New job in Pre-Release Center and new to corrections.

katchmoleen · May 19, 2006

I have started my second week as a part time RN in a transitional facility (half-way house, I guess some call it). There was no nurse here ever before and so I am building my own program from the ground up. I am enjoying it so far but am needing some information.

1) Where can I find HIPAA regulations as they pertain especially to the corrections setting? Our residents sign a blanket release form when they come here, but for some reason everyone thinks they can not have anything to do with who the residents go see and what gets prescribed, etc. So we have tons of residents on controlled substances just because a doc, who may or may not even know the kid is in pre-release, ordered them. I have told my co-workers that the blanket release form covers them, but they want more assurance. I want to start calling docs about what they are putting my residents on but my boss is reluctant to let me do so. Any help is appreciated.

2) Our residents self administer their drugs, so we get around having to have nurses or med techs on staff. (I only work 15 hours a week). The drugs, including the controlled substances, are kept in unlocked drawers in a room to which many have access. This seems beyond stupid. I was told that if they are not in a "health care delivery system" (like a prison or hospital) the narcs don't have to be locked up. I am having trouble finding regs about that too.

3) As far as I can find, there is no book on Standards of Care for half-way houses. Would I find the jail or prison books helpful? My residents still are prisoners, are they not? Just in a different type of facility?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Kathleen in MT