NCCHC Standards and Hepatitis - National Commission on Correctional Health Care
Capture 2 e1627487536367Jul 28, 2021

NCCHC Standards and Hepatitis



For World Hepatitis Day, July 28, a reminder of what the standards have to say about hepatitis.

Q: Our state performs hepatitis testing on admission into our prison system. We are finding that approximately 30% of our inmates are positive. Subsequently, our physicians have been ordering tests and treatment for these patients. Do the standards discuss hepatitis screening on admission?

A: In standard P-B-03 Clinical Preventive Services, compliance indicator #4 requires that the responsible physician determine the medical necessity and/or timing of screening for communicable diseases, to include laboratory confirmation, treatment, and follow-up as clinically indicated. The responsible physician also makes the decision as to which diseases to test for on admission.

Also note that standard F-06 Response to Sexual Abuse requires that prophylactic treatment and follow-up care for sexually transmitted infections or other communicable diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B) be offered to all victims of sexual abuse as appropriate.

The standards mention hepatitis in a few other areas, as well. Standard A-04 suggests that infectious disease monitoring (e.g., hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis) be included in monthly statistical reporting; B-01 recommends that hepatitis A, B, and C be included in educational programming; and E-05 recommends further questioning regarding history of hepatitis and other health problems as a follow-up to the mental health screening.

This information, first published in the Fall 2018 issue of CorrectCare magazine, reflects the most current edition of the NCCHC Standards for Health Services.

Related News

From the Field: The Opioid Crisis and Evolving Challenges in Jails and Prisons

Substances referred to in the community as “Tranq” and “Frankenstein” have increased the potency
CCHP logo

Digital Badges: A New Way to Share CCHP Pride

The CCHP program has launched a new digital “badge” option for all CCHPs.
National Addiction Pro Day 680x510

Recognizing Addiction Professionals Making a Difference in Corrections on National Addiction Professionals Day

NCCHC salutes correctional health care addiction professionals on September 20, National Addiction Professionals Day,