Preparation for Visits to Correctional Facilities

Prior to visiting a jail/correctional facility, the following steps are essential to ensure a successful visit:

1.  Identify a key contact within the facility (i.e., medical, infection control nurse, health service administrator).

Correctional facility
Contact name(s)
Telephone Number

2.  Try to work with the same person in medical each time you plan to visit the correctional facility.

3.  Speak directly with your contact person prior to visiting the facility. Arrange a convenient time for visiting the facility.

4.  Verify the Facility’s Visitor Policy prior to entering the facility (i.e., no weapons, appropriate educational material, etc.)

5.  Discuss the date and time you will be there and the purpose of your visit, (e.g., speak with an inmate, interview an inmate, obtain signature for copies of medical records, obtain copies of medical records, Facility Risk Assessment, etc.). Note: You should bring a copy of your local release form if you want to have the inmate sign for his/her medical records for ongoing continuity of care.

6.  Ask the medical personnel to notify the front desk (Master Control) that you are coming and when (approximately) you will be there.

7.  Bring Government-issued picture identification (Driver’s License, etc.) and state/local health department identification with you to the facility. Many correctional facilities will give you a visitor’s badge in place of or in addition to your ID.
Note: It is recommended that you keep your health department ID visible, if possible, when speaking with the inmate.

8.  Go in through the front door and sign in at Master Control, unless instructed otherwise.

9.  Do not bring cell phones, weapons (mace, nail clippers, hair picks, etc.) into the facility. Leave your purse, handbag, etc. in your car and bring only those items needed for the visit.

10.  Bring with you any educational information for the inmate, staff, etc., but be sure it is cleared by the security staff.

11.  Be prepared to be escorted into the facility and into the area to speak with the inmate or medical personnel. Ask questions so that you know, and are comfortable with, the setting where the meeting will take place.

12.  Never promise the inmate you will bring them anything that is not cleared through the facility’s correctional staff first (i.e., educational material, card for the health department, personal items, etc.). Security is very strict regarding this, unless previous approval from a supervisor or administrator is obtained.

13.  Document carefully any education given to the inmate and exactly what was discussed. Use a progress note or form that can become part of the medical record. Make a copy for the local health department file and provide one for the correctional facility file.

14.  An officer/staff member may or may not be present when you’re speaking with the inmate.

15.  It is important to review and obtain copies of the inmate’s medical records & lab testing regarding his/her medical conditions for the health department file.

Upon leaving the facility, sign out at the front desk (Master Control) and return the visitor’s badge (as applicable). If your health department ID or driver’s license was held at the desk, be sure to obtain it upon leaving.

Remember: You are a visitor in their facility. Follow their rules – they are more concerned for your safety.

southeastern national tuberculosis center (sntc) u http://sntc.medicine.ufl.edu u 888-265-7682 u