§ 17-26-304 — Screening in jails

(1) A local jail shall use an adequate
screening tool to complete a health screening of each individual upon arrival at the
facility by health-trained or qualified health-care personnel as part of the admission
procedures. If a local jail is unable to perform a health screening on an individual
due to intoxication or another reason that makes the person temporarily
incapacitated, the jail shall document the reason for the delay in the health
screening and shall complete the health screening no later than twenty-four hours
after an individual's arrival at the facility. A local jail is not required to complete a
health screening if prohibited by a court order. The screening includes at least the
following:

(a) Inquiry into:

(I) Current and past illnesses, health conditions, or special health
requirements;

(II) History of suicidal ideation or self-injurious behavior attempts; past or
current serious mental illness, including hospitalizations; and history of special
education;

(III) All legal and illegal drug use, including any current withdrawal
symptoms;

(IV) Current or recent pregnancy;

(V) Serious neurocognitive issues such as past traumatic brain injuries or
dementia; and

(VI) Present or past prescribed medications; and

(b) Observation of:

(I) General appearance and behavior, including state of consciousness,
mental status, appearance, and conduct;

(II) Physical condition, including ease of movement;

(III) Evidence of abuse or trauma and the condition of the individual's skin,
including bruises and lesions; and

(IV) Behavior, tremors, and sweating.

(2) An individual must not be placed in restrictive housing until the health
screening required by subsection (1) of this section is complete and has been
documented.

(3) If local jail personnel who are health-trained perform the screening, the
personnel shall call a medical or mental health professional if indications of a
positive screen are identified during the screening.

Legislative History

Source: L. 2021: Entire part added, (HB 21-1211), ch. 322, p. 1980, � 1, effective July 1, 2023.