Grand Jury 2017-2018 Preventable Deaths in Orange County Jails

R1

By October 1, 2018, Correctional Health Services should use a urine drug screen test for all inmates at the time of intake to obtain a more accurate assessment of the inmate’s medical condition. (F1, F2)

R2

By June 30, 2019, Correctional Health Services should perform universal Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV tests at the Intake Release Center and make an appropriate decision for treatment, vaccination, and housing. (F1, F4)

R3

By October 1, 2018, Correctional Health Services should require the radiologist to examine the Intake Release Center x-rays for any abnormalities in addition to tuberculosis to improve the inmate’s diagnosis and care. All x-ray test findings, including normal, should be recorded on the inmate’s health record. (F1, F5)

R4

By January 1, 2019, the Intake Release Center health assessment should require the inmate to disrobe for a brief visual medical examination by a nurse practitioner or doctor. (F1)

R9

By October 1, 2018, the results of the intake health assessment should be included in making appropriate housing assignments. (F1, F2, F3, F4)

R1

By October 1, 2018, Correctional Health Services should use a urine drug screen test for all inmates at the time of intake to obtain a more accurate assessment of the inmate’s medical condition. (F1, F2)

R9

By October 1, 2018, the results of the intake health assessment should be included in making appropriate housing assignments. (F1, F2, F3, F4)

R9

By October 1, 2018, the results of the intake health assessment should be included in making appropriate housing assignments. (F1, F2, F3, F4)

R2

By June 30, 2019, Correctional Health Services should perform universal Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV tests at the Intake Release Center and make an appropriate decision for treatment, vaccination, and housing. (F1, F4)

R9

By October 1, 2018, the results of the intake health assessment should be included in making appropriate housing assignments. (F1, F2, F3, F4)

R3

By October 1, 2018, Correctional Health Services should require the radiologist to examine the Intake Release Center x-rays for any abnormalities in addition to tuberculosis to improve the inmate’s diagnosis and care. All x-ray test findings, including normal, should be recorded on the inmate’s health record. (F1, F5)

R5

By January 1, 2019, an improved Intake Release Center health assessment should be used to identify any condition requiring assignment to the Medical Observation Unit. (F1,

R6

By January 1, 2019, the medical intake form should include a summary section and a written plan of action to highlight the health conditions needing attention. (F1, F2, F3,

R7

By October 1, 2018, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department should require all outside law enforcement agencies’ drug and alcohol test results to accompany the arrestee to the Intake Release Center. (F6)

R8

By October 1, 2018, Correctional Health Services should develop a plan to receive the medical records, diagnoses, and treatment plans from hospitals when an inmate returns to the Intake Release Center. (F7)

R11

By January 1, 2019, the Orange County Sheriff’s and Correctional Health Services staff should ensure pink slips are responded to within twenty-four hours. (F8)

R12

By January 1, 2019, a nurse practitioner or physician should be on site for weekends and holidays, even if on a limited schedule, to address inmates’ urgent care needs. (F8)

R10

By January 1, 2019, Correctional Health Services and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department should consider allowing the Medical Observation Unit to dispense intravenous fluids. (F9)

R13

By October 1, 2018, the Orange County District Attorney’s office should require the forensic pathologist’s report to follow the standards of the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) for custodial death autopsies. (F10)

R14

By October 1, 2018, Correctional Health Services should review the autopsy, toxicology, and pathologist’s reports, as soon as they are available, for ways to improve healthcare processes. (F10, F11)

R14

By October 1, 2018, Correctional Health Services should review the autopsy, toxicology, and pathologist’s reports, as soon as they are available, for ways to improve healthcare processes. (F10, F11)

R15

By June 30, 2019, Correctional Health Services should seek accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. (F12) RESPONSES The following excerpts from the California Penal Code provide the requirements for public agencies to respond to the findings and recommendations of this Grand Jury report: §933(c) “No later than 90 days after the grand jury submits a final report on the operations of any public agency subject to its reviewing authority, the governing body of the public agency shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body and every elected county officer or agency head for which the grand jury has responsibility pursuant to Section 914.1 shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court, with an information copy sent to the board of supervisors, on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of that county officer or agency head or any agency or agencies which that officer or agency head supervises or controls. In any city and county, the mayor shall also comment on the findings and recommendations. All of these comments and reports shall forthwith be submitted to the presiding judge of the superior court who impaneled the grand jury. A copy of all responses to grand jury reports shall be placed on file with the clerk of the public agency and the office of the county clerk, or the mayor when applicable, and shall remain on file in those offices. . . . ” §933.05 “(a) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of the following: (1) The respondent agrees with the finding. (2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. (b) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions: (1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. (2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation. (3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the grand jury report. (4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. (c) However, if a finding or recommendation of the Grand Jury addresses budgetary or personnel matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected officer, both the agency or department head and the board of supervisors shall respond if requested by the grand jury, but the response of the board of supervisors shall address only those budgetary or personnel matters over which it has some decision-making authority. The response of the elected agency or department head shall address all aspects of the findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or department.” Comments to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in compliance with Penal Code §933.05 are required from: Responses Required: