Should jails be required to dispense legally prescribed drugs to inmates while in their custody?

Question

I recently had the misfortune of being arrested for being in a fight with a guy who hit his girlfriend. I take several medications prescribed for chronic pain and depression. At the jail I was told I would not be recieving the drugs even though not taking them could cause me to have seizures, (Xanax, diazepam) and opiates (oxycontin and onycodone) that if not taken will cause withdrawl. When I was finally released 20 hours later with no charges being filed I had to go immediatley to the hospital because I had not taken my meds and was incohherent and couldn't walk. Do you think this is right?

The jail told me if the doctor himself came down it would not matter, their policy is not to dispense any drugs. And as far as don't do the crime... I'm sorry, but if any man beats on his woman while I'm around...Let's just say I not going to stand around and watch like a puss.

Yes, my wife brought down all my med bottles with my name on them, they could have called the pharmacy to verify, and as far as paying to stay, I think the woman I saved from a beating might disagree with you.

One last detail, this was the Denver City Jail. call them and ask their policy, I have retained a lawyer, but the cost of fighting this is going to be prohibitive. By the way , the other city jails in the area all DO dispense verified pharmaceuticals. Denver is the only one who doesn't.

Answer 1

If someone is an 'official' inmate, by law, they must be administered the drugs prescribed to them. It sounds like you were just detained for a spell. Get involved with your community government. Maybe you can be a catalyst for change.... On the other hand, don't plan on going back to jail.

Also, should a severe diabetic be driving? Surely this person knew that she could have a seizure at anytime. Where was her concern for other drivers?

Answer 2

They have to dispense prescription drugs to you. Did you have your prescriptions with you or brought to you? They have to be in a bottle labeled with your name, etc. They may even contact your Dr, pharmacist etc. So I guess the question is did you have them in a legitimate bottle from a pharmacist with your name? I'm sure if you did there would not have been a problem. A jail will not give you meds without a script, so you can't expect them just hand over meds to you on just your word.
I'm sorry but I just really have a hard time believing a jail won't dispense meds--it would put them at great risk and liable.

Interesting--I would make sure you get a copy of their policies/guidelines. They are public knowledge. I would then collect the policies of all the other jails etc and compare them.

Answer 3

Jails do, in fact, dispense legally prescribed medications. The only rational explanation for your circumstance would be that there was a question about the validity of the prescription you possessed for those drugs. It's too bad that no one took the time to explain the policy and the issues to you while you were there at the jail.

Answer 4

No, it's not right.

I once knew a diabetic who got pulled over because the cops thought she was drunk. Her blood sugar had dropped drastically, and she was incoherent. Someone else that knew her happened to drive by and stop to check on her. The cops were about to arrest her, and would have if not for the friend that stopped and told them she was a diabetic having an episode, and the friend found her backup snack stash in her car to bring her around. They could have easily had a death on their hands, because she was a really bad diabetic - she was born with the disease.

So I feel you on this one. Having said this, though, you should always carry prescription meds in their original container as proof they are yours and really prescribed.

Answer 5

if there is an inmate that is in a situation like you then yes, absolutely give them meds.
the only thing is, inmates already haev drugs going around, and this would make it easier to get drugs.


But if the medication was in custody of the warden or somone, and once a day they brought you what you needed,
THAT WOULD WORK.


But this is the judicial system we're talking about.


I'm sorry you went through that, the police should have brians, and made sure you were in good shape.

Answer 6

I think offenders while detained should have access to limited Rx. Medications given under Medical Supervision. Yes, If we as U.S. Citizens have to complete the process of an offender that was arrested and sentenced while he was going thru the process of a sex change then we should be more concerned about other detained citizens and their Rx. Medications once verified by attending Physician.

Answer 7

yes. some people need their meds to sur vive and jails are commonl\y known to deprive inmates of their meds. You should have a regular physician to be aware of your situation otherwise it can take days before ypu get your meds its not like you have them in your possession but pain killers and barbituates are not necessarily looked at as lifethreatening to go without for an inmate

Answer 8

I doubt you'll like my answer but here goes...I think you SHOULD get all prescribed meds at YOUR expense. I don't feel like I should have to pay for medical expenses for inmates when i can barely afford insurance for my own family. I also think you should pay for your stay in jail...just like a motel!!

Answer 9

Consider it from their point of view, how sure are they of what you are taking. Too many liability's. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.

Answer 10

No, it was very wrong. You should contact a lawyer about this.