Life as an Offender - Health Services

Health care services, which include medical, dental, mental health care, and the chemical dependency treatment program (see “Substance Abuse Treatment” section), are provided to offenders by on-site health care staff. The Department assures that health care providers and counselors have the necessary licenses or certifications to practice in Washington State. Emphasis is placed on early identification of health concerns, care for acute and chronic health problems, and preventive care. Providers offer medically necessary and quality care in accordance with the Department’s Offender Health Plan.

How does an offender make an appointment with health care staff?

When an offender arrives at a Department institution, an orientation is provided that describes the institution’s particular procedure for requesting to see health care staff. Usually, offenders who want medical or dental care must submit a written request (kite) which will be screened and prioritized. Appointments are scheduled by health care staff. Emergency medical care is provided as necessary.

Can our family physician be used to provide routine medical services?

No, but offenders are encouraged to have medical records forwarded to the institution’s medical unit for review and inclusion in the medical file. Outside services are used as needed through contracted specialists. Medications may not be sent by family or other outside sources.

The Department provides opportunity for offenders to purchase health care services not provided in the Offender Health Plan. DOC's policy on Offender Paid Health Care outlines the process for authorizing an offender’s request for offender paid medical, mental health, and dental care. Services are provided by a provider of the offender’s choice and the Department is not responsible for the outcome of any health care received.

What if the offender needs specialized treatment?

Some Department institutions have chronic care clinics to provide services to patients with diabetes, heart conditions, and other chronic conditions. When it is medically necessary, Department health care staff can refer offenders to community specialists, some of who may come to the specific institution to see patients. Specialty services may include cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, general surgery, oral surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology.

What if the offender needs more than out-patient care?

Several institutions have on-site infirmaries that provide 24-hour observation and care by licensed health care staff. When an offender requires hospitalization, community hospitals are used.

If hospitalized in a community hospital, can we visit or contact the hospital to find out the condition of an offender?

No. All information about the medical status of an offender must be provided through the institutional medical staff. State and federal laws prohibit the release of most medical information without the offender’s written consent; therefore, information provided may be very limited. Hospitals, outside providers, and staff who are assigned to remain with the offender are advised in advance that they cannot provide family with information about the offender and that the offender cannot have visitors. This is to ensure the security of the public, hospital administrators, other patients, and the offender. If the family attempts to visit an offender patient at a hospital, the offender may be moved to another location for continued care. In case of serious or critical illness, staff will notify the offender’s identified emergency contact of the offender’s status.

What if there are questions about treatment or medical conditions?

Family members are often concerned about the medical condition of an offender. You can contact the institution’s Health Care Department when you have questions about medical care or treatment. The Department, like any health care provider, must abide by the statutes governing a patient’s right to confidentiality of health records. If he or she chooses, the offender may sign a release in order to authorize the Department to provide you with information about his or her medical condition and treatment. This release must be renewed every 90 days.

How does a friend or family member get medical information about an offender’s treatment or medical condition?

An offender may choose to share information with a friend or family member regarding his or her medical condition.  If this is not possible, the offender should request a release form, as mentioned in the question above, so the facility staff can speak with the designated friend or family member.

Can special visiting or telephone contact be made to provide reassurance?

In cases of serious illness, special visits may be arranged through institutional staff. Again, it is important that you do not attempt to visit or call an outside hospital or physician without first receiving authorization through the institution.

How are eyeglasses provided?

There are several ways in which an offender may receive corrective eyewear. The Department provides offenders the standard issue frame with prescribed lenses. Institutions have varying procedures for offenders to purchase personal glasses from an outside vendor. Glasses sent in from the outside are subject to examination by medical/custody staff.

What efforts are made to control contagious disease?

Guidelines of the Center for Disease Control and the Washington Department of Health are followed. Offenders are screened for infectious disease upon arrival into the Department, including sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis. If a health threat is posed to the offender or staff, then the offender will be placed in isolation until the potential threat is resolved.

Are mental health services available?

The Department has several options for providing mental health care to those who require treatment. All major institutions can provide temporary or short-term in-patient psychiatric care for crisis management and stabilization. If chronic care is required, it is provided in specialized units. When necessary, professional mental health staff, including psychologists and psychiatrists, meet with offenders and conduct psychological and psychiatric evaluations. Staff may also provide individual and group therapy.

Learn more about mental health services.

Who should be contacted if mental health care services are needed?

If you believe an offender is having emotional difficulties, you should encourage him or her to contact health care staff or you may contact the offender’s Counselor who can assist in arranging an appointment. If you think an offender has an emergency need, for example, he or she is seriously considering suicide, you should contact the institution immediately.

What dental services are available?

All offenders receive a dental examination early in their incarceration. Dental care is prioritized as to urgency and medical necessity. Under certain circumstances, restorative care (such as fillings), oral surgery (such as extractions), dentures, and preventative care are provided. No cosmetic or orthodontic services are provided.

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