I know it’s being debated now legally but all inmates with communicable diseases should be segregated from all who do not have them so not only can they not spread them but so the staff would be able to take extra precautions where needed.

I think honestly that testing for ALL communicable diseases should be mandatory at the time of physical assessment for ALL inmates. The NCCHC guidelines state that a facility has 14 days in which to do a history and physical on all inmates detainedat a facility. It has been my experience that many inmates are poor historians and don’t know their health status. While HIPPA says health information can only be shared on a need to know basis, all correction personnel need to treat all inmates as though they have a communicable disease, by doing so they protect themselves from unnecessary contact with inmates that may have a communicable illness.

We have discussed this several times because of incidents with inmates and staff. One officer was bitten on his arm so bad that they had to stitch it shut. He made a supplemental injury report, exposure report to body fluids and incident report. Even though the HIPPA act comes into play if you have a documented exposure such as he did the facility gave him counseling, free testing and mandatory testing of the prisoner. I think the most important aspect of being exposed to bodily fluids or needle sticks or for that matter any physical injury on the job you should always make sure your supervisor makes out a compensation report and you should make an exposure report which details what kind of possible body fluids or injury you had and after that leave the facility and go to the hospital for your protection. Its always better to be safe than sorry.

No brainer. I also think that Staff should be made aware of which Inmate is HIV positive as well as Hep. I understand that the HIPPA laws do not allow this but, if Correctional staff were permitted to sign a waiver of confidence, I think it would not only boost morale but also give employees the sense that they are being better informed and protected. I always told my Officers to always wear gloves and to always act as though the Inmate was highly infected with all forms of diseases.

Definitely

Well Hell Yeah!! Nursing Dept has this info, but we I treat every one in the prison as if they have it all. And i will end this like I do all my comments,, Damn those Bleeding Heart Liberal’s !!!!!!

Yes it should.
But it violates the inmates right to privacy. Not good for us at all.
This info IMHO should be disclosed.

Yep. No opt-out should be allowed. Plus it would show they are bringing something in.

yes, to control the spread of communicable diseases, the initial blood screening tests of prisoners and prison staff must be made mandatory under the Prisons Law.

YES!!!

without a doubt…

Absolutely…

Should HIV testing be mandatory at intake, or should inmates have an “opt-out” option