As defined by Dorland's Medical Dictionary, prosthesis is an artificial substitute for a missing body part used for functional or cosmetic reasons, or both. These include: arm, leg, eye, tooth, etc. An additional requirement is that the prosthesis be prescribed, or recommended and fitted by a physician.
Inmates shall not be deprived of the possession or use of any orthopedic or prosthetic appliance, auditory aid, or cochlear implant, if the appliance has been prescribed, recommended, and/or fitted by a physician. The "Arrestee Medical Appliance Clearance Record" form (SH-R-423) shall be completed whenever an arrestee possessing a medical appliance (e.g., hearing aids, cochlear implants, orthopedic/prosthetic appliances, wheelchairs, canes, crutches, etc.) is brought into a Los Angeles County jail facility. The watch commander is responsible for submitting the original, completed SH-R-423 to the Health Information Management unit of Correctional Health Services for inclusion in the inmate's medical record.
Orthopedic or prosthetic appliances shall only be removed if the watch commander has probable cause to believe that possession of these appliances constitutes an immediate risk of bodily harm to any person in the facility or threatens the security of the facility.
Removal of an appliance requires the inmate to be examined by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. The inmate shall be examined as soon as possible, but no later than 12 hours of the removal in order to determine any negative impact on the health or safety of the inmate.
If the removal of the inmate's orthopedic or prosthetic appliance prevents the inmate from ambulating or functioning normally, the inmate shall be transferred to IRC/CRDF, with the orthopedic or prosthetic device. Refer to CDM section 5-03/080.00, "Medical Appliances."