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BREAKING OUT OF TRADITION: INMATE SELF-MEDICATION

NCJ Number
141504
Journal
Large Jail Network Bulletin Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (January 1992) Pages: 2-3
Author(s)
J H Clark; B Mackey
Date Published
1992
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Over the 12 months between October 1990 and September 1991, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Medical Services Unit has clearly demonstrated that a well- structured inmate self-medication program can be an effective means to manage patients in a high-volume, high- turnover urban jail.
Abstract
As a result, in November 1991, the California Board of Corrections approved the self-medication program as an alternative means of complying with State law regarding the administration and documentation of medications. The program was designed to reduce the paperwork required of nursing staff while maintaining appropriate documentation and avoiding increased problems with contraband. For such a program to succeed, it is essential that medical and nursing leadership accept the position that the medical problems and patients treated in jails are similar to those in the free community and that compliance can therefore be expected. In addition, custody command staff must support the program, and the finding that medications approved for the self- medication program are no longer desirable in the contraband market makes this support likely. Other important components of a successful program are a clearly stated policy, specific criteria for participation in the program, an approved list of drug categories, a standardized system for packaging and labeling, instruction of patients, a monthly report summarizing program activity, and ongoing briefing of custody personnel.