;

(2) Specification of individuals having access;

(3) Recorded disposal of unused and expired medications;

(4) A weekly inventory of controlled substances;

(5) Handling of personal medication of a newly admitted inmate; and

(6) Handling of personal and facility-prescribed medication for an inmate transferred or released;

K. A written policy and procedure governing the availability, control, storage, and use of needles, syringes, and instruments which includes provisions for:

(1) Secure storage outside inmate living and activity areas;

(2) Specification of individuals having access and use;

(3) Quarterly inspection to determine condition;

(4) Weekly inventory to determine accountability;

(5) Disposal of needles and syringes according to established regulations;

(6) Maintenance of a record of use of needles and syringes; and

(7) A current master listing of medical and dental instruments;

L. A written policy prohibiting the use of an inmate for medical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic experiments, that does not preclude the individual treatment of an inmate based on need for a specific medical procedure which is not generally available;

M. A written policy and procedure ensuring that health care personnel who provide services to inmates have current credentials, certifications, or licenses according to State requirements;

N. A written policy specifying that matters of medical, psychiatric, and dental judgment are:

(1) The province of qualified health care personnel; and

(2) Not subject to interference by facility personnel unless necessary to maintain order and security;

O. A written policy and procedure requiring a physical examination of an inmate by qualified health care personnel within 14 days of admission at the initial reception facility;

P. A written policy and procedure ensuring that inmate medical records are screened by qualified health care personnel before or within 7 days after release to determine if a medical condition exists which would require referral to community medical resources;

Q. A written policy and procedure ensuring that the facility meets workplace safety and health standards, and ensuring the remediation of deficiencies identified by inspections conducted periodically by the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MOSHA);

R. A written policy and procedure governing the identification, housing, treatment, supervision, and referral of mentally ill and retarded inmates according to established guidelines to include due process guarantees;

S. A written policy and procedure governing the notification of next of kin in cases of serious illness, serious injury, or death.