UTMB HANDBOOK OF OPERATING PROCEDURES

Section 9 Clinical Policies Subject 9.9 Security Policy 9.9.2 Security Associated With The TDCJ Hospital

04/01/90 -Originated 03/02/09 -Reviewed w/ changes -Reviewed w/o changes UTMB Health System - Author

Security Associated With The TDCJ Hospital

Definition

For the purpose of this policy, the term ‘offender’ implies those under the care and custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) receiving care in the TDCJ Hospital.

Policy

All UTMB employees must observe the security regulations specified by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice while working in the TDCJ Hospital. These policies are found in the TDCJ Hospital Administration Policy and Procedure Manual located on each unit. Only authorized personnel will have access to the TDCJ Hospital on an as required basis. All UTMB personnel who work in the TDCJ Hospital must pass a security clearance.

Guidelines

The following guidelines shall be observed during the provision of care to the TDCJ patients: Security Awareness Training • security Awareness Training is required for all personnel who work in the TDCJ Hospital and is recommended for personnel who are in contact with offender patients in other UTMB buildings See flowchart at: https://www.utmb.edu/tdcj/pdfs/org_chart/security_awareness_flowchart.pdfannual updates are required of all personnel who work in the TDCJ Hospital • employees who work in the TDCJ Hospital are required to attend a classroom course for their initial training. Other personnel are encouraged to do the same. Contact TDCJ Security at extension 26119 or 26108 to obtain a class schedule • an on-line training module is available for annual updates and for personnel who are in contact with offender patients in other buildings Security Measures – General • employees must present the appropriate UTMB identification to gain access to the corrections hospital. ID badges must be worn and visible at all times

Guidelines (cont’d)

• all employees shall be business-like and professional in their behavior and dress. Employees will use Mr./Ms./Mrs. and their last name when introducing themselves to offender patients • employees visiting and malingering will not be tolerated in the hospital • any occurrences of misconduct by the offender patients must be reported to corrections personnel immediately. This includes any attempt of an offender patient to solicit help not in the official duties of an employee or unusual inquiries about an offender patient • all offender patients will be confined to their rooms. Under no circumstances will they be permitted to leave their rooms unless accompanied by corrections personnel Contact Situations • offenders shall be transferred to and from the TDCJ Hospital with a TDCJ security escort. Escorts may be arranged by calling TDCJ Security. Whenever offenders are being transported away from their unit, hospital personnel must follow instructions of the security officer who accompanies them • physical contact with offender patients by UTMB personnel, both in the TDCJ Hospital and in other areas, shall be supervised by TDCJ personnel as required • employees shall not leave any equipment or supplies not routinely used or medically necessary in the delivery of patient care in the offender’s room without the approval of TDCJ security • any equipment that is left in the patient’s room will be checked for any missing parts (e.g., knobs, wires, etc.) before it is placed in the room, during use, and prior to leaving the room. Any missing items will be reported to TDCJ Hospital Security immediately.

Patient Confidentiality

All non-medical information regarding offender patients is considered highly confidential and is to be released only through the Security or Custody Agency responsible for the offender. Requests for medical information shall be handled through UTMB Health Information Management (HIM).

Patient Confidentiality, continued	Cameras, cell phones, and recording equipment are not allowed in the hospital unless approved by UTMB Hospital Administration and authorized by the Warden or his designee. Materials used in medical photography may be authorized by the shift supervisor. Pictures may be taken only with their written authorization of the offender. Refer to IHOP Policy 9.3.17, Patient Consent-Overview and Basic Requirement, Medically related pictures may be taken without an authorization if the patient cannot be identified.
Visitation	Special visitation of those patients in serious or critical condition, may be approved by the Warden or his designee. A TDCJ security officer will be present during such visits. All patients not in serious critical condition will receive visits in accordance with TDCJ Institutional Division administrative directives. TDCJ Security should be contacted to obtain visitation approval.
Communication To/From the Offender Patient	Idle conversation with offender patients is prohibited. An employee’s personal life shall not be discussed with an offender patient, or in the presence of a patient. Official conversation should be conducted outside the hearing of the offender patient unless their involvement is necessary. Offender patients should not be aware of the time or location of their appointments, admissions or discharges. Any inquiries by an offender patient’s family or friends will be referred to TDCJ Security. The use of the telephone by an offender for any purpose is prohibited. No hospital employee may make phone calls for patients, or relay messages to or from offenders unless authorized by the Warden or designee. Physicians may contact family members for medical purposes only.

Communication To/From the Offender Patient, continued

Disciplinary action will be taken against offenders and employees if phone calls are made by them or for them without authorization. Phone calls for offenders are to be transferred to TDCJ’s Inmate Records Department All TDCJ offender correspondence is to be forwarded to the mail officer at the TDCJ Hospital for dispatch. • hospital employees are not allowed to mail letters for these patients • no packages, mail magazines, or other items may be brought in by visitor or hospital employees • UTMB and TDCJ Security hospital personnel are not allowed personal correspondence with an offender NOTE: Employees must remember that these patients are offenders and that the corrections hospital must be operated with security and quality medical care of equal concern. Health care personnel should recognize that delivery of care must not jeopardize security requirements.

References

Search and Contraband Procedures for All Persons Entering a Correctional Unit