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Custody Division Manual / Volume 3 - Administrative Policy and Procedures

3-06/080.00 Security of Medication


3-06/070.00 Security of Housekeeping Equipment and Supplies
3-06/090.00 Security of Tools

Correctional Health Services (CHS), in conjunction with each facility commander, will maintain written plans and procedures for the secure storage, controlled administration, and disposal of all legally obtained drugs, in accordance with California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 15, section 1216, "Pharmaceutical Management." The plans and procedures shall include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • Appropriate space and accessories for the dispensing of medications
  • Securely lockable cabinets, closets, and refrigeration units
  • Procedures for the positive identification of the recipient of the prescribed medication
  • Procedures for administration/delivery of prescribed medicines to inmates
  • Procedures for confirming that the recipient has ingested the medication, or accounting for medication under self-administration procedures outlined in CCR, Title 15, section 1216(d), "Pharmaceutical Management"
  • Procedures for documenting whether the prescribed medications have or have not been administered, by whom, and if not, for what reason
  • Prohibiting the delivery of drugs by inmates
  • Limitations on the length of time medication may be administered without further medical evaluation
  • Limitations on the length of time required for a physician's signature to accompany verbal orders
  • A written report shall be prepared by a pharmacist, no less than annually, on the status of pharmacy services in the institution. The pharmacist shall provide the report to the health authority and the unit commander

Self-Medication Procedures

The Self-Medication Program allows inmates to carry a limited supply of approved medications dispensed by CHS personnel in compliance with applicable pharmacy laws. Per CCR, Title 15, section 1216(d), medications for treatment of tuberculosis, psychotropic, narcotic medications and other mind-altering drugs do not qualify for self-medication by the inmates.

Refills for maintenance medications are provided on a routine basis. CHS personnel monitors inmate patients for compliance with the Self-Medication Program. If an inmate abuses the program or declines to participate in the program any longer, self-medications shall be confiscated and CHS personnel shall start administering each dose individually.

Inmates will be responsible for taking medications as prescribed, regardless of lockdowns or other security situations in the jail facility such as, family visits, attorney meetings, religious services, educational programs, court appearances or other inmate programs.

Self-medication shall be maintained in its original packaging with the prescription label including the inmate’s name affixed to it. Medication that is expired, altered, mislabeled or transferred to a different container may be confiscated and returned to CHS.