AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) in Prisons and Jails Issues and Options

• NCJ Number: 100221
• Author(s): T M Hammett
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 8 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: National Institute of Justice Research in Brief, February 1986

Annotation

To examine the incidence of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in correctional institutions and major policy issues and options, a questionnaire survey was mailed to all 50 State correctional departments, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and 33 large city and county jail systems.

Abstract

Responses indicate that, since 1981, there has been a cumulative total of 455 confirmed cases in 25 State and Federal prison systems and 311 AIDS cases in 20 large jail systems. Distribution of cases across correctional systems and geographical areas was highly skewed. The majority of cases were believed to be associated with pre-incarceration intravenous drug use. Major policy areas involved in the correctional response to AIDS have included staff and inmate training; HTLV-III testing (four State systems plan mass inmate screening programs); and medical, legal, and corrections management. In addition to the need for providing prompt diagnosis, surveillance, followup, and counseling and support services for AIDS-infected inmates, institutions are facing complex management policy issues. These include (1) decisions about where to house and treat infected inmates, what precautionary and prevention measures to take, how to maintain confidentiality of medical information, and how to cover costs of medical care, and (2) legal concerns associated with equal protection, quality of care, and protection of others from AIDS. 8 footnotes.