RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

1.19.1 Policy 

It is the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center that all detainees shall have access to adequate, timely, and appropriate medical, dental, and mental health services to ensure their physical and emotional well-being while in custody.

The Randolph County Detention Center currently contracts with Southern Health Partners, Inc. to provide comprehensive medical services to detainees. All medical care shall be rendered in accordance with established medical protocols, professional standards, and applicable state and federal law.

The Detention Center shall ensure that no detainee is denied, delayed, or obstructed from receiving medically necessary care.

1.19.2 PROCEDURE

1.19.2.1 Medical Request Process

1. Detainees requesting medical services shall submit a Detainee Request Form or Medical Request/Charge Sheet, clearly identifying the nature of the complaint or service requested.

2. Requests shall be routed to medical staff for review and triage in a timely manner.

3. Non-emergency requests shall be evaluated and scheduled according to medical priority.

1.19.2.2 Intake Medical Screening

1. Upon admission, each detainee shall receive a medical screening assessment conducted by a trained booking officer or designated medical personnel.

2. The screening shall include, at a minimum:

2. • Current medical conditions

2. • Medication history

2. • Mental health indicators

2. • Substance use concerns

2. • Immediate medical needs or visible injuries

3. Any identified urgent concerns shall be immediately referred to medical staff.

1.19.2.3 Medical Emergencies

1. In the event of a medical emergency, or suspected medical emergency, the Shift Supervisor shall be notified immediately.

2. The Shift Supervisor shall:

2. • Ensure prompt medical response is initiated

2. • Contact on-site medical personnel or emergency services as appropriate

2. • Maintain facility security during medical response

3. Emergency medical care shall not be delayed for administrative approval.

1.19.2.4 Routine Medical Care

1. Except in emergency situations, all detainees requesting medical care shall be evaluated by the facility nurse or designated medical provider.

2. The medical provider shall determine:

2. • Whether treatment can be provided on-site

2. • Whether referral to a physician or outside provider is necessary

3. All referrals shall be made based on professional medical judgment.

1.19.2.5 Medical Appointments

1. All medical appointments, whether inside or outside the facility, shall be documented by detention staff.

2. Outside medical appointments shall be treated as confidential security movements.

3. Disclosure of appointment dates, times, or locations shall be restricted and only released with approval from the Administrator or designee.

1.19.2.6 Medication Administration

1. Prescription medications shall only be administered under protocols established by Southern Health Partners, Inc.

2. Medications shall be:

2. • Dispensed by authorized medical personnel only

2. • Administered according to physician orders

2. • Properly documented at the time of distribution

3. Under no circumstances shall detainees:

3. • Possess another detainee’s medication

3. • Administer medication to other detainees

4. All medication distribution shall be logged and subject to audit.

1.19.2.7 Health and Physical Examinations

1. All detainees shall undergo a Health and Physical examination following intake processing.

2. Additional examinations may be required based on medical necessity or provider recommendation.

1.19.2.8 Mental Health Services

1. Detainees requesting or exhibiting need for mental health services shall be referred to medical staff.

2. Medical staff shall coordinate evaluation with qualified mental health professionals as needed.

3. Mental health services shall be provided in a confidential and professional manner consistent with applicable standards of care.

1.19.2.9 Confidentiality of Medical Services

1. Medical examinations, consultations, and mental health evaluations are confidential.

2. Detention staff shall not:

2. • Listen to conversations between medical staff and detainees

2. • Be present during examinations unless requested by medical personnel or required for security reasons approved by the Administrator

3. Any staff presence during evaluations shall be limited to what is strictly necessary for safety and security.

1.19.2.10 Medical Records

1. All medical records shall be maintained by authorized medical personnel.

2. Medical records shall be:

2. • Stored separately from custody and detention files

2. • Protected in accordance with confidentiality requirements

3. Access shall be limited to:

3. • Authorized medical personnel

3. • The Administrator or designee, when necessary for official duties

1.19.2.11 Staff Responsibilities

1. All detention center staff shall ensure that detainees have reasonable access to medical care.

2. Staff shall not:

2. • Delay medical requests

2. • Dismiss or ignore medical complaints

2. • Interfere with medical treatment or recommendations

3. Staff shall immediately report any urgent medical concerns to supervisory personnel.