CHAPTER Cor 100 ORGANIZATIONAL RULES
REVISION
NOTE #1:
Document #7446, effective 2-6-01, made
extensive changes from the wording, format, and numbering of rules in former Chapter
Cor 100, which had expired 3-20-98.
Document #7446 replaced all prior filings for the sections in Chapter
Cor 100. As organizational rules these
rules in Document #7446 would not expire except pursuant to RSA 541-A:17, II.
The prior filings affecting one or
more sections in the former Chapter Cor 100 included the following documents:
|
#2786,
effective 8-1-84 |
|
#3045(E),
EMERGENCY, effective 7-1-85 |
|
#3132,
effective 10-4-85 |
|
#4474,
effective 8-29-88 |
|
#4795,
EMERGENCY, effective 4-6-90, EXPIRED 8-4-90 |
|
#4911,
effective 8-20-90 |
|
#5243,
EMERGENCY, effective 10-4-91, EXPIRED 2-1-92.
Entire chapter expired except for rules in Documents #4474 and #4911. |
|
#5362,
effective 3-20-92, EXPIRED 3-20-98 Entire chapter expired 3-20-98. |
REVISION NOTE #2:
Documents
#12500, effective 3-23-18, readopted with amendments Chapter Cor 100. These amendments included the insertion of
new definitions Cor 101.15 on “partially nude”, Cor 101.25 on “reentry”, Cor
101.26 on “Residential treatment Unit”, Cor 101.30 on “security threat group”,
and Cor 101.31 on “Special Emergency Response Team.” The definition of “inmate”, formerly in Cor
101.13, was deleted. These changes
necessitated extensive renumbering of the existing definitions within Part Cor
101. The former rule numbers of existing
definitions prior to Document #12500 is indicated in the source notes. Document #12500 replaces all prior filings
affecting rules in Chapter Cor 100.
As
organizational rules the provisions filed under Document #12500 will not expire
except pursuant to RSA 541-A:17, II.
PART Cor 101 DEFINITIONS
Cor 101.01 “Behavioral health treatment team” means the
staff members assigned to monitor and assist persons under departmental control
in their rehabilitation or treatment, and which includes the individual’s case manager
and other professional staff members of the division of medical and forensics
services assigned to the bureau of behavioral health.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.15) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.02 “Case manager” means the individual staff
member assigned to each resident to assist him or her in enrolling in
appropriate rehabilitative or treatment programs and re-entry planning.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.01) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.03 “Chief administrator of the facility” means a
warden, director, or other administrator of a correctional facility, as
designated by the commissioner, where a resident of the department resides.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.02) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.04 “Classification board”
means a panel of staff members who perform classification functions and make
recommendations pursuant to Cor 400.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.03) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.05 “Classification board
chair” means an employee of the department who chairs classification boards and
makes recommendations concerning the classification of persons under
departmental control to the administrator of inmate classification and offender
records pursuant to Cor 400.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #744
6, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.04) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.06 “Commissioner” means the individual in charge of the operations of the department of corrections,
who is directly responsible to the governor.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor 101.05) (See Revision Note #2
at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.07 “Correctional handbook” means the document
furnished to all incarcerated persons under departmental control and which
provides information regarding their stay at the prison, including the
standards of behavior.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.14) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.08 “Custody grades” means the custody and
security classification assigned to incarcerated persons under departmental
control in due consideration of their escape potential and the level of their
threat to both public and institutional safety pursuant to Cor 400.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.06) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.09 “Department” means the department of
corrections.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.07) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.10 “Director” means the director of a division
within the department and the director of medical and forensic services.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.08) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.11 “Disciplinary board” means a panel of one or
more staff members established to hear and review disciplinary violations filed
against persons under departmental control.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.09) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.12 “Disciplinary hearing” means an appearance by
person under departmental control before the disciplinary board to answer
charges filed in a disciplinary violation.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.10) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.13 “Disciplinary violation” means a violation of
standards of behavior.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.11) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.14 “Facilities” means any building, enclosure, space, or structure used for the confinement of
persons committed to the custody of the commissioner, or for any other matter
related to such confinement.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.12) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.15 “Partially nude” means less than completely and opaquely
covered human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or female breast below a point
immediately above the top of the areola.
Source. (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #12500, eff 3-23-18
Cor 101.16 “Patient” means an individual who is committed
to the care of the commissioner pursuant to RSA 622:40-48 and housed in the
secure psychiatric unit.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.16) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.17 “Patient handbook” means a document furnished
to all patients at the secure psychiatric unit and which provides information
about their stay at the unit, including the standards of behavior.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (See Revision Note
#2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.18 “Pending administrative
review” means a status provided for in the classification handbook, which
restricts the movement of an individual pending the outcome of certain actions
or procedures pursuant to Cor 400.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for
Cor 100)
Cor 101.19 “Person under departmental control” means a
person who has been committed to the custody of the commissioner pursuant to a
court order, or is transferred to the custody of the commissioner from a
confinement facility outside the state prison system where the person was
confined pursuant to a court order. The term includes inmates, patients,
probationers, and parolees.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for
Cor 100)
Cor 101.20 “Prison” means a secure facility of the
department designed, organized, and staffed to provide safe secure housing and
rehabilitative opportunities to person under departmental control and other
persons properly transferred to the facility.
This includes the New Hampshire state prison for men, New Hampshire
correctional facility for women, and the northern New Hampshire correctional
facility.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.28) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.21 “Prison grounds” means any and all real
property owned, leased or under the control of the department of corrections
used to house, work, educate or train persons under departmental control,
including, but not limited to:
(a)
Land and buildings of the secure psychiatric unit;
(b)
New Hampshire state prison for men;
(c)
New Hampshire state prison farm and retail store;
(d)
New Hampshire correctional facility for women;
(e)
Northern New Hampshire correctional facility;
(f)
North End transitional housing unit;
(g)
Calumet House transitional housing unit;
(h)
Shea Farm transitional housing unit;
(i) Concord transitional work center; and
(j)
Such other areas as might be bought, leased, or placed under control of
the department and used to house, work, educate, or train persons under
departmental control.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.22 “Protective custody” means a status provided
for in the classification handbook, which separates those persons under
departmental control likely to become victims in prison from other persons
under departmental control pursuant to rules enumerated in Cor 400.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.23 “Punitive segregation” is a status assigned
to a person under departmental control by a disciplinary board as a punishment
for a specific offense.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.24 “Quarantine” means the initial arrival
process during which the newly arrived person under departmental control is
tested, medically evaluated, orientated, and generally prepared for confinement
or treatment in a secure environment.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.25 “Re-entry” means a program
specifically designed to bridge the transition from confinement to free society
and to assist the person under departmental control in making the transition to
become a contributing law abiding citizen.
Source. (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #12500, eff 3-23-18
Cor 101.26 “Residential Treatment Unit" means a housing unit within the
department that is organizationally and operationally separate and clinically
and programmatically managed by the division of medical and forensic services,
and which is designed, organized, and staffed to provide safe, secure
behavioral health treatment to individuals who have functional impairments
interfering with their ability to live in other general prison housing units.
Source. (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #12500, eff 3-23-18
Cor 101.27 “Residents” means persons under departmental
control and patients of the secure psychiatric unit who are housed in
confinement or treatment facilities, and probationers and parolees who are
under supervision in community facilities.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.25) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.28 “School release” means a structured program
where persons under departmental control live in a group setting under
departmental control and attend schools or training facilities in the
community.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.26) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.29 “Secure psychiatric unit” means a secure
forensic facility of the department that is organizationally and operationally
separate and clinically and programmatically autonomous from the state prison
for men, and which is designed, organized, and staffed to provide safe, secure
psychiatric treatment to individuals who are committed to that facility by the
courts or transferred to that facility under the provisions of RSA 622:40-48.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.27) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.30 “Security threat group” means a group of
individuals possessing common characteristics that distinguish them from other
groups and are a threat to staff, other inmates, the institution, or the
community.
Source. (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #12500, eff 3-23-18
Cor 101.31 “Special Emergency Response Team” means a
team trained in tactical operations such as riot control, and hostage rescue,
and special weapons such as chemical agents.
Source. (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #12500, eff 3-23-18
Cor 101.32 “Temporary confinement to cell”
means the status imposed upon person under departmental control when the person
under departmental control becomes so hostile or agitated that opening the
person under departmental control’s cell
door could result in a violent incident.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.29) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
Cor 101.33 “Work release” means a structured program
where persons under departmental control live in a group setting under
departmental control and work at regular jobs in the community, and which is
characterized by increased freedom as the program progresses.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (formerly Cor
101.30) (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
PART Cor 102 DESCRIPTION
Cor 102.01 Jurisdiction.
(a)
The department, established pursuant to RSA 21-H:3, I, through the
commissioner and its employees, has the following responsibilities:
(1) To provide for, maintain, and administer the New
Hampshire state prison for men, the New Hampshire correctional facility for
women, the northern New Hampshire correctional facility, the Residential
Treatment Unit, and other such facilities as established, as well as programs
as might be required for, the custody, safekeeping, control, correctional
treatment, and rehabilitation of persons under departmental control;
(2) To supervise persons placed on probation,
court ordered supervision, and persons released into the community on parole
and to administer related probation and parole services as directed by the
court or the adult parole board;
(3) To provide for, maintain, and administer the
secure psychiatric unit to receive persons under departmental control and
provide them with appropriate mental health services, treatment, and evaluation
and diagnostic services;
(4) To advise the law enforcement community,
including the courts and the communities they serve, on the prevention of crime
and delinquency;
(5) To develop and publish both
long term and short term strategic plans for the state correctional system,
which include the departmental goals, objectives, resources, current
conditions, and needs;
(6) To establish a unified corrections plan for
the state of New Hampshire, including procedures and programs to enhance
efficiency and effectiveness in the administration of the correctional system;
and
(7) To provide
for, maintain, and administer home confinement, intensive supervision, and
special alternative incarceration programs.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at
chapter heading for Cor 100) #7446, eff
2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for
Cor 100)
Cor 102.02
Internal Organization.
(a)
The commissioner shall be in charge of, and responsible for, the
department and its operations.
(b)
The director of field services shall be in charge of the supervision of
persons placed on probation and parole or others assigned to community-based
supervision by the courts or the commissioner, including housing, job
assistance, collection of fees and victim restitution, enforcement of release
conditions and initiation of corrective action when they fail to meet the
behavioral standards imposed upon them, pre-sentence investigation, and
restitution centers as shall be assigned.
(c)
The director of administration shall be in charge of fiscal management,
property, contracts, grants management, and correctional industries.
(d)
The director of medical and forensic services shall be a board certified
psychiatrist and shall be under the administrative supervision of the assistant
commissioner. The medical director shall
be in charge of the supervision and administration of the medical healthcare
and behavioral health services of the department and the secure psychiatric
unit.
(e)
The warden of the New Hampshire state prison for men shall be in charge
of the operation of the New Hampshire state prison for men, the care, custody,
safety, and treatment of all persons under departmental control housed at that
facility, its security force, as well as other employees with duty stations at
the New Hampshire state prison for men.
(f)
The warden of the New Hampshire correctional facility for women shall be
in charge of the operation of the New Hampshire correctional facility for
women, the care, custody, safety, and treatment of persons under departmental
supervision and housed at that facility, its security force, as well as other
employees with duty stations at the correctional facility for women.
(g)
The warden of the northern New Hampshire correctional facility shall be
in charge of the operation of the northern New Hampshire correctional facility,
the care, custody, safety, and treatment of its inmates, its security force, as
well as other employees with duty stations at the northern New Hampshire
correctional facility.
(h)
The assistant commissioner shall have such powers and duties as are
delegated by the commissioner under RSA 21-H: 8, including but not limited to:
(1) Executive direction of all divisions of the department in the absence of the
commissioner;
(2) Pre-screening of all federal grant and research requests;
(3) Department liaison with the state legislature;
(4) Liaison with employee
bargaining agents and the office of the state negotiator for collective bargaining matters in the absence of the commissioner;
(5) Supervising
the director of the division of medical and forensic services.
(6) Supervising the director of the division of community corrections and programs;
and
(7) Supervises the administrator of the bureau of business information unit.
(i) The director of
security and training shall be in charge of:
(1) Coordinating the development of security and safety related policies and
procedures;
(2) Ensuring the consistency in the application of and the enforcement of these
security and safety-related policies and procedures;
(3) Supervision of the training bureau ensuring that annual training
programs, maintain correctional officer certifications and that non-uniform
training programs are applicable to staff needs;
(4) Oversight of staff safety, emergency management, the special emergency response
team, and fire prevention efforts;
(5) Supervision of the bureau
of classification and offender records ensuring that the classification system
is objective, efficient, and effective and that records are safely kept in an
appropriate fashion.
(j) The director of
professional standards shall be in charge of:
(1) Conducting and
supervising investigations and audits relating to all aspects of the operations
and programs of the department, including but not limited to, complaints and
grievances;
(2) Coordinating and
recommending policies designed to promote economy, efficiency, and
effectiveness in the administration of the department, and to detect and
prevent fraud and abuse in departmental programs and operations;
(3) Advising the commissioner concerning problems or deficiencies relating to the
administration of departmental programs and operations, and provide advice on
the necessity for, and progress of, correctional action; and
(4) In addition, this position
performs other duties as assigned by the commissioner.
(k) The director of community corrections and
programs shall be in charge of:
(1) Directing and overseeing departmental
services for all persons under departmental control preparing for release from
institutional settings into the community;
(2) Supporting case management services for
individuals under probation or parole supervision in order to achieve stability
within the community and reduce recidivism;
(3) Operating and administering all transitional
housing units and the transitional work center
where all persons under departmental
control are assigned for minimum security and work release in a manner that
supports safety and successful community reintegration;
(4) Coordinating the department and
community-based service providers, state courts, and municipal, county, and
state entities with common issues and responsibilities that support individuals
in need of community-based services and supports; and
(5) Working with the department of justice and
other state and federal agencies to identify, secure, and manage grant funds to
supplement services available to all persons under departmental control,
including but not limited to housing and employment assistance, education,
health and wellness, and other community services.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at
chapter heading for Cor 100) #7446, eff
2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18
(See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Cor 100)
PART Cor 103 PUBLIC REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
Cor 103.01 Point Of Contact.
(a)
Requests for general information relative to the overall operation of the
department of corrections and the departmental policies, goals and objectives,
shall be directed to:
Commissioner
Department Of
Corrections
105 Pleasant
Street
PO Box 1806
Concord, NH
03302-1806
(603) 271-5600
(b)
Requests for information relative to persons serving periods of time as
probationers or parolees or information about probation or parole officers or
these programs, shall be directed to:
Director of Field
Services
Department Of
Corrections
105 Pleasant
Street
PO Box 1806
Concord, NH
03302-1806
603 271-5652
(c)
Requests for information relative to budgetary matters, fiscal
accounting, control of records of persons under departmental control, property
and supply accountability, contracts or grants, and correctional industries,
shall be directed to:
Director of
Administration
Department Of
Corrections
105 Pleasant
Street
PO Box 1806
Concord, NH
03302-1806
(603) 271-5600
(d)
Requests for information relative to persons under departmental control,
patients of the secure psychiatric unit or staff at the secure psychiatric unit
or the residential treatment unit, or the secure psychiatric unit or the
residential treatment unit's policies and operating routines, shall be directed
to:
Director of Medical
and Forensic Services
Department Of
Corrections
281 N. State
Street
PO Box 512
Concord, NH
03302-0512
(603) 271-1843
(e)
Requests for information relative to individual persons under
departmental control or staff at the New Hampshire state prison for men or the
New Hampshire state prison for men’s policies and operating routines shall be
directed to:
Warden
New Hampshire
State Prison
281 N. State
Street
PO Box 14
Concord, NH
03302-0014
(603) 271-1801
(f)
Requests for information relative to individual persons under
departmental control or staff at the New Hampshire correctional facility for
women or the New Hampshire correctional facility for women’s policies and
operating routines shall be directed to:
Warden
New Hampshire
State Prison For Women
42 Perimeter Road
Concord NH 03301
(603) 271-0206
(g)
Requests for information relative to individual persons under
departmental control or staff at the northern New Hampshire correctional
facility or the northern New Hampshire correctional facility’s policies and operating
routines shall be directed to:
Warden
Northern New
Hampshire Correctional Facility
138 East Milan
Road
Berlin, NH 03570
(603) 752-7759
(h)
Requests for information relative to the
classification and control of records of persons under departmental control, staff training / development, emergency preparedness, security
related matters, and equipment or fleet management shall be directed to:
Director of
Security and Training
Department of
Corrections
105 Pleasant
Street 4th Floor
PO Box 1806
Concord, NH
03302-1806
603-271-5603
(i) Requests for information
relative to case management services, transitional housing units and the
transitional work center, education, and programs shall be directed to;
Director of
Community Corrections and Programs
Department of
Corrections
105 Pleasant St
4th Floor
PO Box 1806
Concord, NH
03302-1806
(j) Requests for information relative
to the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), disciplinary proceedings, claims
against the department, and investigations, and internal affairs shall be
directed to:
Professional
Standards Director
Department of
Corrections
105 Pleasant St,
4th Floor
PO Box 1806
Concord, NH
03302-1806
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for
Cor 100) #7446, eff 2-6-01; ss by #12500, eff 3-23-18 (See Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for
Cor 100)
CHAPTER Cor
200 PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
Document #7447, effective 2-6-01, made
extensive changes from the wording, format, and numbering of rules in former
Chapter Cor 200, which had expired 3-20-98.
Document #7447 replaces all prior filings for the sections in Chapter
Cor 200.
The prior filings affecting one or
more sections in the former Chapter Cor 200 include the following documents:
|
#2786,
effective 8-1-84 |
|
#3045(E),
EMERGENCY, effective 7-1-85 |
|
#3132,
effective 10-4-85 |
|
#4475,
effective 8-29-88 |
|
#5243,
EMERGENCY, effective 10-4-91, EXPIRED 2-1-92.
Entire chapter expired except for rules in Documents #4474 and #4911. |
|
#5362,
effective 3-20-92, EXPIRED 3-20-98 Entire chapter expired 3-20-98. |
PART Cor 201 PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
Cor 201.01 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide
rules of practice and procedure for adjudicative proceedings conducted by the
department of corrections.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 201.02 Applicability. The rules in this chapter shall not apply to
persons who are departmental employees or under departmental custody or
supervision.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 202 DEFINITIONS
Cor 202.01 Definitions.
(a) “Appearance” means a written
notification to the department that a party or a party’s representative intends
to actively participate in a hearing.
(b)
“Hearing” means “adjudicative proceeding” as defined by RSA 541-A:1, I,
namely, “the procedure to be followed in contested cases, as set forth in RSA
541-A:31 through RSA 541-A:36.”
(c)
“Motion” means a request to the presiding officer for an order or ruling
directing some act to be done in favor of the party making the motion,
including a statement of justification or reasons for the request.
(d)
“Natural person” means a human being.
(e)
“Party” means each person named or admitted as a party, or properly seeking
and entitled as a right to be admitted as a party, including all interveners in
a proceeding, subject to any limitations established pursuant to RSA 541-A:32,
III.
(f)
“Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, association,
governmental subdivision, agency, or public or private organization of any
character excluding departmental employees or individuals under departmental
custody or supervision.
(g) “Presiding officer” means that
natural person to whom the commissioner has delegated the authority to preside
over a proceeding.
(h)
“Proof by a preponderance of the evidence” means a demonstration by
admissible evidence that a fact or legal conclusion is more probable than not
to be true.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 203 PRESIDING OFFICER; WITHDRAWAL AND WAIVER OF
RULES
Cor 203.01 Presiding Officer; Appointment; Authority.
(a)
All hearings shall be conducted for the department by a natural person
authorized by the commissioner to serve as a presiding officer.
(b)
A presiding officer shall as necessary:
(1) Regulate and control the course of a hearing;
(2) Facilitate an informal resolution of an
appeal;
(3) Administer oaths and affirmations;
(4) Receive relevant
evidence at hearings and exclude irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious
evidence;
(5) Rule on procedural requests, including
adjournments or postponements, at the request of a party or on the presiding
officer's own motion;
(6) Question any person who testifies;
(7) Cause a complete record of any hearing to be
made, as specified in RSA 541-A:31, VI; and
(8) Take any other action consistent with
applicable statutes, rules and case law necessary to conduct the hearing and
complete the record in a fair and timely manner.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 203.02
Withdrawal of Presiding Officer or Agency Official.
(a)
Upon his or her own initiative or upon the motion of any party, a
presiding officer or department official shall, for good cause withdraw from
any hearing.
(b)
Good cause shall exist if a presiding officer or department official:
(1) Has a direct interest in the outcome of a
proceeding, including, but not limited to, a financial or family relationship
with any party;
(2) Has made statements or engaged in behavior
which objectively demonstrates that he or she has prejudged the facts of a
case; or
(3) Personally believes that he or she cannot
fairly judge the facts of a case.
(c)
Mere knowledge of the issues, the parties or any witness shall not
constitute good cause for withdrawal.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 203.03 Waiver or Suspension of Rules by Presiding
Officer. The presiding officer, upon
his or her own initiative or upon the motion of any party, shall suspend or
waive any requirement or limitation imposed by this chapter upon reasonable
notice to affected persons when the proposed waiver or suspension appears to be
lawful, and would be more likely to promote the fair, accurate and efficient
resolution of issues pending before the department than would adherence to a
particular rule or procedure.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 204 FILING, FORMAT AND DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
Cor 204.01 Date of Issuance or Filing. All written documents governed by these rules
shall have a rebuttable presumption of having been issued on the date noted on
the document and to have been filed with the department on the actual date of
receipt by the department, as evidenced by a date stamp placed on the document
by the department in the normal course of business.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 204.02 Format of Documents.
(a)
All correspondence, pleadings, motions or other documents filed under
these rules shall:
(1) Include the title and docket number of the
proceeding, if known;
(2) Be typewritten or clearly printed on durable
paper 8 1/2 by 11 inches in size;
(3) Be signed by the party or proponent of the
document, or, if the party appears by a representative, by the representative;
and
(4) Include a statement certifying that a copy of
the document has been delivered to all parties to the proceeding in compliance
with Cor 204.03.
(b)
A party or representative's signature on a document filed with the
department shall constitute certification that:
(1) The signer has read the document;
(2) The signer is authorized to file it;
(3) To the best of the signer’s knowledge,
information and belief there are good and sufficient grounds to support it; and
(4) The document has not been filed for purposes
of delay.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 204.03 Delivery of Documents.
(a)
Copies of all petitions, motions, exhibits, memoranda, or other
documents filed by any party to a proceeding governed by these rules shall be
delivered by that party to all other parties to the proceeding.
(b)
All notices, orders, decisions or other documents issued by the
presiding officer or department shall be delivered to all parties to the
proceeding.
(c)
Delivery of all documents relating to a proceeding shall be made by
personal delivery or by depositing a copy of the document, by first class mail,
postage prepaid, in the United States mail, addressed to the last address given
to the department by the party.
(d)
When a party appears by a representative, delivery of a document to the
party's representative at the address stated on the appearance filed by the
representative shall constitute delivery to the party.
Source.
(See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor 200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by
#9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501,
eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 205 TIME
PERIODS
Cor 205.01 Computation of Time.
(a)
Unless otherwise specified, all time periods referenced in this chapter
shall be calendar days.
(b)
Computation of any period of time referred to in these rules shall begin
with the day after the action which sets the time period in motion, and shall
include the last day of the period so computed.
(c)
If the last day of the period so computed falls on a Saturday, Sunday or
legal holiday, then the time period shall be extended to include the first
business day following the Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.
Source.
(See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor 200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by
#9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501,
eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 206 MOTIONS
Cor 206.01 Motions; Objections.
(a)
Motions shall be in written form and filed with the presiding officer,
unless made in response to a matter asserted for the first time at a hearing or
on the basis of information which was not received in time to prepare a written
motion.
(b)
Oral motions and any oral objection to such motions shall be recorded in
full in the record of the hearing. If
the presiding officer finds that the motion requires additional information in
order to be fully and fairly considered, the presiding officer shall direct the
moving party to submit the motion in writing, with supporting information.
(c)
Objections to written motions shall be filed within 30 days of the date
of the motion.
(d)
Failure by an opposing party to object to a motion shall not in and of
itself constitute grounds for granting the motion.
(e)
The presiding officer shall rule upon a motion after full consideration
of all objections and other factors relevant to the motion.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 207 NOTICE OF HEARING; APPEARANCES; PRE-HEARING
CONFERENCES
Cor 207.01 Commencement of Hearing. A hearing shall be commenced by an order of
the department giving notice to the parties as required by Cor 207.03.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 207.02 Docket Numbers. A docket number shall be assigned to each
matter to be heard which shall appear on the notice of hearing and all
subsequent orders or decisions of the department.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 207.03
Notice of Hearing.
(a)
A notice of a hearing issued by the department shall contain:
(1) A statement of the time, place and nature of
any hearing;
(2) A statement of the legal authority under
which a hearing is to be held;
(3) A reference to the particular statutes and
rules involved including this chapter;
(4) A short and plain statement of the issues
presented; and
(5) A statement that each party has the right to
have an attorney present to represent them at their own expense.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 207.04
Appearances and Representation.
(a) A party or the party’s
representative shall file an appearance that includes the following
information:
(1) A brief identification of the matter;
(2) A statement as to whether or not the
representative is an attorney and if so, whether the attorney is licensed to
practice in New Hampshire; and
(3) The party or representative's daytime address
and telephone number.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 207.05 Prehearing Conference. Any party may request, or the presiding
officer shall schedule on his or her own initiative, a prehearing conference in
accordance with RSA 541-A:31, V to consider:
(a)
Offers of settlement;
(b)
Simplification of the issues;
(c)
Stipulations or admissions as to issues of fact or proof by consent of
the parties;
(d)
Limitations on the number of witnesses;
(e)
Changes to standard procedures desired during the hearing by consent of
the parties;
(f)
Consolidation of examination of witnesses; or
(g)
Any other matters which aid in the disposition of the proceeding.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09;
ss by #9507-A, eff 7-8-0909;
ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 208 ROLES OF AGENCY STAFF AND COMPLAINANTS
Cor 208.01 Role of Agency Staff in Enforcement or
Disciplinary Hearings. Unless called
as witnesses, agency staff shall have no role in any enforcement or
disciplinary hearing.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09;
ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 208.02 Role of Complainants in Enforcement or
Disciplinary Hearings. Unless called
as a witness or granted party or intervenor status, a person who initiates an
adjudicative proceeding by complaining to an agency about the conduct of a
person who becomes a party shall have no role in any enforcement or
disciplinary hearing.
Source. #9507-A, eff
7-8-09; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 209 CONTINUANCES
Cor 209.01 Continuances.
(a)
Any party or intervenor may make an oral or written motion that a
hearing be delayed or continued to a later date or time.
(b)
A motion for a delay or a continuance shall be granted if the presiding
officer determines that a delay or continuance would likely assist in resolving
the case fairly, such as by allowing for the presence of a necessary party or
witness who was unavoidably unavailable, and would not be contrary to law.
(c)
If the later date, time and place to which the hearing will be delayed
or continued are known at the time of ruling on a motion, the information shall
be stated on the record. If the later date, time, and place are not known at
that time, the presiding officer shall as soon as practicable issue a written
scheduling order stating the date, time, and place of the delayed or continued
hearing.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09;
ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 210 INTERVENTION
Cor 210.01 Intervention.
(a)
A person may intervene in a matter pending before the department under
the provisions of RSA 541-A:32, by filing a motion stating facts demonstrating
that the person's rights or other substantial interests might be affected by
the proceeding or that the person qualifies as an intervenor under any
provision of law.
(b)
If the presiding officer determines that such intervention would be in the
interests of justice and would not impair the orderly and prompt conduct of the
hearing, he or she shall grant the motion for intervention.
(c)
An intervenor shall be entitled to participate in a hearing as a party,
except as noted in (d) and (e), below.
(d)
The presiding officer shall as necessary to
promote the orderly and prompt conduct of the hearing impose conditions upon
the intervenor’s participation in the proceedings.
(e)
These conditions shall include, but are not limited to:
(1) Limitation of the intervenor’s participation
to designated issues in which the intervenor has a particular interest
demonstrated by the petition;
(2) Limitation of
the intervenor’s use of cross-examination and other procedures so as to promote
the orderly and prompt conduct of the proceedings; and
(3) Requiring 2 or more intervenors to combine
their presentations of evidence and argument, cross-examination, and other
participation in the proceedings.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09 (from Cor 208.01);
ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 211 POSTPONEMENT REQUESTS AND FAILURE TO ATTEND
HEARING
Cor 211.01 Postponements.
(a)
Any party to a hearing may make an oral or written motion that a hearing
be postponed to a later date or time.
(b)
If a postponement is requested by a party to the hearing, it shall be
granted if the presiding officer determines that good cause has been
demonstrated. Good cause shall include
the unavailability of parties, witnesses, or representatives necessary to
conduct the hearing, the likelihood that a hearing will not be necessary
because the parties have reached a settlement or any other circumstances that
demonstrate that a postponement would assist in resolving the case fairly.
(c)
If the later date, time and place are known at the time of the hearing
that is being postponed, the date, time and place shall be stated on the
record. If the later date, time, and
place are not known at the time of the hearing that is being postponed, the
presiding officer shall issue a written scheduling order stating the date,
time, and place of the postponed hearing as soon as practicable.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09 (from Cor 209.01);
ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 211.02
Failure to Attend Hearing.
If any party to whom notice has been given in accordance with Cor 207.03
fails to attend a hearing, the presiding officer shall declare that party to be
in default and either:
(a)
Dismiss the case, if the party with the burden of proof fails to appear;
or
(b)
Hear the testimony and receive the evidence offered by a party, if that
party has the burden of proof in the case.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09 (from Cor 209.02);
ss by #12501,
eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 212 REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTS
Cor 212.01 Voluntary Production of Information. Each party shall attempt in good faith to
make a complete and timely response to requests for the voluntary production of
information or documents relevant to the hearing.
Source.
(See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor 200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by
#9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss by #9507-A,
eff 7-8-09
(from Cor 210.01); ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 212.02 Mandatory Pre-Hearing Disclosure of
Witnesses and Exhibits. At least 5
days before the hearing the parties shall exchange a list of all witnesses to
be called at the hearing with a brief summary of their testimony, a list of all
documents or exhibits to be offered as evidence at the hearing, and a copy of
each document or exhibit.
Source.
(See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor 200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by
#9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss by #9507-A,
eff 7-8-09 (from
Cor 210.02); ss by #12501,
eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 213 RECORD, PROOF, EVIDENCE AND DECISIONS
Cor 213.01 Record of the Hearing.
(a)
The department shall record the hearing by audio recording or other
method that will provide a verbatim record.
(b)
If any person requests a transcript of the audio record, the department
shall cause a transcript to be prepared and, upon receipt of payment for the
cost of the transcription, shall provide copies of the transcript to the
requesting party.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09 (from Cor
211.01); ss by #12501,
eff 3-23-18
Cor 213.02 Standard and Burden of Proof. The party asserting a proposition shall bear
the burden of proving the truth of the proposition by a preponderance of the
evidence.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09 (from Cor
211.02); ss by #12501,
eff 3-23-18
Cor 213.03 Testimony; Order of Proceeding.
(a)
Any person offering testimony, evidence or arguments shall state for the
record his or her name, and role in the proceeding. If the person is representing another person,
the person being represented shall also be identified.
(b)
Testimony shall be offered in the following order:
(1) The party or parties bearing the burden of
proof and such witnesses as the party may call;
and
(2) The party or parties opposing the party who
bears the overall burden of proof and such witnesses as the party may call.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09 (from Cor
211.03); ss by #12501,
eff 3-23-18
Cor 213.04 Evidence.
(a)
Receipt of evidence shall be governed by the provisions of RSA 541-A:33.
(b)
All documents, materials and objects offered as exhibits shall be
admitted into evidence unless excluded by the presiding officer as irrelevant,
immaterial, unduly repetitious, or legally privileged.
(c)
All objections to the admissibility of evidence shall be stated as early
as possible in the hearing, but not later than the time when the evidence is
offered.
(d)
Transcripts of testimony and documents or other materials, admitted into
evidence shall be public records unless the presiding officer determines that
all or part of a transcript or document is exempt from disclosure under RSA
91-A:5 or applicable case law.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09 (from Cor
211.04); ss by #12501,
eff 3-23-18
Cor 213.05 Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions
of Law.
(a) Any party may submit proposed
findings of fact and conclusions of law to the presiding officer prior to or at
the hearing.
(b)
Upon request of any party, or if the presiding officer determines that
proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law would serve to clarify the
issues presented at the hearing, the presiding officer shall specify a date
after the hearing for the submission of proposed findings of fact and
conclusions of law.
(c)
In any case where proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law are
submitted, the decision shall include rulings on the proposals.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
200) #7447, eff 2-6-01; ss by #9382, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09, EXPIRES: 8-3-09; ss
by #9507-A, eff 7-8-09 (from Cor 211.05;
ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 213.06 Closing the Record.
(a)
After the conclusion of the hearing, the record shall be closed and no
other evidence shall be received into the record, except as allowed by
paragraphs (b) of this section and Cor 213.07.
(b)
Before the conclusion of the hearing, a party may request that the
record be left open to allow the filing of specified evidence not available at
the hearing. If the other parties to the
hearing have no objection or if the presiding officer determines that such
evidence is necessary to a full consideration of the issues raised at the
hearing, the presiding officer shall keep the record open for the period of
time necessary for the party to file the evidence.
Source. #9507-A, eff
7-8-09
(from Cor 211.06); ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 213.07 Reopening the Record. At any time prior to the issuance of the
decision on the merits, the presiding officer, on the presiding officer’s own
initiative or on the motion of any party, shall reopen the record to receive
relevant, material and non-duplicative testimony, evidence or arguments not
previously received, if the presiding officer determines that such testimony,
evidence or arguments are necessary to a full and fair consideration of the
issues to be decided.
Source. #9507-A, eff
7-8-09
(from Cor 211.07); ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 213.08 Decisions.
(a)
A departmental official shall not participate in making a decision unless
he or she personally heard the testimony in the case, unless the matter’s
disposition does not depend on the credibility of any witness and the record
provides a reasonable basis for evaluating the testimony.
(b)
If a presiding officer has been delegated the authority to conduct a
hearing in the absence of a majority of the officials of the department who are
to render a final decision, the presiding officer shall submit to the
department a written proposal for decision, which shall contain a statement of
the reasons for the decision and findings of fact and rulings of law necessary
to the proposed decision.
(c)
If a proposal for decision in a matter not personally heard by
departmental official is adverse to a party to the proceeding other than the
department itself, the department shall serve a copy of the proposal for
decision on each party to the proceeding and provide an opportunity to file
exceptions and present briefs and oral arguments to the department.
(d)
A proposal for decision shall become a final decision upon its approval
by the department.
(e)
The department shall keep a decision on file in its records for at least
5 years following the date of the final decision or the date of the decision on
any appeal, unless the director of the division of records management and
archives of the department of state sets a different retention period pursuant
to rules adopted under RSA 5:40.
Source. #9507-A,
eff 7-8-09 (from Cor 211.08); ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 214 PUBLIC COMMENT HEARINGS FOR RULEMAKING
Cor 214.01 Purpose. The purpose of this part is to provide rules
of practice and procedure for the conduct of public hearings at which comment
from the general public will be solicited for evaluation and consideration by
the department relative to the adoption, amendment or repeal of a departmental
rule pursuant to RSA 541-A.
Source. #9507-A,
eff 7-8-09 (from Cor 212.01); ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 214.02 Scope.
(a)
These rules shall apply to all hearings required by law to be conducted by
the department at which public comment shall be solicited pursuant to RSA
541-A:11.
Source. #9507-A,
eff 7-8-09 (from Cor 212.02); ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 214.03 Notice.
(a)
A public comment proceeding concerning rulemaking shall be commenced by
publishing notice of the hearing in the “Rulemaking Register” so that it shall
appear at least 20 days prior to the hearing date.
(b)
Notice of rulemaking comment hearings shall comply with RSA 541-A:6.
Source. #9507-A,
eff 7-8-09 (from Cor 212.03); ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 214.04 Moderator.
(a)
The hearing shall be presided over by the moderator, who shall be the
commissioner or designee.
(b)
The moderator shall:
(1) Call the hearing to order;
(2) Cause a recording of the hearing to be made;
(3) When a group or organization wishes to comment,
limit the group to no more than 3 persons, provided that the members who are
present may enter their names and address into the record as supporting the
position by the group or organization;
(4) Recognize those who wish to be heard, and
establish the order thereof;
(5) Limit equally the time available to each
speaker based upon the number of speakers who request to be heard;
(6) Recognize a speaker;
(7) Revoke recognition of a speaker who speaks or
acts in an abusive or disruptive manner;
(8) Revoke recognition of a speaker who refuses
to keep comments relevant to the issues that are the subject of the hearing;
(9) Remove or have removed any person who
disrupts the hearing;
(10) Adjourn the hearing; and
(11) Provide opportunity for the submission of
written comments consistent with the notice published in the rulemaking
register.
Source. #9507-A,
eff 7-8-09 (from Cor 212.04); ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 214.05 Public Participation.
(a)
Any person who wishes to speak on the issues that are the subject of the
hearing shall list both name and address on a speakers’ list. All whose names
appear on the list may speak at the hearing.
(b)
Written comments may be submitted any time from the time notice has been
published until the record has been close by the moderator, which shall be
consistent with the notice published in the rulemaking register.
Source. #9507-A,
eff 7-8-09 (from Cor 212.05); ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 215 PETITIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT
Cor 215.01 Petitions for Adoption, Amendment, or
Repeal of a Rule.
(a)
Any interested person may petition the department, through the
commissioner, requesting the adoption, amendment or repeal of a rule.
(b)
Such petitions shall conform to the applicable requirements set forth in
Cor 215.03.
(c)
Such petitions shall be received and handled in the following manner:
(1) Petitions shall be submitted to the
commissioner's office;
(2) If the commissioner determines that the
petition is deficient, the commissioner shall, within 10 working days of
receipt of the petition notify the petitioner and give the petitioner the
opportunity to amend the petition; and
(3) Within 30 days of the receipt of a petition
that complies with these rules, the commissioner shall take one of the
following actions:
a. Initiate the requested procedure in
accordance with RSA 541-A:3, if the requested action is:
1. Within the department's authority; and
2. Consistent with and best implements state
statutes affecting the department; or
b. Deny the petition, in writing, stating fully
the reasons for denial.
Source. #9507-A,
eff 7-8-09 (from Cor 213.01); ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 215.02 Petitions for Declaratory Rulings.
(a)
Any interested person may petition the department, through the
commissioner, requesting a declaratory ruling on the applicability of any
statute or rule administered or enforced by the department.
(b)
Such petitions shall conform to the applicable requirements set forth in
Cor 215.03.
(c)
Such petitions shall be received and handled in the following manner:
(1) Petitions shall be submitted to the
commissioner's office;
(2) If the commissioner determines that a
petition is deficient in any respect, the commissioner shall, within 10 working
days of receipt of the deficient petition, notify the petitioner in writing of
the specific deficiencies and allow the petitioner to amend the petition; and
(3) When a conforming petition for declaratory ruling
has been received, the commissioner shall take one of the following actions:
a. Issue a declaratory ruling responsive to the
petition within 60 days; or
b. If deemed necessary, request the opinion of
the department of justice within 20 working days, and issue a responsive
declaratory ruling within 20 working days of receipt of the department of
justice's reply.
Source. #9507-A,
eff 7-8-09 (from Cor 213.02); ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 215.03
Petition Information. Each
petition for adoption, amendment, repeal of a rule, or for a declaratory ruling
shall:
(a)
Be in legible written form and addressed to the:
Commissioner
Department Of
Corrections
105 Pleasant
Street
PO Box 1806
Concord, NH 03302-1806
(b)
Include the petitioner's name and address and, if applicable, the name
and address of the organization with which the petitioner is associated and the
petitioner's representative;
(c)
State in detail, where applicable, why the department should make
such a ruling;
(d)
Cite, where applicable, the rule to be amended or repealed and specify
any amendments to be made;
(e)
Where the adoption of a new rule is proposed, the petition shall provide
the text of the proposed rule;
(f)
In the case where a declaratory ruling is sought, the petitioner shall
cite the statute or rule and provide all information in the petitioner's
possession or available to the petitioner, which is material to the declaratory
ruling; and
(g)
Be signed and dated.
Source. #9507-A,
eff 7-8-09 (from Cor 213.03); ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 216 EXPLANATION OF ADOPTED RULES
Cor 216.01 Requests for Explanation of Adopted Rules. Pursuant to RSA 541-A: 11, VII, any
interested person may, within 30 days of the final adoption of a rule, request
a written explanation of that rule by making a written request to the
commissioner including:
(a)
The name and address of the person making the request; or
(b)
If the request is that of an organization or other entity, the name and
address of such organization or entity, and the name and address of the
representative authorized by the organization or entity to make the request.
Source. #9507-B, eff 7-8-09, EXPIRED: 7-8-17
New. #12395, INTERIM, eff 9-29-17, EXPIRES:
3-28-18; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
Cor 216.02 Contents of Explanation. The commissioner shall, within 90 days of
receiving a request in accordance with Cor 216.01, provide a written response
which:
(a)
Concisely states the meaning of the rule adopted;
(b)
Concisely states the principal reasons for and against the adoption of
the rule in its final form; and
(c)
States, if applicable, why the commissioner did not accept arguments and
considerations presented against the rule.
Source. #9507-B, eff 7-8-09,
EXPIRED: 7-8-17
New. #12395, INTERIM, eff 9-29-17, EXPIRES:
3-28-18; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 217 WAIVER
Cor 217.01 Waiver of Rules other than Cor 200.
(a)
Any interested person may request the commissioner to waive a rule. A
waiver shall be requested by filing a petition that identifies the rule in
question and sets forth the specific facts and arguments that support the
waiver.
(b)
Petitions for waiver shall address, at a minimum, whether:
(1) Adherence to the rule would cause the
petitioner hardship, in that the burden to the petitioner of adherence to the
rule would far outweigh the rationale for the rule;
(2) Waiver of the rule would be consistent with
the statutes and regulatory programs administered by the department;
(3) Waiver of the rule would injure third
persons; and
(4) Waiver is necessary due to factors outside
the control of the petitioner.
(c)
If examination of the petition reveals that the proposed relief might
substantially affect other persons, the commissioner shall require the
petitioner to provide notice to those persons. The department shall afford
affected persons the opportunity for hearing prior to ruling on the request for
waiver.
(d)
A petition for waiver of a rule that does not allege material facts,
which, if true, would be sufficient to support the requested waiver, shall be
denied without further notice or hearing.
(e)
The commissioner shall issue a written decision on a request for waiver
within 30 days of the receipt of a complete petition. A request for waiver
shall be granted for good cause.
(f)
For the purposes of this section, good cause shall be deemed to exist
if, at a minimum, the petitioner has demonstrated that:
(1) Adherence to the rule would cause the
petitioner hardship, in that the burden to the petitioner of adherence to the
rule would far outweigh the rationale for the rule;
(2) Waiver of the rule would be consistent with
the statutes and regulatory programs administered by the department;
(3) Waiver of the rule would not injure third
persons; and
(4) Waiver is necessary due to factors outside
the control of the petitioner.
Source. #9507-B, eff 7-8-09,
EXPIRED: 7-8-17
New. #12395, INTERIM, eff 9-29-17, EXPIRES:
3-28-18; ss by #12501, eff 3-23-18
CHAPTER Cor 300 OPERATION AND
MANAGEMENT OF CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
REVISION
NOTE #1:
Document #7448, effective 2-6-01, made
extensive changes from the numbering, and some changes from the wording and
format, of rules in former Chapter Cor 300, which had expired 3-20-98. Document #7448 replaced all prior filings for
the sections in Chapter Cor 300.
The prior filings affecting one or
more sections in the former Chapter Cor 300 included the following documents:
|
#2721(E),
EMERGENCY, effective 5-23-84 |
|
#2786,
effective 8-1-84 |
|
#2942,
effective 12-31-84 |
|
#3045(E),
EMERGENCY, effective 7-1-85 |
|
#3132,
effective 10-4-85 |
|
#4043,
effective 4-25-86 |
|
#4124,
effective 8-28-86 |
|
#4293,
effective 7-16-87 |
|
#4294,
effective 7-16-87 |
|
#4476,
effective 8-29-88 |
|
#4477,
effective 8-29-88 |
|
#4478,
effective 8-29-88 |
|
#4479,
effective 8-29-88 |
|
#4524,
effective 11-2-88 |
|
#4910,
effective 8-20-90 |
|
#5243,
EMERGENCY, effective 10-4-91, EXPIRED 2-1-92.
Entire chapter expired except for rules in Documents #4474 and #4911. |
|
#5362,
effective 3-20-92, EXPIRED 3-20-98 Entire chapter expired 3-20-98. |
Document
#12502, effective 3-23-18, readopted with amendments
Chapter Cor 300 on operations and management of Corrections Department
activities. Document #12502 made
extensive changes to the wording, format, structure, and numbering of rules in
Chapter Cor 300.
Document #12502 replaces all prior
filings for rules in Chapter Cor 300.
The prior filings affecting rules in Chapter Cor 300 included the
following documents:
#7448, eff 2-6-01
#9383, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09
#9508, eff 7-8-09, EXPIRED
7-8-17
#12396, INTERIM, eff 9-29-17
Revision Note #3:
Document #12791, effective 5-25-19, readopted
with amendments and renumbered Cor 403.10, titled “Inmate Request Slip”, as
Part Cor 312, titled “Request Slips”, containing Cor 312.01, titled “Request
Slip.”
Document
#12791 replaces all prior filings for the former rule Cor 403.10. The prior
filings affecting the former rule Cor 403.10 included the following documents:
#7449,
eff 2-6-01 (as Cor 402.14)
#9384,
INTERIM, eff 2-3-09 (as Cor 402.14)
#9509,
eff 7-8-09, EXPIRED 7-8-17 (as Cor 402.14)
#12397,
INTERIM, eff 9-29-17 (as Cor 402.14)
#12503,
eff 3-23-18 (as Cor 403.10)
Revision Note #4:
Document #13154, effective 1-5-21,
readopted with amendments Part Cor 305, titled “Access of Visitors to Facilities
of the Department of Corrections”, and re-titled the rule as “Access to the
Facilities and Grounds of the NH Department of Corrections”. Document #13154
also readopted with amendments Part Cor 312, titled “Request Slips”, and
readopted with amendments Cor 313.03, titled “Practice”, and re-titled the rule
as “Grievance Procedures”. Lastly,
Document #13154 readopted with amendments and renumbered Cor 301.05, titled
“Mail”, as Part Cor 314, re-titled as “Resident Mail, Electronic Messaging, and
Package Service.”
Document #13154 replaces the prior
filing Document #12502 discussed in Revision Note #2 for former Cor 301.05 and
former Part Cor 305. Document #13154
also replaces the prior filing Document #12972, effective 5-25-19, for former
rule Cor 313.03. Lastly, Document #13154
also replaces the prior filing Document #12791 discussed in Revision Note #3
for former Part Cor 312.
PART Cor 301 STANDARDS OF OPERATION, MANAGEMENT AND
ADMINISTRATION OF STATE CORRECTIONS FACILITIES
Cor 301.01 – Cor 301.04 Reserved
and Moved to Cor 700
Cor 301.05 Reserved and Moved to Cor 314
PART Cor 302 STANDARDS FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF
REHABILITATION RELATED PROGRAMS
Cor 302.01 Academic and Vocational Education.
(a)
The department shall provide an array of academic and vocational
programs such as remedial reading and remedial math as well as high school and
high school equivalency subjects. The
staff shall consist of at least 5 full-time teachers, at least one of whom
shall be certified by the New Hampshire department of education in special
education. Teachers and vocational
instructors shall be certified by the New Hampshire department of
education. One of the staff shall be
designated as education director, who shall be certified by the department of
education as a principal. The education
director shall be responsible for designing and implementing academic
programs. The education director shall
ensure that the career and technical education curriculum is designed with a
transition to community based employment opportunities as its base.
(b)
During the quarantine period staff from the education unit shall orient
each new arrival as to services provided by the academic and vocational
programs, shall obtain an educational history, a work history, vocational
goals, and administer such tests as necessary to determine the person under
departmental control’s academic functioning pursuant to Cor 403.03 (a).
Appropriate assessments shall be administered to identify and address the
specific educational needs of students determined eligible for special
education under the terms established by the interagency agreement between the
department of education and the department of corrections as prescribed in RSA
194:60. This information shall be used
in conjunction with the classification system in recommending that prospective
students participate in a course of instruction designed to improve the
likelihood that, upon release, they shall be able to live at liberty without
violating the law.
(c) The department shall provide as wide a range
of academic and vocational opportunities as reasonably possible and which shall
include high school equivalency preparation, remedial instruction, high school
academic, and vocational courses as defined by the interagency agreement,
individual tutoring, and correspondence courses.
(d) High school diplomas shall be awarded under
the provisions of the interagency agreement.
(e) Curriculum, facilities, and equipment shall
be provided to deliver the academic and vocational programs.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at
chapter heading for Cor 300) #12502, eff 3-23-18
Cor 302.02 Guidance. Re-entry programs shall be provided that
include vocational testing and counseling.
Re-entry classes shall assist in preparing persons under departmental
control for parole or unsupervised release and prepare persons under
departmental control to seek and hold jobs upon their release.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at
chapter heading for Cor 300) #12502, eff 3-23-18
Cor 302.03 Diagnosis, Counseling, and Therapy. Reserved
and Moved to Cor 505.01 and Cor 505.02
Cor 302.04 Work for Persons under Departmental
Control.
(a) Each person under
departmental control at a departmental facility shall be afforded the
opportunity to work. No person under
departmental control shall involuntarily wait for a job assignment longer than
60 days.
(b) Persons under departmental
control who by virtue of age, physical incapacity, or mental incapacity cannot
work shall not be required to work but such person under departmental control
shall have the opportunity to participate in other vocational training,
education, and recreation programs commensurate with their physical or mental
ability. Prior to removing such a person
under departmental control from a job and placing the person under departmental
control in non-working status on a permanent basis, staff from the division of
medical and forensic services shall provide classification staff with
information substantiating the medical or behavioral capacity issues warranting
this decision.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at
chapter heading for Cor 300) #12502, eff 3-23-18
Cor 302.05 Library.
(a) Persons under departmental control and
patients of the secure psychiatric unit shall have access to a law library to
assist them in accessing the courts to challenge their convictions or their
conditions of confinement pursuant to the requirements of Lewis, Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections v. Casey,
516 US 804 (1996), except as noted in (c) below.
(b) Law library access shall consist of:
(1)
Physical attendance at the law library;
(2)
Access by mail requesting that law library materials be sent to them; or
(3)
Individual virtual access through hardware and software resources to law
library materials.
(c) In the event that persons under departmental
control or patients of the SPU do not have access to the law library as
outlined in (b), above, they shall have access to someone trained in legal
research to assist them in accessing the courts to challenge their convictions
or their conditions of confinement pursuant to the requirements of Lewis, Director of the Arizona Department of
Corrections v. Casey, 516 US 804 (1996).
Source. (See Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at
chapter heading for Cor 300) #12502, eff 3-23-18
Cor 302.06 Religious Activities.
(a) Religious programs, individual religious
counseling, or both shall be offered to all persons under departmental control
and patients of the SPU. Persons under
departmental control and patients shall be able to participate in religious
activities appropriate to their custody grade and housing assignment, as
follows:
(1)
Persons under departmental control and patients of the SPU in minimum,
medium, and close security settings shall be able to attend group religious
activities;
(2)
Persons under departmental control and patients of the SPU during
quarantine cycle, in punitive segregation, on pending administrative review
status, and in maximum custody status shall have access only to individual
religious counseling and group religious activities when available in their
respective housing units; and
(3)
Patients in the secure psychiatric unit shall have access only to
individual religious counseling and group religious activities in the secure
psychiatric unit.
(b) The department shall encourage religious
volunteers to provide religious ministrations to persons under departmental
control and patients of the SPU.
(c) Proselytizing shall be prohibited.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at
chapter heading for Cor 300) #12502, eff 3-23-18
Cor 302.07 Recreation.
(a) The department shall provide at least one
full time recreation supervisor. The
recreation supervisor shall provide direct oversight and consultation to all
departmental facilities in organizing and implementing a program that affords
inmates athletic and leisure time activities.
These programs shall extend to all areas of each facility. The recreation supervisor or other
departmental staff so tasked shall select and train persons under departmental
control to be assistants to help each facility implement and maintain a program
which includes both organized and individual athletic and leisure undertakings.
(b) Physical space shall be provided for both the
athletic and other leisure time activities.
(c) Both athletic and leisure time activities
shall promote a holistic approach to individual health and wellness.
(d) The secure psychiatric unit and the
residential treatment unit shall provide appropriate structured therapeutic
recreational activities for persons under departmental control and patients of
the SPU.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at
chapter heading for Cor 300) #12502, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 303 STANDARDS FOR HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE IN
CORRECTIONS FACILITIES Reserved and Moved to Cor 501 and Cor 502
PART Cor 304 STANDARDS FOR TREATMENT AT THE SECURE
PSYCHIATRIC UNIT Reserved and Moved to Cor 504
PART Cor 305
ACCESS TO THE FACILITIES AND GROUNDS OF THE NH DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Cor 305.01 Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish the
procedure through which the public, resident family and friends, clergy,
official government and social services representatives, and legal counsel may
access the grounds or visit residents confined within New Hampshire department
of corrections (NHDOC) facilities, which includes facilities within the
division of community corrections.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.02 Scope.
This rule shall apply to all residents, the public, any prospective
visitors, and all departmental staff.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.03
Definitions.
(a) “C1” means a resident living in a
transitional housing unit.
(b) “C2” means a resident living at the
transitional work center.
(c) “C3” means a resident living in the general
population section of a prison facility.
(d) “C4” means a resident living in the close
custody unit.
(e) “C5” means a resident living in the special
housing unit or the special management unit.
(f) “Non-contact visit” means barriers, such as
glass partitions are in place that shall restrict contact between the resident
and his or her visitors.
(g) “Official business visitor” means any
attorneys, government officials, or representatives from other social service
organizations, which includes but is not limited to clergy, or other
individuals who require a visit with a NHDOC resident to conduct business
within the scope of his or her official duties.
(h) “Security threat groups” means a formal or
informal group of incarcerated persons that could affect the safety and
security of the institution, the public, staff, or other residents. They are
what was commonly referred to as prison gangs.
(i) “Special visit” means
a visit approved by the facility warden, director, or designee, to occur during
a resident’s non-assigned visiting hours, or a visitation by a person or
persons not on a resident’s approved visitors list.
(j) “Visitation control room” means an area
within the facility where security staff process arriving visitors.
(k) “Vulnerable adult” means an adult with a intellectual disability or
similar affliction who has been determined to be incompetent or unable to make
decisions by a court or medical authority.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.04 Visitor Requirement to Follow Rules.
(a) All visitors who visit, or go on, or cross
the grounds of a facility or area under the control of the NHDOC shall be
subject to the rules established in Cor 305.
Failure to follow such rules shall subject the visitor to removal from
the grounds, arrest, or prosecution.
(b) Everyone on prison grounds or in NHDOC
facilities, regardless of whether they are a resident, visitor, staff, or
anyone defined in some other category, shall be subject to search without
warning of their vehicles, possessions, and persons pursuant to Cor 306.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.05 Access to Departmental Facilities for
Informational or Educational Purposes.
(a) Any person who seeks access to departmental
facilities for the purpose of gathering information or data shall submit in writing
a request for access to a specific NHDOC facility to the commissioner of
corrections or his or her designee.
(b) Written requests for access shall contain the
following:
(1)
The name of the individual(s) requesting access to a facility, as well
as his or her organization if applicable;
(2)
The specific location and the time, date, and duration of the requested
visit;
(3)
The purpose of the visit, which shall include specific information
related to how information will be gathered, which includes, but is not limited
to disclosure of the use of any computer/laptop, cellular, audio video
equipment, or photography equipment requested for use while in a NHDOC
facility; and
(4)
Contact information for the individual(s) and the organization if
applicable.
(c) Written requests shall be mailed to “State of
New Hampshire Department of Corrections, Office of the Commissioner, P.O. Box
1806, Concord, NH 03302”
(d) Requests shall be responded to by the
commissioner or his or her designee within 10 business days following the
receipt of the request for access. The commissioner shall approve the request
as long as access would not jeopardize the safety or security of residents,
staff, or the public. The commissioner or designee shall request additional
information as needed, which includes, but is not limited to, information
explaining the scope of the requested access, additional individual or
organizational information, or a completed “Prospective Visitor Consent for
Background Check Form” in accordance with Cor 305.15.
(e) Access shall be available to:
(1)
A person who is employed to gather or to assist in gathering information
or data by a news organization which includes, but is not limited to
newspapers, magazines, radio stations or networks, TV stations or networks, and
cable networks;
(2)
A person who is engaged in gathering information or data on the subject
of corrections for the purpose of informing the public in the course of
research activity; or
(3)
An educational or informational tour sponsored by a school or college, a
unit of local, state or federal government, or a chartered community service
organization.
(f) Everyone who applies for access shall abide by
all rules of the department except to the extent an exception has been granted
by the commissioner, or his or her designee as described in (g) below.
(g) Access shall be denied to anyone whose
presence would jeopardize the security or good order of the facility, such as
unapproved visitors, offenders on probation or parole with the exception of
tours by court order, individuals whose criminal history poses legitimate
security concerns as discovered through screening requirements as described
within (d) above, or individuals whose stated intention is to violate
department rules and directives.
(h) Access to NHDOC facilities shall include:
(1)
Tours of facilities;
(2)
Interviews with staff personnel;
(3)
Observation of particular activities or programs; and
(4)
Interviews with individual residents, provided that the resident
consents to the interview.
(i) Such access shall
be deemed a special media visit and shall comport to all requirements and
limitations set forth by the commissioner or designee. These limitations shall be made to ensure the
highest level of safety and security is maintained for the visitors, staff,
residents, and the public. Limitations
and requirements shall be subject to change at any time prior to, or during the
scheduled visit based on current conditions within NHDOC facilities.
(j) Every application for access shall specify
the purpose or purposes for which it is sought.
(k) The commissioner or designee shall grant the
application for access if he or she is satisfied that the requested access is
consistent with treatment programs, safety and, security, and shall impose such
conditions as are necessary, in his or her opinion, to ensure effectiveness of
treatment, safety and security, and minimal disruption of the order of the
facility.
(l) No visual or sound recordings shall be made
of any identifiable resident without the resident’s individual written consent.
(m) A tour shall be summarily terminated if the
person in charge of the facility or his or her representative believes that the
safety of NHDOC residents, staff, or visitors is in doubt, or if conditions of
the approval have been violated.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.06 Access to NHDOC Grounds for the Purpose of
Assembly.
(a) Individuals or groups seeking access to the
grounds, lands, or parking areas of any state correctional facility or
transitional housing unit operated by the NHDOC shall require written
authorization issued by the commissioner or his or her designee.
(b) Written requests for access shall contain the
following:
(1)
The name of the individual(s) requesting access to the grounds of the
NHDOC, as well as his or her organization if applicable;
(2)
The specific location and the time, date, and duration of the requested
access;
(3)
The purpose of the request for access, which shall include specific
information related to the purpose of the assembly, and any devices which will
be brought on NHDOC grounds which includes, but is not limited to disclosure of
the use of any signs, banners, audio video equipment such as megaphones or
public addressing equipment, computers, laptops, cellular devices, audio video
equipment, or photography equipment; and
(4)
Contact information for the individual(s) and the organization if
applicable.
(c) Written requests shall be mailed to:
State of New
Hampshire Department of Corrections
Office of the
Commissioner
P.O. Box 1806,
Concord, NH 03302
(d) Requests shall be responded to by the
commissioner or his or her designee within 10 business days following the
receipt of the request for access. The commissioner shall approve or deny the
request or ask for additional information, which includes, but is not limited
to, information explaining the scope of the requested access, additional
individual or organizational information or a completed “Prospective Visitor
Consent for Background Check Form” in accordance with Cor 305.15.
(e) Requests shall be granted unless it is
determined that the assembly would compromise the safety and security of the
facility, the residents, staff or the public.
(f) Individual(s) or organization(s) failing to
obtain written authorization from the commissioner or designee prior to
assembling will be considered in violation of RSA 635:2(III)(4), Criminal
Trespass.
(g) Individual(s) or organization(s) seeking
access for reasons other than assembly should apply for access as described
within Cor 305.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.07 Resident Access to Visitation Privileges.
(a) For residents seeking access to visitation, a
corrections counselor/case manager (CC/CM) shall review each resident’s NHDOC
Electronic Client Record (ECR) and documents within the Electronic Data Storage
Area (EDSA) to determine if the resident has a history of violent or sexual
crimes committed against children or adults.
(b) The CC/CM shall initiate the records review
by preparing a NHDOC “Resident Visitation Enrollment and Routing Form.”
(c) NHDOC staff shall provide the following
information on the NHDOC “Resident Visitation Enrollment and Routing Form” and
forward it to the next applicable staff location as follows:
(1)
The CC/CM shall provide the following:
a. The resident’s full legal name;
b. The resident’s NHDOC identification number;
c. The date the review was initiated;
d. The name of the CC/CM assigned to initiate
the review;
e. All current and previous applicable charges;
and
f. The CC/CM shall sign and date the form and
forward it to the victim services bureau of the NHDOC;
(2)
Upon receipt, the victim services bureau staff shall evaluate the
preliminary finding(s) and document on the NHDOC “Resident Visitation
Enrollment and Routing Form” the following:
a. That current and prior charges as well as any
indictments have been reviewed and documented;
b. That the pre-sentence investigation, if
applicable was reviewed;
c. That a review of notes prepared by NHDOC
probation and parole staff within the ECR was conducted, if applicable;
d. That notes within the ECR pertaining to
program completion, notes made by the Administrative Review Committee (ARC) as
defined in Cor 501.02, and probation conditions pertaining to contact with
minors have been reviewed, if applicable; and
e. That victim services staff have contacted
staff within the sexual offender treatment program and behavioral health units
if applicable;
(3)
Victim services staff shall then supply on the NHDOC “Resident
Visitation Enrollment and Routing Form” recommendations based on the data
contained within a resident’s ECR and information obtained from applicable
programming staff;
(4)
Victim services shall make one of the following recommendations:
a. Approve unchaperoned visits with minor
children;
b. Deny visits with minor children unless
accompanied by a trained/certified chaperone pursuant to Cor 305.16;
c. Deny visitation with minor children;
d. Approve unchaperoned visitation with a
vulnerable adult visitor;
e. Deny visits with an adult visitor unless
accompanied by a trained/certified chaperone pursuant to Cor 305.16;
f. Deny visitation with an adult visitor; or
g. No visitation restrictions shall be required
if no history of violent crimes against minors or adults exists.
(5)
A representative from victim services shall sign and date the NHDOC
“Resident Visitation Enrollment and Routing Form” and forward the signed form
to the warden, director or designee of the facility in which the resident
resides;
(6)
The warden, director or designee shall make the final decision based on
recommendations made by victim services staff and information obtained during
the record review pursuant to Cor 305.07;
(7)
To ensure the safety of visitors, residents, the public and staff, the
warden, director, or designee shall make one of the following determinations
based on information contained within the ECR; information considered shall
include, but not be limited to, criminal history, court documents, program
participation and completion, and resident conduct to include disciplinary
infractions. Information shall be provided by NHDOC staff which includes but is
not limited to CC/CM’s, victim services staff and probation and parole staff:
a. Approve unchaperoned visits with minor
children;
b. Deny visits with minor children unless
accompanied by a trained/certified chaperone pursuant to Cor 305.16;
c. Deny visitation with minor children;
d. Approve unchaperoned visits with a vulnerable
adult visitor;
e. Deny visits with a vulnerable adult visitor
unless accompanied by a trained/certified chaperone pursuant to Cor 305.16;
f. Deny visitation with a vulnerable adult
visitor;
g. No visitation restrictions shall be required
if no history of violent crimes against minors or adults exists.
(8)
The warden, director, or designee shall make additional notes relative
to the case as needed and document any restriction(s) or exception(s), which
may be unique to the resident and his or her individual case; and
(9)
The warden, director, or designee shall then sign and date the completed
form and forward the completed form to visitation room staff who shall enter
the NHDOC “Resident Visitation Enrollment and Routing Form” into the residents
ECR.
(d)
Resident access to official business visitors shall not be impacted by
statuses, which would preclude a resident from receiving regularly scheduled
visits.
(e)
Access to visitation shall be a privilege.
(f)
The following shall affect a resident’s eligibility to participate in
visitation:
(1) While a resident is in a quarantine status,
unless exigent circumstances exist which shall include, but not be limited to, death of a family member or a confirmable
family emergency, requests for authorization shall be made to the warden,
director, or designee of the facility in which the resident resides;
(2) The resident shall be required to be free of any bans on
visitation, which have been incurred as a result of disciplinary action taken
against the resident;
(3) The resident shall not be in disciplinary confinement to
cell (DCC) status as described within Cor 410.09;
(4) The resident shall not be on precautionary watches or in
pending administrative review (PAR) status; and
(5) Residents in PAR status or on
a precautionary watch shall be required to receive written approval from the warden, director or designee of the
facility prior to any visit.
(g) Residents who are placed in a DCC status
shall be eligible to receive official business visitors only, pursuant to Cor
305.10.
(h) It shall be the resident’s responsibility to
notify prospective visitors when he or she has been placed in a status, which
precludes him or her from receiving visits.
(i) C1, C2, and C3
residents shall be authorized a minimum of one visit weekly.
(j) C4 residents shall be authorized a minimum of
2 visits monthly.
(k) C5 residents shall be authorized a minimum of
one visit monthly.
(l) Women who reside at a NHDOC facility, who
have given birth while incarcerated, shall be authorized 2 additional visits
per week with the newborn, for a period not to exceed 8 months post-delivery.
(m) The visitor accompanying the newborn shall be
required to meet all eligibility criteria set forth within Cor 305.12.
(n) Visits shall be contingent upon the
facility’s ability to accommodate the visit.
(o) Visits from official business visitors shall
not be counted against the allotted number of authorized resident visits.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.08 Visitation Schedules.
(a) A visitation schedule shall be established
for each NHDOC facility.
(b) Visiting schedules shall be available on the
NHDOC web site, or shall be obtained through the visitation control rooms.
Additionally, schedules shall be posted electronically, or within each housing
unit in a location where residents shall have access.
(c) Attorneys may visit during the resident’s
regularly scheduled visiting times, or during an approved special visit as
described within Cor 305.10 (c)(3), regardless of the resident’s working shift.
(d) Clergy may visit on a resident’s regularly
scheduled visiting times, or during an approved special visit, coordinated
through the facilities warden’s office. Special visits shall be authorized if
exigent circumstances exist, requiring the immediate need of a visit outside a
resident’s regularly scheduled visit. Exigent circumstances shall include, but
not be limited to, verifiable family emergencies to include medical emergencies
of family members or death of a family member.
(e) Resident’s visitation times and days are
dependent upon his or her classification status and housing assignment within
each facility.
(f) Visitation schedules may be adjusted to
include cancelation or reduction of visitation hours should a facility
emergency arise.
(g) In the case of an emergency during visitation
hours all visitors shall be required to depart from prison grounds as directed
by security staff.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.09 Types of Visits.
(a) Contact visits, meaning that residents and
visitors are seated across from each other, or next to each other, shall be
conducted as follows:
(1) Seating
arrangements shall be directed by visit room staff at the time of the visit;
and
(2) Factors affecting the determination of
seating arrangements shall include, but not be limited to the following:
a. Seating availability within the visit room at
the time of the visit, and the number of visitors present;
b. Adherence to visitation rules during a visit;
c. Previous visitation rule infractions; and
d. Any circumstance, which could endanger the public,
resident, or staff, or jeopardize institutional order and security.
(b) Non-contact visits shall occur when:
(1)
Evidence exists that a contact
visit would enhance the likelihood of contraband being introduced;
(2)
There is a danger to the
resident, the public, or facility staff;
(3) Disciplinary sanctions are in
place for the resident, which stipulate non-contact visits;
(4) The location in which
the resident is housed can only support this type of visit; or
(5)
The department’s investigations bureau or the facility’s chief of
security has evidence from a credible source that a disruptive incident is likely to occur which would cause a
disruption, and jeopardize the safety of residents, the public, and facility
staff.
(c) Business visits shall occur when:
(1)
A resident has a verifiable need for this type of visit; and
(2)
The visiting representative has completed all applicable requirements as
set forth within Cor 305;
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.10 Official Business Visits.
(a)
Space shall be set aside for attorney visits that shall provide privacy
when attorney-client confidentially is required.
(b)
All attorneys visiting a resident shall be subject to the visitor
approval process pursuant to Cor 305.11, Cor 305.12, Cor 305.13, and Cor
305.14.
(c)
The following shall apply to all attorney visits:
(1)
Attorney visits shall occur during normal business hours;
(2)
Attorney visits shall be coordinated through the warden’s office at the
facility where the client resides;
(3)
If an attorney visit is requested outside of a NHDOC resident’s normal
visiting time, and the attorney can articulate why he or she cannot wait until
the resident’s regularly scheduled visit, the warden or designee shall approve
an exception and allow a visit, which shall be considered a “special visit;”
(4)
An attorney visit shall be made for the purpose of conducting legal
business and not for the purpose of social visitation;
(5) All attorneys
shall be subject to the same rules as regular visitors except as noted within
Cor 305.20(h);
(6)
Attorneys shall not be required
to be on the resident’s approved visitors list;
(7)
An attorney wishing to visit his or her client at a NHDOC facility shall
be required to complete and submit all applicable forms pursuant to Cor 305.13
and Cor 305.14 to be registered as a NHDOC business visitor;
(8)
No attorney visits shall be authorized prior to an attorney completing
all requisite paperwork, having a background check completed, and being granted
access to NHDOC facilities by the approving authority;
(9)
An attorney shall not switch from being an attorney to an active visitor
on a resident’s approved visitors list; and
(10)
Attorney visits shall not count toward the authorized allotment of
visits a resident is entitled.
(d)
Official business visits shall be with members of a governmental office
or post of authority, or representatives from non-profit organizations to
include individuals representing those offices.
(e)
The following shall apply to all official business visits:
(1)
All official business visits shall require the approval of the warden,
director or designee of the facility in which the visit shall take place, prior
to the visit occurring;
(2)
Official business visits shall not count toward the authorized allotment
of visits a resident is entitled;
(3)
All official business visitors shall be
subject to the visitor approval process pursuant to Cor 305.11, Cor 305.12, Cor
305.13 and Cor 305.14;
(4) The commissioner,
warden, director, or his or her designee shall authorize that the required
background investigation, pursuant to Cor 305.14 be waived for government
entities visiting for one time only; and,
(5) All official business visitors shall be subject
to the same rules and regulations as regular visitors except as noted within to
Cor 305.20(h).
(f) The following
procedures for official business visitors shall apply:
(1) All official business visitors shall enter
through the designated entrance at each facility;
(2) All official business visitors shall sign the
visitor’s log and shall be issued a visitor’s badge to be worn on the left
breast area of the outer garment;
(3) A picture identification for the official
business visitor and the name of the resident to be visited shall be provided
to the officer on duty; and
(4) A staff member shall escort all official
business visitors while inside the secure perimeter.
(g)
Visits shall be denied or restricted when:
(1) Security or safety is jeopardized by any
individual; or
(2)
If visitation by specific individual(s) would be
detrimental to the behavioral health interests of the resident involved as
determined and documented by behavioral health staff, or a treating medical
provider.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.11 Resident Approved Visitors Lists.
(a)
The chief administrator of each facility shall assure that a list of
individuals approved to visit each resident is maintained within the resident’s
ECR.
(b)
Prospective visitors shall complete and submit a “Visitor Registration
Form” pursuant to Cor 305.15.
(c)
Additionally, a “Prospective Visitor Consent for Background Check Form”
shall be completed and submitted pursuant to Cor 305.17.
(d)
A visitor shall not be listed on more than one approved visitors list of
any resident, unless he or she is a member of the immediate family of each
resident, as described within Cor 305.13(f).
(e)
There shall be no limit on the number of eligible members of a
resident’s immediate family who can be approved to visit.
(f)
For the purpose of (e) above, immediate family shall include:
(1)
Husband;
(2)
Wife;
(3)
Children, either natural, adoptive, or step;
(4)
Mother, either natural, adoptive, or step;
(5)
Father, either natural, adoptive, or step;
(6)
Grandparents, either natural, adoptive, or step;
(7)
Brothers, either natural, adoptive, or step;
(8)
Sisters, either natural, adoptive, or step;
(9)
Aunts;
(10)
Uncles;
(11)
Brother’s spouse;
(12)
Sister’s spouse;
(13)
Legal civil union partners; and
(14)
Grandchildren.
(g)
An additional 20 eligible visitors, who are not immediate family, may be
added to a resident’s approved visitors list.
(h)
Residents may submit a request utilizing a “Request Slip Form” pursuant
to Cor 312, to remove individuals from his or her approved visitors list to
ensure space is available for new eligible visitors to be added.
(i) Any visitor removed from one resident’s
approved visitors list may not be placed on a different resident’s approved
visitors list for a period of one year from the date of removal, unless the
approved visitor is a family member as described within Cor 305.13(f).
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.12 Eligibility for Access to Correctional
Facilities for the Purpose of Resident Visitation.
(a)
For prospective visitors whose “Prospective Visitor Consent For
Background Check Form” as described
within Cor 305.15 reveals an individual to have a criminal record shall not be
eligible to attend visits as follows:
(1)
Prospective visitors with criminal records involving felony drug
offenses within the last 5 years from the date of conviction shall not be
allowed to visit;
(2)
Prospective visitors with criminal records involving a drug offense
violation within the last 5 years from the date of conviction shall not be
allowed to visit;
(3)
Prospective visitors with pending drug related offenses shall not be
allowed to visit;
(4)
Prospective visitors with a criminal history that resulted in
confinement to a correctional facility for any offense shall not be allowed to
visit for 5 years of the date of the release from confinement regardless of the
duration of the confinement;
(5)
Prospective visitors with any criminal record for non-drug related
offenses within one year from the date of the most recent criminal conviction
shall not be permitted to visit; and
(6)
Prospective visitors who are actively on probation or parole shall not
be granted visiting privileges without the written recommendation of the
supervising probation or parole officer and the written approval of the warden
of the facility as follows:
a. Consideration shall be given for immediate
family members only;
b. The prospective visitor may request
permission in writing to the probation/parole officer assigned and the warden,
director or designee of the facility, which houses the resident intended to be
visited;
c. Approval shall be granted if it will support
and promote the goal of reintegrating the resident back into the community; and
d. Approval shall be given unless the assigned
PPO or warden, director or designee can articulate a reason not to grant the
approval, such as the approval would jeopardize the safety of the resident, the
public, or facility staff, or put institutional security at risk.
(b) Exceptions for individuals who are not
actively on probation or parole, and have been deemed ineligible based on the
criteria stated above within Cor 305.12(a)(1)-(5) shall be granted if they
support and promote the goal of reintegrating the resident back into the
community.
(c)
Prospective visitors who do not meet the specific visitation criteria
may request an exception by submitting a written appeal to the warden, director
or designee of the facility in which the resident resides.
(d)
The warden, director, or designee shall review all requests for
exceptions.
(e)
The warden, director, or designee shall grant exceptions based on
information that has been collected and verified as described within (1)-(9)
below, and will promote a successful transition from confinement to society as
described within Cor 305.12(a)(6)c, above;
(1)
The prospective visitor’s relationship to the resident;
(2)
The length of time since a disqualifying offense occurred;
(3)
The prospective visitor’s criminal history as determined by a criminal
background check as described within Cor 305.15;
(4)
Input received from the assigned probation and parole officer, if
applicable;
(5)
The resident’s disciplinary history, if applicable;
(6)
The resident’s program compliance and completions, if applicable;
(7)
The resident’s current classification status;
(8)
The reason the request has been made; and
(9)
Any other pertinent facts which the warden, director or designee deems
relevant to the specific case.
(f)
Exceptions shall be granted by the warden, director or designee on a
case by case basis, and all considerations for exceptions shall be determined
utilizing the information provided as described within Cor 305.12(e)(1)-(9).
(g)
A written explanation of the decision by the warden, director or
designee shall be made within 30 days from the date in which the exception
request was made.
(h)
Current or former employees of the NHDOC or any other confinement
facility shall be authorized to visit incarcerated immediate family members
upon written request and approval by the warden, director, or designee of the
institution housing the resident, unless the individual requesting visitation
would be deemed ineligible for visitation pursuant to Cor 305.
(i) Exceptions as described within Cor 305.12
shall be revoked should any information obtained be false or misleading, or the
conditions for which an exception has been granted change, which shall include
but not be limited to, negative police interactions with or arrests of the
visitor, the resident being visited has a status change or safety and security
are jeopardized as a result of the previously granted exception.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.13 “Visitor Registration Form”.
(a)
Each prospective visitor shall complete and submit a “Visitor Registration
Form” to be considered for eligibility for access to a correctional facility
for the purpose of visiting a resident.
(b)
The prospective visitor shall supply on the “Visitor Registration Form”
the following:
(1)
His or her title and full legal name;
(2)
His or her gender;
(3)
His or her mailing address;
(4)
The type of government issued identification he or she shall use when
entering a NHDOC facility;
(5)
The photo identification identifier number;
(6)
The photo identification issuing authority or jurisdiction;
(7)
Answers to the following questions and provide explanation for answers
that are affirmative:
a. Have you ever been convicted of any crime(s);
b. Are you subject to any orders of the court or
other judicial authority;
c. Have you ever been incarcerated, or on
probation or parole in the past 5 years;
d. Are you currently under charges for any
violation of law;
e. Do you have a family member(s) in the custody
of the NHDOC;
f. Do you have any household resident(s) under
the supervision of the NHDOC;
g. Have you been on any resident’s visiting list
in the past 1-year; and
h. Have you ever corresponded with, or received
phone calls from, any NHDOC resident.
(8)
An indication whether he or she is a United States (US) citizen;
(9)
If the prospective visitor is a US resident, he or she may provide his
or her social security number in order to ensure accurate and timely
processing;
(10)
If the prospective visitor is not a US resident, he or she shall provide
his or her immigrant registration identification number;
(11)
His or her passport number if applicable;
(12)
His or her place of birth;
(13)
His or her date of birth;
(14)
All additional names he or she is known by if applicable;
(15)
Any previous addresses used in the past 5 years if applicable;
(16)
His or her driver’s license number if applicable;
(17)
The state from which his or her
license was issued; and
(18)
His or her signature and the date signed.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.14 “Official Business Visitor Registration
Form”.
(a)
Any individual visiting a facility in the capacity of an official
business visit as described within Cor 305.11 shall complete and submit the
“Official business visitor Registration Form”.
(b)
All official business visitors shall supply on the “Official business
visitor Registration Form” the following:
(1)
Official business visitors who are attorneys shall supply in section 1
the following information:
a. The telephone number to the firm being
represented;
b. The name of the firm being represented;
c. The address of the firm being represented;
d. The visiting attorney’s New Hampshire bar
association identification number;
e. The name of the resident who shall be represented,
as well as the resident’s NHDOC identification number; and
f. His or her signature and date signed
affirming all information supplied is true and accurate;
(2)
Official business visitors who are clergy or an official religious
delegate shall supply in section 2 the following information:
a. A telephone number for the organization being
represented;
b. The name of the organization being
represented;
c. The address of the organization being
represented;
d. The name of the resident being visited, as
well as the resident’s NHDOC identification number; and
e. The visiting clergy member or religious
delegate shall sign and date acknowledging he or she has read and agrees to the
disclaimer within section 2 which reads as follows:
“The privilege of
spiritual care visitation is limited to the visiting room only for individual
resident contact during established visitation schedule at state correctional
facilities. Clergy applicants, or designated representatives of a faith
community, must attach a letter from affiliated ecclesiastic authority
specifying an endorsement of religious qualification, preparation, experience
and competence for spiritual care and pastoral counseling of criminal
offender(s). Do not complete this form
if you intend a voluntary ministry to multiple residents through group
religious study, corporate worship, or other temporal activity with
residents. Obtain and submit a citizen
involvement application and attend an orientation for approval as an authorized
volunteer. A person shall not be designated as both an official business
visitor and an authorized volunteer by the NHDOC.”
(3)
Official business visitors who are a government or inter-agency official
shall supply in section 3 the following information:
a. The telephone number to the agency being
represented;
b. The name of the agency being represented;
c. The function or purpose of the visit;
d. The name of the resident who shall be
represented, as well as the resident’s NHDOC identification number; and
e. His or her signature and date signed
affirming all information supplied is true and accurate; and
(4)
Official business visitors who are a social services organization
representative shall supply in section 4 the following information:
a. A telephone number for the organization being
represented;
b. The name of the non-profit or social services
organization;
c. The name and title of the head administrator
of the organization being represented;
d. The address of the organization being
represented;
e. The agency’s mission or purpose;
f. The name of the resident being visited, as well as the resident’s
NHDOC identification number;
g. The anticipated benefit to the NHDOC resident
being visited; and
h. His or her signature and date signed
affirming all information supplied is true and accurate.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.15 “Prospective Visitor Consent For
Background Check Form”.
(a)
A prospective visitor of a resident shall supply on the “Prospective
Visitor Consent For Background Check Form” the following information:
(1)
The name of the resident to be visited;
(2)
The resident’s identification number;
(3)
His or her first name, last name, and middle initial, to include any
alias;
(4)
His or her address;
(5)
His or her date of birth;
(6)
His or her hair color;
(7)
His or her eye color;
(8)
His or her gender;
(9)
Whether the prospective visitor is currently under probation or parole
supervision, and why if applicable;
(10)
His or her driver license number and issuing state; and
(11)
Whether the prospective visitor is a victim of the resident to be
visited.
(b)
The prospective visitor shall:
(1)
Sign and date the form in front of a notary public;
(2)
Have the form notarized; and
(3)
Deliver the form to the respective correctional facility care of the
facility’s visiting room.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.16 Chaperone Certification For Adults
Accompanying Minors.
(a)
Residents identified as requiring chaperoned visitation with minor
children shall not be authorized to visit with minor children unless the adult
accompanying a minor child has successfully completed the NHDOC chaperone
safeguard training program.
(b)
To qualify for chaperone safeguard training at a NHDOC facility,
prospective chaperones shall meet all requirements for visitation pursuant to
this rule and be placed on the approved visitors list of the resident with whom
the visit shall take place, prior to enrollment in the chaperone safeguard
training program. This shall include out of state visitors who have been
granted permission for a special visit.
(c)
Individuals who have completed chaperone training programs and submitted
chaperone certifications from community-based programs prior to December 31, 2019 shall not be required to attend the NHDOC chaperone
safeguard training program.
(d)
Information regarding the NHDOC chaperone safeguard training program
offered within NHDOC locations may be obtained by contacting the NHDOC bureau
of victim services.
(e)
The bureau of victim services may be reached by calling (603) 271-7351,
or (603) 271-4979 to inquire about upcoming training schedules. Information regarding chaperone safeguard
training programs which shall include but not be limited to scheduling,
cancellations, and upcoming locations shall also be located on the NHDOC web
page https://www.nh.gov/nhdoc/policies/index.html .
(f)
The NHDOC shall provide chaperone safeguard training to individuals free
of charge.
(g)
Program schedules and locations shall be determined based on demand, and
shall be subject to change.
(h)
Individuals attending the NHDOC chaperone safeguard training program
shall be required to complete the following prior to enrollment:
(1)
The prospective chaperone shall complete and submit all requisite
information required to determine eligibility for placement on a resident’s
approved visitors list pursuant to Cor 305.12 and Cor 305.13;
(2)
The prospective chaperone shall complete and submit the NHDOC “Chaperone
Safeguard Training Application” at a minimum 14 days prior to a scheduled
program date, by providing the following information;
a. His or her printed name;
b. The date in which the application has been
completed;
c. His or her date of birth;
d. His or her current mailing address;
e. His or her telephone number(s); and
f. An e-mail address if applicable;
(3)
The prospective chaperone shall answer the following questions on the
“Safeguard Training Application”;
a. What is your relationship to the resident;
b. How long have you known the resident;
c. What have you been told about the resident’s
crime(s);
d. Do you believe that the resident is guilty of
these crime(s);
e. How do you feel about the resident’s
crime(s);
f. Do you understand why you have been referred
to complete the NHDOC Safeguard Training prior to bringing minor children into
the NHDOC Visiting Room to visit with the resident;
g. Can you tell us about any strengths that you
have that will be helpful in being a chaperone for visitation between the
resident and the child/vulnerable adult; and
h. Can you tell us about any weaknesses or
vulnerabilities that you believe you have that could prevent you from being an
appropriate chaperone;
(4)
The prospective chaperone shall sign and date the completed application
acknowledging the included NHDOC disclaimer and certifying all information
supplied is factual; and
(5)
The NHDOC disclaimer which appears within the “Safeguard Training
Application” shall read as follows and shall include a signature, as stated
below:
“If you are not
currently an approved visitor, complete and submit all required forms to the
NHDOC in accordance with NH Admin Rule Cor 305 to become approved. Upon receipt
of the safeguard training application, it shall be reviewed by the victim
services staff for completeness and review of responses to all questions within
the application. If information within the application requires further
explanation, a staff member from the bureau of victim services shall contact
the applicant for clarification. All applicants shall receive a letter stating
whether they have been approved or denied entrance into the chaperone safeguard
training program.”
a. “Applications shall be denied if applicants
are not on a residents’ approved visitors list, or responses to provided
application questions depict an individual whom is
unwilling or unable to be an effective chaperone, thus disqualify the
applicant.”
b. “Upon approval, the applicant shall be added
to a chaperone safeguard training roster and provided notification of the
training date, time and location.”
c. “By signing below you are affirming that you
have completed the application and all information provided is factual.”
d. Completed forms shall be mailed to the “State of New Hampshire Department of Corrections, Office of the
Commissioner, attention
Program Information Officer, P.O. Box 1806,
Concord, NH 03302.”
e. Upon approval into the NHDOC chaperone
safeguard training program, prospective chaperones shall be added to a
chaperone safeguard training roster and provided notification of the training
date, time, and location.
f. Following
successful completion of the safeguard training, certification shall be entered
into the client ECR, and chaperoned visits may commence.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.17 Minor Children Attending Visits.
(a)
Children under 18 shall not be permitted to visit unless accompanied by
an adult who shall be a family member, guardian, or other person designated as the responsible adult on a “Permission for Minor Children to Visit a Resident of the NHDOC
Form”.
(b) The parent, guardian or responsible adult of
the minor child shall complete and submit the "Permission for Minor
Children to Visit a Resident of the NH DOC Form” demonstrating in writing that the
minor has permission to visit a NHDOC facility.
(c)
The adult responsible for the minor child shall provide on the “Permission for Minor Children to Visit a Resident of the NHDOC Form”
the following:
(1)
The date;
(2)
The printed name of the parent, guardian, or responsible adult;
(3)
The parent, guardian, or responsible adult’s relationship to the minor
child;
(4)
The parent, guardian, or responsible adult’s signature;
(5)
The full name of each minor child authorized to visit;
(6)
The date of birth for each minor child listed;
(7)
The resident’s name which visits shall take place with;
(8)
The resident’s identification number;
(9)
The printed name of the individual(s) authorized to escort the minor(s)
into NHDOC facilities;
(10)
The date of birth of the individual(s) authorized to escort the
minor(s); and
(11)
A selection shall be made stating the approved period of time which permission shall be granted for:
a. One day only, and the date the visit shall
take place on; or
b. An inclusive date, which shall not exceed one
year, and the date ranges for which authorization has been granted.
(d)
The parent, guardian, or responsible adult shall have the form
notarized.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.18 Caring for Infants and
Breastfeeding/Nursing During Visits.
(a)
In accordance with RSA 132:10-d, a woman shall be allowed to breastfeed
her child on state correctional facility property, provided the woman and the
child are authorized to be on state correctional facility property.
(b)
Breastfeeding shall be authorized in NHDOC visiting rooms.
(c)
The following shall apply to mothers who are breastfeeding in a NHDOC
visiting room: The female visitor, shall at a minimum, utilize a nursing scarf,
nursing cover, breastfeeding shawl or similar item to drape her infant and
chest while breastfeeding/nursing, so there shall be a minimal chance of a
breast being exposed.
(d)
In instances where guidelines are not followed and the breastfeeding
becomes disruptive, or conduct, which is prohibited within Cor 305, occurs, the
visit shall be terminated.
(e)
Applicable penalties shall be enforced according to NH state law, and
NHDOC administrative rules.
(f)
Mothers caring for infants shall be authorized to carry into the
visitation room the following items:
(1)
Quantity 2 empty, clear baby bottles per child;
(2)
Quantity one factory sealed package of formula per child;
(3)
Quantity 3 loose diapers, per child;
(4)
A clear package of loose baby wipes; and
(5)
For mothers that are nursing, a nursing scarf, nursing cover,
breastfeeding shawl or similar item for privacy.
(g)
All items noted above shall be subject to search in accordance with Cor
306.03.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.19 Visitation Procedures.
(a)
All visits shall be conducted within the visit room at the facility in
which the resident resides.
(b)
Each facility shall post a visitation schedule, which shall be
accessible to the public and residents.
(c)
Visit schedules shall be subject to change without warning.
(d)
Visitors shall not visit residents who are hospitalized in the community
without authorization of the warden, division director or designee of the
facility in which the resident resides.
(e)
Adult visitors shall establish their identity by presenting a
photographic identification document, current or expired, issued by a federal,
state, or territorial government agency such as a non-driver ID, driver’s
license, military identification card, passport issued by any country, or
similar document.
(f)
Each visitor shall personally surrender this identification document to
the security officer prior to entry into the facility for visiting and shall
personally recover the identification document from the officer upon departure
from the facility.
(g)
Children under 18 shall be required to present a valid photographic
identification card, current or expired, or a valid original birth certificate
to visit.
(h)
Individuals on prison grounds shall be
subject to search pursuant to Cor 306.01 and Cor 306.03.
(i) All visitors shall consent to a search of
their persons, possessions, and vehicle, if the vehicle is on departmental
property, pursuant to RSA 622:6-a, or remove themselves from departmental
property.
(j)
Bandages, dressings, casts, or other medical devices shall be searched
in accordance with Cor 306.03 to the extent possible. Staff conducting the
search shall exercise care to be sure that they do not aggravate any injury,
contaminate any wound, or damage the coverings.
(k)
Visitors who do not comply with lawful searches shall not be allowed to
attend future visits without approval of the warden, director or designee.
(l)
Visitors shall not introduce anywhere on or within departmental
property, any items identified as contraband pursuant to Cor 306.01.
(m)
Visitors shall not introduce items not authorized within the secure
confines of a facility. Such items shall be secured in their vehicles or in the
small lockers provided outside the visiting room prior to visiting.
(n)
Visitors found to possess contraband, contrary to law, shall be reported
to law enforcement authorities for possible prosecution in accordance with RSA 622:24 and RSA 622:25 and shall be barred
from entry in accordance with Cor 305.25.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.20 Visit Room Rules.
(a)
Each visitor shall obey the orders and instructions furnished by the
facility staff. Failure to do so shall result in termination of the visit and
possible debarment pursuant to Cor 305.25.
(b)
Each visitor shall conform to all rules pertaining to visitation within
NHDOC facilities as follows:
(1)
No visitor shall give, convey, or leave any item or thing to any
resident without advanced approval of the warden, director or his or her
designee at the facility, which is being visited;
(2)
Displays of affection such as hugging and embracing shall be limited to
a duration of 3 seconds or less at the beginning and end of visits;
(3)
No bodily contact, except for handholding, in sight of the correctional
staff observing the visit, shall be permitted during visiting for visitors
above the age of 16;
(4)
Minor children 5 years of age or younger may be held by the resident in
his or her lap or arms;
(5)
Abusive, obscene, or vulgar language shall not be used on the facility
grounds;
(6)
Small children shall be restrained from disruptive behavior by the
visitor responsible for them;
(7)
Disruptive behavior on the part of adults or children shall result in
the termination of the visit; and
(8)
Refusal to follow instructions of the person(s) in charge of visiting
shall result in the termination of the visit.
(c)
Each visitor shall conform to the rules regarding a visitor’s attire
while visiting in the facility.
(d)
The following clothing shall not be authorized for wear in a NHDOC
visiting room:
(1)
Jackets, coats, or outer sweaters;
(2)
Garments that expose breasts, midriff, upper thighs, buttocks, or
genitalia;
(3)
See-through clothing of any kind;
(4)
Low-cut sweaters, blouses, and shirts that expose any level of cleavage
or breast, tank tops, halter tops, or tube tops;
(5)
Skirts or dresses, with slits longer than 4-inches or shorts with slits;
(6)
Skirts, dresses or shorts that are 2 inches or more above the knee when
standing;
(7)
Blouses or shirts that are too short to tuck-in or that expose the
midriff;
(8)
Tight-fitting athletic-type clothing;
(9)
Long or short legged spandex outerwear, stirrup, sweat, yoga, or swish
pants;
(10)
Hats, headbands, or hooded clothing;
(11)
Zippered shirts to include all shirts, sweaters, or long-sleeve t-shirts
that have any type of zipper;
(12)
Outdoor jackets to include, but not be limited to, pullover style
jackets, sport coats, and suit coats;
(13)
Shawls, scarves, wraps or loose open over shirts;
(14)
Clothing with holes, rips, or tears;
(15)
Clothing with pockets removed or altered to allow access beneath the
garment;
(16)
Sleeveless garments;
(17)
Farmer style overalls;
(18)
Any clothing that could be mistaken for inmate clothing;
(19)
Military clothing to include actual uniforms and look-alikes;
(20)
Clothing which closely resembles correctional officer uniforms or other
law-enforcement officials;
(21)
Nursing uniforms to include scrubs;
(22)
Metal hair ornaments; or
(23)
Clothing which displays security threat group affiliation or culture,
clothing that is obscene, racist, or displays sexual content, alcohol, or
drugs.
(e)
The only jewelry or adornment visitors shall be permitted to wear into
the visiting areas is a wedding ring set; one religious necklace pendant,
medical alert badges, and dermal jewelry implants that cannot be removed by the
visitor.
(f)
Religious articles of clothing, which shall include but not be limited
to, face veils, head dresses, hats, or other garments shall be authorized but
subject to search pursuant to Cor 305.21.
(g)
Children under 10 years of age shall be allowed to visit wearing shorts,
skirts, or dresses shorter than mid-thigh, rompers, and sleeveless shirts;
(h)
Official business visitors shall be allowed access to NHDOC facilities
wearing a:
(1)
Suit, sport-coat, or blazer;
(2)
Jacket that is part of the individual’s outfit, but does not include a
jacket, or coat specifically for outdoor wear;
(3)
Sweater which may also be worn under a jacket, suit, sport-coat, or
blazer;
(4)
Skirt or dress with slits intended solely for freedom of movement, or
dress-pant;
(5)
Sleeveless blouses worn under a jacket, suit, sport-coat, or blazer.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.21 Religious Attire.
(a) Individuals on
prison grounds wearing religious headwear shall allow an officer to perform a
security screening of the individual and their headwear and/or facial covering
as follows:
(1)
For routine security screening and identification purposes, a visitor
shall be required to temporarily remove their religious headwear, including a
facial covering, before being admitted into the visiting room;
(2)
The staff member assigned to complete this task shall be of the same
gender as the visitor;
(3)
A resident shall notify staff that a visitor wearing religious headwear
or a facial covering shall be arriving to visit with them at least 48 hours
prior to the visiting time to allow staff to arrange for a staff member of the
same gender to be present for the security screening;
(4)
The removal of the religious headwear or facial covering shall be
completed in a private area to prevent the visitor from being seen by other
visitors and staff when he or she is removing his or her religious headwear or
facial covering;
(5)
While the visitor is holding his or her headwear or facial covering, the
staff member shall visually inspect the headwear and/or facial covering without
touching the items;
(6)
If no contraband or suspected contraband is detected by the staff
member, the visitor shall be permitted to place their religious headwear or
facial covering back on their person and return to the visitor processing area;
(7)
The visitor shall complete the security screening process before
entering the visiting room, which shall include one or more security screenings
and inspections that might incorporate the use of electronic devices, visual
searches, pat searches, or search by
canine;
(8)
The visitor shall be allowed to wear his or her religious headwear to
include facial coverings in the visiting room after successfully completing the
visitor screening and identification process;
(9)
If the staff believe it is necessary for security reasons to verify the
identity of the visitor wearing religious headwear or a facial covering before
the visitor departs from the institution, staff shall follow the same procedure
outlined in Cor 305.18;
(10)
In the event that the assigned staff member observes contraband or
suspected contraband during their visual inspection of the visitor’s religious
headwear or facial covering, the staff member shall take possession of the
contraband or suspected contraband item(s) and immediately notify the shift
commander;
(11)
The visitor shall remain in the private area, under direct supervision,
in the location of the visual inspection, while NHDOC records and processes the
contraband. The action taken by the NHDOC staff shall include inter alia,
seeking assistance from state or local law enforcement, contacting NHDOC investigations unit or the visitor is allowed to
leave NHDOC property and face debarment as described within Cor 305.25. Action
taken by NHDOC staff shall be executed in accordance with Cor 304, Cor 306.01, Cor
306.03 as well as NHDOC PPD 357 and PPD 358.
(12)
The shift commander shall notify the warden, director, or designee whenever
contraband or suspected contraband is detected in the possession of a visitor
attempting to enter the prison facility.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.22 Visitors With Service Animals.
(a)
A visitor who is otherwise allowed to visit, and who has a disability,
and is using a service animal to perform work or tasks related
to the visitor’s disability shall be allowed to bring the service animal while
on the visit. Access shall be granted provided performance of the work or tasks
might be needed traveling to and from the visit or during the visit.
(b)
“Service animal” means an animal that has been individually trained to
do work or perform tasks for an individual with a
disability. The work or task(s)
performed by the animal shall be directly related to the person's disability.
Examples of such work or tasks shall include, but are not limited to, assisting
a person who is totally or partially blind with navigation. Other examples
shall include, but not be limited to, alerting a person who is deaf or hard of
hearing to the presence of people or sounds, pulling a wheelchair, assisting a
person during a seizure, and providing physical support and assistance with
balance and stability to a person with a mobility disability.
(c)
An animal whose primary purpose is to deter crime or to provide
emotional support, comfort, well-being or companionship shall not qualify as a
service animal for purposes of this rule.
(d)
In determining whether an animal is a service animal, facility staff may
ask the visitor if the animal is required because of the visitor’s disability
and what work or task the animal is trained to perform, unless this information
is readily apparent, such as a guide animal leading a person whose sight is
impaired. Staff shall not demand proof or documentation of the visitor’s
disability or certification that the service animal is trained, although the
visitor may provide these voluntarily.
(e)
On the first occasion, when a visitor brings a
service animal to a visit, prior to allowing the service animal to be admitted
to the visit, staff shall require the visitor to sign the “Acknowledgement for
Visitors with Service Animals Form”, pursuant to Cor 305.23.
(f)
Completion of this form shall acknowledge that the visitor
is liable for all injuries or property damage caused by the service animal
while on facility property.
(g)
The signed form shall be maintained in the
electronic data storage area (EDSA) system and an entry shall be made in the
resident’s electronic client record (ECR) noting that the visitor is authorized
to bring a service animal to visits.
(h)
If the visitor refuses to sign the form, unless there is another reason
to not allow the visit, the visitor shall be given the opportunity to visit
without the animal, provided that the animal is removed from facility property.
(i) A service animal shall be
excluded from entering or removed from the facility if the animal:
(1)
Is out of control and the visitor does not take effective action to
control it;
(2)
Is aggressive toward or interferes with staff, other visitors,
residents, other persons, or other animals;
(3)
Is not housebroken; or
(4)
Its behavior otherwise presents a risk of injury or property damage.
(j)
A service animal shall also be excluded from entering the facility based
on a past incident of behavior at the facility or
another facility that presented a risk of injury or property damage.
(k)
A determination to remove or exclude a service animal shall be made on
an individualized basis and not on assumptions about
the animal’s behavior or propensities based on its breed or size.
(l)
If an animal is excluded before a visit begins, either because it is not
a service animal or because of its behavior, unless there is another reason to
not allow the visit, the visitor shall be given the opportunity to visit
without the animal, provided that the animal is removed from facility property.
(m)
If a service animal is removed during a visit,
the visitor shall be required to leave with the service animal and shall not be
authorized to return to complete the visit.
(n)
Neither a service animal nor any animal claimed to be a service animal
shall be permitted to be left unattended in a vehicle on facility property
under any circumstances.
(o)
If an animal is excluded or removed from a
facility, it shall not be allowed in the facility again unless the visitor
requests in writing to the warden, director or designee, for the animal to be
allowed. An entry shall be made in the ECR noting that the animal is not
allowed unless the warden, director or designee, grants a request to allow the
animal.
(p)
If the visitor claims that it was wrongly determined that an animal is
not a service animal, the warden, director, or designee shall consult with the
department’s representative in the attorney general’s office prior to making a
decision on the request.
(q)
A service animal authorized entry into a facility during a visit, shall
be on a leash, harness, or tether at all times while on
facility property, unless this would interfere with the tasks it performs, in
which case it shall be under voice control of the visitor.
(r)
Facility staff shall not provide care for a visitor’s service animal.
The visitor shall not bring in food, water, or medication for the service
animal. The service animal shall not transport carrying bags or other
containers or other property unless necessary to the work or task it performs
for the visitor.
(s)
A service animal on its leash, harness, tether,
vest, or other items shall be required to pass all security searches applicable
to visitors. A visitor with a service animal may be separated briefly from the
service animal to allow for a search by a local, state police, or NHDOC canine
unit.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.23 “Acknowledgement for Visitors with Service
Animals Form”.
(a)
Individuals attending visits with a service animal shall be required to
complete and submit an “Acknowledgement for Visitors with Service Animals
Form”.
(b)
Forms shall be completed and submitted prior to
a service animal being granted access to a NHDOC facility.
(c)
A prospective visitor who is accompanied by a service animal shall
provide on the “Acknowledgement for Visitors with Service Animals
Form” the following:
(1)
His or her printed name;
(2)
The type of work the service animal is trained to perform for the
visitor; and
(3)
The signature of the individual who is being accompanied by a service
animal indicating that the individual has read and agrees to all the terms
within the “Acknowledgement for Visitors with Service Animals Form” which are
listed below:
a. “I acknowledge that my service animal is
required to be on a leash, tether or harness at all times while on facility
property, unless this would interfere with the tasks the animal performs, in
which case the animal must be under my voice control.”
b. “I acknowledge that my service animal may be
excluded from entering or may be removed from the facility if it:
1. Is out of control and I do not take effective
action to control it;
2. Presents as
aggressive or interferes with staff,
other visitors, prisoners, other persons, or other animals;
3. Is not housebroken; or
4. Its behavior otherwise presents a risk of injury or
property damage.”
c. “I also acknowledge that my service animal
may be excluded from entering the facility based on a past incident of behavior
at this facility or another facility that presented a risk of injury or
property damage.”
d. “I acknowledge that if my service animal is
excluded before a visit begins, I may visit without the animal provided that
the animal is removed from facility property. I also acknowledge that if my
service animal is removed during a visit, I shall be required to leave with the
service animal and I will not be authorized to return to complete the visit.”
e. “I acknowledge that if my service animal is
excluded or removed from the facility, it will not be allowed in the facility
again unless I apply in writing to the facility’s warden, director or designee,
for the service animal to be allowed.
The warden, director or designee, in his or her complete discretion;
will decide whether the service animal may be admitted to the facility in the
future.”
f. “I acknowledge that I will be liable for all
injuries or property damage caused by my service animal while on facility
property.”
g. “I acknowledge that I must comply with the
requirements of NH Admin Rule Cor 305, Access Of
Visitors To Facilities Of The Department Of Corrections and the
instructions of staff.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.24 Facilities Within the Division of
Community Corrections.
(a)
In addition to the following, all rules established within Cor 305 shall
apply at all facilities within the division of community corrections.
(b)
Transitional Work Center (TWC) and Transitional Housing Unit (THU)
residents shall be authorized to have visits with approved visitors as outlined
within the community corrections resident handbook.
(c)
Visits shall not interfere with work, meetings, programming or house job
responsibilities.
(d)
TWC and THU residents, who, while residing in the prison, have had their
visiting privileges suspended, shall have their visiting privileges reinstated
while residing at the TWC or a THU.
(e)
This exception shall only be in effect only while the resident is
residing at the TWC or a THU.
(f)
Any previously suspended restrictions shall be reinstated if a resident
is returned to a secure facility.
(g)
Additional guidelines and site-specific details that shall apply to
facilities within the division of community corrections shall be detailed
within the resident handbook for the community corrections facility in which a
resident is assigned.
(h)
Questions, comments, or concerns related to visiting procedures at NHDOC
community corrections facilities shall be addressed to the director of
community corrections or his or her designee.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.25 Debarment from Departmental Facilities. Visitors or others who fail to follow the
rules pertaining to NHDOC facilities or areas shall be barred from re-entry
thereon by the commissioner, or person in charge of the facility or their
agent, by notifying them in person or in writing of the debarment, the reasons
therefore, and the duration of the debarment.
Persons found to be in violation of the debarment order shall be
reported to law enforcement authorities for possible prosecution under the
provisions of RSA 635:2, or other appropriate statutes. All debarred persons shall have the right of
appeal to the applicable warden, director or designee.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 305.26 Permission to Re-Enter. Persons desiring to re-enter NHDOC
facilities, once being removed or debarred, shall not re-enter said facilities
without requesting of the commissioner of corrections or the commissioner’s
designee to have the person’s visiting privileges restored. The commissioner or designee shall render a
written decision based on an assessment of future risks, rehabilitative needs
of the resident, and security of the institution.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
PART Cor 306 CONTROL OF CONTRABAND ON DEPARTMENTAL
PROPERTY
Cor 306.01 Contraband.
(a)
Items identified as contraband shall fall into 2 general categories:
(1)
Items not allowed anywhere on departmental property; and
(2)
Items not allowed inside departmental facilities that must be secured
either in a visitor’s vehicle or within a locker available in a visitor
reception area.
(b)
Contraband items not allowed anywhere on departmental property shall
consist of the following:
(1)
Any substance or item whose possession is unlawful for the person or the
general public possessing it;
(2)
Any explosive device, bomb, grenade, dynamite or dynamite cap, or
detonating device including primers, primer cord, explosive powder, or similar
items, or simulations of these items; and
(3) Lock-picking kits or tools or
instructions on picking locks, making keys, or making surreptitious entry or
exit.
(c)
Neither visitors from the general public nor department employees shall
be permitted to have in their possession items not allowed anywhere on
departmental property.
(d)
Contraband not allowed inside departmental facilities shall include the
following:
(1)
Any firearm, simulated firearm, or device designed to propel or guide a
projectile against a person, animal, or target;
(2) Any bullets, cartridges, projectiles,
or similar items designed to be projected against a person, animal, or target;
(3)
Any drug item, whether medically prescribed or not, in excess of a
one-day supply or in such quantities that a person would suffer intoxication or
illness if the entire available quantity were consumed alone or in combination
with other available substances;
(4)
Any intoxicating beverages;
(5)
Knives and knife-like weapons;
(6)
Clubs and club-like weapons;
(7) Maps of the prison vicinity or
sketches or drawings or pictorial representations of the facilities, its
grounds, or its vicinity;
(8)
Sums of money or negotiable instruments in excess of $100;
(9)
Pornography or pictures of visitors or prospective visitors undressed;
(10)
Radios capable of monitoring or transmitting on the police band in the
possession of other than law enforcement officials;
(11)
Identification documents, licenses, and credentials not in the
possession of the person to whom properly issued;
(12)
Ropes, saws, grappling hooks, fishing line, masks, artificial beards or
mustaches, cutting wheels, or string, rope, or line impregnated with cutting
material, or similar items to facilitate escapes;
(13)
Balloons, condoms, false-bottomed containers, or other containers which
could be used to facilitate transfer of contraband;
(14)
Tobacco products, except those secured in a visitor’s locked vehicle;
and
(15)
Cellphones not issued by or approved in writing by the department.
(e)
Contractors and vendors that can demonstrate a need shall obtain
approval to bring cellphones into a facility by petitioning the warden and
receiving such permission in writing.
(f)
Departmental-issued cellphones shall be those cell phones issued through
the department’s division of administration.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at
chapter heading for Cor 300) #12502, eff 3-23-18; ss by #12763, eff 5-1-19
Cor 306.02 Contraband on Departmental Property
Prohibited. The possession,
transport, introduction, use, sale or storage of contraband on departmental
property shall be prohibited under the provisions of RSA 622:24 and RSA 622:25.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at
chapter heading for Cor 300) #12502, eff 3-23-18
Cor 306.03 Searches and Inspections Authorized.
(a) Any person or possessions on departmental
property shall be subject to search to discover contraband. Searches shall be necessary to prevent the
introduction of contraband into the facilities by persons under
departmental control and to prevent escapes, violence, and situations where
violence is likely. Travel onto
departmental property shall constitute implied consent to search for contraband
pursuant to RSA 622:24-25, and RSA 622:39.
In such cases where implied consent exists, the visitor shall be given a
choice of either consenting to the search or immediately leaving departmental
property. Nothing in Cor 306.03,
however, shall prevent non-consensual searches in situations where probable
cause exists to believe that the visitor is or has attempted to introduce
contraband into a departmental facility pursuant to the laws of New Hampshire
concerning search, seizure, and arrest or otherwise authorized by law.
(b) All motor vehicles parked on departmental
property shall be locked and have the keys removed. Correctional uniformed staff shall check to ensure
that vehicles are locked and shall visually inspect the plain view interiors of
the vehicles. Vehicles discovered to be
unlocked shall be searched to ensure that no contraband is present. Contraband
discovered during searches shall be confiscated as evidence and turned over to
law enforcement authorities for use in possible prosecution.
(c) All persons entering departmental facilities
to visit with persons under departmental control or patients of the SPU, or
staff, or to perform services at the facilities or to tour the facilities shall
be subject to having their persons checked for contraband. In order to minimize the scope of such
searches, items not needed for the visit such as purses, coats, and other
baggage shall be left either in the vehicles or in the small lockers
provided. All items and clothing carried
into the institution waiting area shall be searched for contraband. Items left at the storage area shall be
subject to inspection and search.
Contraband seized shall be retained as evidence and turned over to law
enforcement authorities for use in possible prosecution.
(d) Individual employees shall not be searched by
a person of lower rank or of the opposite sex without explicit approval of the
commissioner. Approval shall be obtained
by contacting the commissioner by cellphone. If the commissioner cannot be
reached, the shift commander shall have the ability to grant the approval.
(e) When reliable information exists from
informants or law enforcement agencies that a visitor is expected to deliver
contraband to a person under departmental control, or patient of the SPU, the
visitor shall be offered the opportunity to choose to be searched, including a
body scan, strip search and a viewing of body cavities, or not to enter the
facility. Since such searches are
unpleasant and time consuming for all involved, they shall be required only on
the authority of the chief of security, chief administrator of the facility, or
higher authority
on a special need basis where such apparently reliable information clearly
mandates the need for contraband exclusion.
Such searches shall be accomplished by 2 or more staff members of the
same sex as the person to be searched and shall be done out of the public view.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at
chapter heading for Cor 300) #12502, eff 3-23-18; ss by #12764, eff 5-1-19
Cor 306.04 Inspection of Material Subject to
Attorney-Client Privilege.
(a)
Material the confidentiality of which is protected by attorney-client
privilege shall be, nevertheless, subject to some inspection, as outlined
below, to ensure the absence of contraband.
The interest of persons under
departmental control and patients of the SPU and attorneys in maintaining the
confidentiality necessary to effectuate legal representation shall be
accommodated to the maximum extent possible consistent with the facility's need
to ensure internal security.
(b)
Prior to entering a departmental facility, all visiting attorneys and
other persons designated in writing by the attorney as his or her
agent, such as paralegals, law clerks, or private investigators, shall be
required to certify in writing that no written or other
contraband is contained in any material brought into the facility by the
attorney or the attorney’s agent.
(c)
Prior to entering a departmental facility, all visiting attorneys and
other persons designated in writing by the attorney as his or her
agent, such as paralegals, law clerks, or private investigators, shall submit
their persons and all books, briefcases, folders, files, or other containers of
whatever description being carried by them to a search by the appropriate
officer.
(d)
Prior to any search, the attorney or his or her agent shall designate
which materials in his or her possession, if any, are subject to an
attorney/client privilege of confidentiality.
(e)
The inspecting officer shall search all material except that designated
as coming within the scope of attorney/client privilege. Material
designated as privileged shall only be inspected in a manner detailed in (f)
below and in the immediate presence of the visiting attorney or the attorney’s
agent.
(f) The inspecting officer shall not
scrutinize any material designated as privileged for textual contraband. Rather, the attorney shall place the
privileged material or file face down or text side down on a flat surface designated by the
officer. The officer shall then by
touching or mechanical means inspect the privileged material to ensure the
absence of concealed physical contraband other than textual contraband. Such inspection shall include a page-by-page
separation of and pat down of the privileged written material provided the
inspected material is examined text side down and in the presence of the
visiting attorney. The attorney shall
ensure that no attempt to read any confidential material occurs, and shall
report any suspected violation to the warden or his or her agent immediately.
The warden or his or her agent shall initiate immediate and appropriate
administrative action against any officer violating any provision of this rule.
(g)
The procedures set out herein pertaining to the inspection of privileged
material sought to be introduced into a facility shall also be applicable to
privileged material upon departure from the facility.
(h)
Inspected legal material may be given to the person under departmental
control or patient of the SPU client during the visit.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at
chapter heading for Cor 300) #12502, eff 3-23-18
PART
Cor 307 WORK RELEASE Reserved
and Moved to Cor 411
PART Cor 308 HOME CONFINEMENT
Cor 308.01 Confinement to a Person's Place of
Residence.
(a) Under the provisions of RSA 651:2, V (b) a
court may order that, as a condition of probation, a person be confined to his
or her place of residence for not more than one year in the case of a
misdemeanor or more than 5 years in the case of a felony.
(b) Home confinement shall be monitored by a
probation or parole officer, supplemented by electronic monitoring to verify
compliance when established by the court or the parole board as a condition of
supervised release.
(c) Home confinement shall be recommended to the
commissioner as a punitive sanction for persons under departmental control
meeting the following criteria:
(1) The person under departmental control
shall establish and maintain a residence and employment plan that meets the
control needs identified for the person under departmental control by the
evaluating probation or parole officer;
(2)
The person under departmental control shall have been placed on
probation or parole and identified as being in need of a highly structured
community release program in which activities beyond employment,
self-improvement pursuits, and fulfilling basic needs require strict and close
monitoring beyond that provided under curfew restrictions;
(3)
The person under departmental control shall agree to maintain telephone
service in his or her residence;
(4)
Less restrictive alternatives have not proven successful, or are not
adequate for the specific person under departmental control; and
(5)
The person under departmental control is a probationer or parolee who is
considered, by the evaluating probation or parole officer, to be a substantial
risk for repeated infractions of probation conditions, if not rigidly
monitored.
(d) The department shall recommend to the adult
parole board that home confinement be considered as a condition of parole for
persons under departmental control in need of a highly structured community
release program in which activities beyond employment, self-improvement
pursuits, and fulfilling basic needs require strict and close monitoring beyond
that provided under curfew restrictions.
(e) Any person
under departmental control in home confinement who violates the conditions
established shall be subject to immediate arrest by a probation or parole
officer or any authorized law enforcement officer and brought before the court
or adult parole board for an expeditious hearing pending further disposition
pursuant to RSA 651:2, V(f).
Source. (See Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at
chapter heading for Cor 300) #12502, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 309 INTENSIVE SUPERVISION PROGRAM
Cor 309.01 Intensive Supervision Program.
(a) Intensive supervision shall be an alternative
to incarceration and shall be the highest level of supervision provided in
probation and parole.
(b) A person under departmental control shall be
considered eligible for intensive supervision when the following criteria shall
have been met:
(1)
The person under departmental control shall be a prison-bound offender, a
convicted felon on probation who otherwise would be sentenced to a term in the
state prison, including felons for whom a house of correction sentence has or
might be selected, when probation failure could be punished by a state prison
sentence;
(2)
The person under departmental control shall not, at any time, have been
found guilty of committing, attempting to commit, soliciting to commit, or
conspiring to commit any drug related offense or offense of violence, assault,
or both including, but not limited to, the following:
a. RSA 629:1, 629:2, or 629:3;
b. RSA 630:1;
c. RSA 630:1-a;
d. RSA 630:1-b;
e. RSA 630:2;
f. RSA 631:1;
g. RSA 632-A:2;
h. RSA 633:1;
i. RSA 636:1;
j. RSA 642:6;
k. RSA 642:9;
l. RSA 649-A; and
m. RSA 650-A:1; and
(3)
The person under departmental control shall submit to the division of
field services a residence plan that is a stable living arrangement in a
law-abiding environment.
(c) Should the person under departmental control
be ineligible for the intensive supervision program pursuant to (a) above the
person under departmental control may seek a waiver of the criteria by the
commissioner through the classification process.
(d) The commissioner or designee shall waive any
or all criteria established in (a) above if he or she determines, after
considering the following factors, that the waiver will allow for a proper
placement in an intensive supervision program:
(1)
The person under departmental control has any prior criminal
convictions;
(2)
The person under departmental control’s criminal act or acts were
committed under duress, domination by another, mental or emotional stress, or
similar circumstances;
(3)
The person under departmental control is able to document that he or she
has been able to maintain stability with regard to work history, residence,
education, or family; or
(4)
The person under departmental control is able to document other factors
that would tend to substantiate the offender’s ability to maintain a law
abiding life style.
(e) Any person under departmental control placed
in the intensive supervision program who violates the conditions or
restrictions of his or her probation shall be subject to immediate arrest by a
probation or parole officer or any authorized law enforcement officer and
brought before the court for an expeditious hearing pending further disposition
pursuant to RSA 651:2, V(f).
Source. (See Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at
chapter heading for Cor 300) #12502, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 310 PAYMENTS AND COLLECTIONS
Cor 310.01 Payments and Collections.
(a) All payments and collections of fees, fines,
and restitutions shall be pursuant to orders of the court or the adult parole
board. Service and supervision fees shall be collected pursuant to RSA
504-A:13.
(b) The person under departmental control shall
execute a payment contract that shall set forth the obligations of payment and
shall include a payment plan as agreed to by the division of field services or
the court.
(c) Individual ledgers shall be maintained by the
department that shall accurately reflect the balance due and any and all
payments made by or on behalf of the person under departmental control.
(d) Failure to make payments in accordance with
the payment contract shall result in the filing of a notice, violation, or both
with the court or adult parole board if appropriate.
(e) Upon receipt of any payment made, in full or
in part, the payer shall be given a receipt and such payment shall be
appropriately recorded.
(f) All changes in court orders or parole board
orders or payment plans regarding payment and collections shall be
appropriately documented by the execution of an updated payment contract.
(g) The department shall maintain all records and
corresponding documentation in a manner and method consistent with generally
accepted accounting principles.
(h) In the event the person under departmental
control makes a payment with a check which is returned to the division of field
services by the bank due to insufficient funds, a notice shall be promptly
forwarded to the person under departmental control notifying him or her of the
insufficient funds status of the account and instructing him or her that all
future payments shall be made in the form of cash, certified bank draft, or
money order. The person under
departmental control shall be held responsible for any bank or other charges
levied for the insufficient check pursuant to RSA 6:11-a.
(i) Arrearage notices
shall be forwarded to the person under departmental control when he or she
becomes 30 days behind in the payment obligation as contained within the person
under departmental control’s payment contract.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at
chapter heading for Cor 300) #12502, eff 3-23-18
PART Cor 312 REQUEST SLIPS
Cor 312.01 Request Slip.
(a)
The “Request Slip” form shall be utilized by residents to communicate
written requests to NHDOC staff, contractors or volunteers, except when
“Request Slips” are not available. In
that case, any other medium shall be acceptable when Request Slips are not
available.
(b)
The “Request Slip” form may be electronic or a 3-page carbonless copy
form with white, canary, and pink colored pages.
(c)
A resident who wishes to communicate with a staff member shall supply on
the “Request Slip” form the following information:
(1) The date;
(2) His or her last name, first name, and middle
initial;
(3) His or her booking number;
(4) His or her housing unit and cell number;
(5) His or her work shift; and
(6) A brief description of the issue to which he
or she wants a staff member to respond to.
(d)
The resident shall forward the request to his or her housing unit
supervisor or designee, for prompt attention.
(e)
The housing unit supervisor or designee, upon receipt of the resident’s
“Request Slip”, shall either:
(1) Respond to the request by supplying on the
“Request Slip” form the following information;
a. The date;
b. The responding staff member’s name; and
c. The response; or
(2) Date and forward the request to the
appropriate staff member for a response.
(f)
If the “Request Slip” is forwarded to another staff member for a
response, that staff member shall supply on the “Request Slip” the information
outlined in (e)(1), above.
(g)
The response to the resident pursuant to either (e)(1) or (f) above
shall be forwarded to the resident.
(h)
A member of the housing unit staff of the resident or through a
centralized mail distribution system location shall provide the response to the
resident.
(i) The resident upon receipt of the response
shall:
(1) Sign the “Request Slip” form to acknowledge
receipt;
(2) Retain the canary copy for his or her
records; and
(3) Return the white and pink copies to the
housing unit staff.
(j)
The housing unit staff member shall upon receipt of the copies:
(1) Forward the pink copy to the staff member who
responded to the resident’s “Request Slip”; and
(2) Forward the white copy to the client records
office for inclusion in the file of the resident.
(k)
For requests submitted electronically, the system managing the requests
will provide the same level of tracking and information as the 3-page
carbonless copy process provides.
(l)
Requests shall be responded to within 10 working days of receipt by the
proper respondent.
(m)
If requests cannot be answered in 10 working days, the resident shall be
so informed and provided a reason why additional time is needed.
(n)
No more than 10 additional working days shall be permitted as an
extension to respond to the request.
(o) Residents may send confidential in-house “Request Slips” in sealed
envelopes to the:
(1) Commissioner;
(2) Warden;
(3) Director;
(4) Medical staff;
(5) Behavioral health staff; and
(6) Investigations
bureau
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
PART Cor 313 FORMAL COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES BY
PROBATIONERS, PAROLEES, RESIDENTS
Cor 313.01 Purpose. The
purpose of this rule is to establish an administrative procedure, through which
a resident shall have a method to request a formal review of any issue related
to any aspect of his or her confinement.
Source. #12792, eff 5-25-19
Cor 313.02 Definitions.
(a) “Electronic
request” means an electronic communications method used by residents to
communicate with employees of the department of corrections.
(b) “Formal complaint” means a documented
complaint utilizing the electronic request or request slip form of
communication.
(c) “Grievance” means a written complaint by a
resident on the resident’s own behalf regarding a
policy applicable to the resident, a condition of the resident’s confinement,
an action involving a resident of the institution, or an incident occurring
within the institution. The term “grievance”
does not include a complaint relating to a parole decision.
(d) “Institution” means the prison or other
correctional facility operated by the “New Hampshire department of corrections
(NHDOC).
(e) “Level I grievance” means the first level of
a 2-level grievance procedure.
(f) “Level II grievance” means the second level
of a 2-level grievance procedure.
(g) “Request Slip” means a form used by residents
to communicate in written form with employees of the department of corrections
pursuant to Cor 312.
(h) “Resident” means a person who has been
committed to the custody of the commissioner pursuant to a court order, or is
transferred to the custody of the commissioner from a facility outside the
state prison system where the person was confined pursuant to a court
order. For purposes of this section the
term includes; inmates, patients, probationers, and parolees.
Source. #12792, eff 5-25-19
Cor 313.03 Grievance Procedures.
(a) A resident shall attempt informal resolution
before filing a grievance under this section.
(b) A grievance shall be written by a resident on
their own behalf and contain complaints such as, but not limited to:
(1) Discipline imposed under
the disciplinary system;
(2) Allegations of mistreatment
or abuse;
(3) His or her classification
assignment; and
(4) Violations of any statute
or rule.
(c) The grievance procedure shall afford a successful
grievant a meaningful remedy.
(d) Residents shall not be treated adversely for
complaining, filing a grievance, or filing a lawsuit.
(e) Every resident shall be entitled to utilize
the grievance procedure regardless of any disciplinary, classification, or
administrative decision to which the resident may be subject.
(f) Residents who submit 3 or more complaints or
grievances that are found to be baseless, or not made in good faith, shall be
subject to administrative disciplinary measures.
(g) All residents shall be informed of the
grievance procedure during the orientation period, and shall receive
instruction on locating these procedures within the resident handbooks.
(h) Residents shall not submit a request or
grievance on behalf of another resident without requesting approval to do so
from the director or warden, by completing and submitting a “Request Slip” form
pursuant to Cor 312, and obtaining such approval. Approval shall be granted if the director,
warden, or designee determines there exist circumstances which would warrant
such assistance, including, but not limited to, a resident who has a medical or
mental health condition, disability, or language barrier that would inhibit the
ability to submit the request independently.
(i) Residents shall utilize the electronic
versions of the “Request Slip” form and “Grievance Form” unless staff can
articulate and document that giving access to the required device might result
in injury to the resident or may result in damage to the device.
(j) Individuals originally sentenced to the NHDOC
that are housed in a county or federal facility or pursuant to an interstate
compact shall utilize the grievance system of the jurisdiction where housed.
(k) Records of a resident utilizing the grievance
procedure shall be considered confidential and shall not be disclosed to other
residents.
(l) The grievance process shall be a 3-tiered
system consisting of:
(1) A formal complaint;
(2) A level I grievance; and
(3) A level II grievance.
(m) Residents may send confidential in-house
formal complaints and grievances in sealed envelopes to the:
(1) Commissioner;
(2) Warden;
(3) Director;
(4) Medical staff;
(5) Behavioral health staff;
and
(6) Investigations bureau.
Source. #12792, eff 5-25-19; ss by #13154, eff 1-5-21
(See Revision Note #4 at chapter heading for Cor 300)
Cor 313.04 Formal Complaint.
(a) Residents initiating formal complaints shall
utilize the electronic request process or a “Request Slip” form pursuant to Cor
312.
(b) Formal complaints shall be limited to one
subject per complaint.
(c) All formal complaints shall be transmitted
without alteration, interference, or delay.
(d) Residents shall attempt resolution at the
lowest level possible using first an informal process and should that fail, the
formal complaint process prior to filing a grievance; these attempts shall be
addressed to the highest-level authority within a housing unit, or work area
first.
(e) The highest housing, or work area authority
shall include but not be limited to:
(1) The housing unit
supervisor;
(2) The dental supervisor;
(3) The canteen supervisor;
(4) The medical supervisor; or
(5) The chief probation and
parole officer.
(f) Formal complaints shall be received within 30
calendar days of the date on which the event being reported occurred.
(g) A formal complaint shall contain sufficient
detail to allow for investigation, including, but not limited to:
(1) The resident’s name;
(2) The date of the occurrence;
(3) The name(s) of departmental
staff involved;
(4) The name of witnesses;
(5) The nature of the
complaint;
(6) The violation of policy,
rule, or law; and
(7) The relief or action which
is sought.
(h) When a staff member receives a formal
complaint, the staff member shall ascertain the nature of the complaint, and
determine if it is within the staff member’s authority to answer the formal
complaint or rectify the situation.
(i) If the formal complaint exceeds the
recipient’s authority, the formal complaint shall be forwarded to a person with
the authority to respond appropriately.
(j) The formal complaint process shall be skipped
when the resident demonstrates that using the formal complaint process is
likely to subject the resident to a substantial risk of personal injury, or
cause other serious and irreparable harm to the resident. An unsupported
allegation of fear of retaliation shall not be sufficient to alter the formal
grievance process.
(k) Inquiry into formal complaints shall be
factual.
(l) Formal complaints shall be responded to
within 15 working days of receipt by:
(1) Granting the relief requested
if the complaint is validated during the investigation process;
(2) Denying the relief
requested if the complaint is deemed to be unfounded during the investigation
process; or
(3) Referring the resident to
the appropriate staff or area to address the formal complaint, when, and if, it
has been determined to be outside of the authority of the investigating staff
member to reach a resolution.
(m) If investigation into the subject matter of
the formal complaint requires additional time for investigation, an additional
15 days shall be available. The resident
shall be notified of any extension before the initial 15 days expires.
(n) Residents shall be notified of the findings
and what the resolution is in writing following the completion of the
investigation. After the resident has received the outcome, he or she may
choose to elevate the complaint to a Level I grievance, and all actions
executed within Cor 313.04 shall satisfy the requirement to demonstrate the
formal complaint process has been fully exhausted.
Source. #12792, eff 5-25-19
Cor 313.05 Level I Grievance.
(a) All grievances shall be transmitted without
alteration, interference, or delay.
(b) Except as noted in Cor 313.04 (j), a Level I
grievance shall not be accepted unless it demonstrates that the formal
complaint process has been utilized and exhausted.
(c) Grievances shall be filed within 15 days of
the date of the response to the formal complaint.
(d) Level I grievances shall be directed to the appropriate
warden, director, or administrator as follows:
(1) Items controlled by
security staff, to the warden or director;
(2) Maintenance, laundry, and
food issues, to the director of administration;
(3) Resident account issues, to
the director of administration;
(4) Medical, dental, and
pharmacy issues, to the director of medical and forensics;
(5) Behavioral health issues,
to the director of medical and forensics;
(6) Disciplinary hearings,
claims, or investigations issues, to the professional standards director;
(7) Classification and client
record issues, to the administrator of classification and client records;
(8) Community corrections and
program issues, to the director of community corrections and programs; and
(9) Probation and parole
issues, to the director of field services.
(e) Level I grievances shall be limited to one
subject per grievance.
(f) Residents who
demonstrate a valid reason for a delay shall have an extension in the
filing time granted. Requests for extension shall be made using the “Request
Slip” form pursuant to Cor 312. Those on probation or parole shall be required
to submit a request in writing to the appropriate authority.
(g) Valid reasons for a delay shall include, but
not be limited to:
(1) Probationer, parolee, or
facility resident illness or hospitalization;
(2) Death in the family; or
(3) No access to writing
materials.
(h) Grievances shall be date stamped on the date
of receipt whether electronically or manually. The date stamp shall be the
controlling factor when determining timelines.
(i) A grievance tracking form shall be utilized
by the warden, director, or administrator to record the receipt of and
responses to resident grievances.
(j) The keeper of the grievance tracking form
shall include on the form:
(1) Probationer, parolee, or
facility residents name;
(2) Identification number;
(3) Date of receipt of the
grievance;
(4) Nature of the grievance;
(5) A summary of the reply to
the grievance;
(6) Date the grievance was
responded to, and
(7) Additional comments, which may be pertinent
to the grievance.
(k) Residents filing a grievance either electronically
or on a paper form shall ensure the “Grievance Form” contains sufficient detail
to allow for investigation, which shall include at a minimum, but not limited
to be:
(1) The resident or grievant
name;
(2) The resident or grievant
identification number;
(3) The resident or grievant
address or housing assignment;
(4) The date in which the form
is being completed;
(5) The description of the
grievance to include the violation of policy, rule, or law as well as the date
and location of the occurrence;
(6) The name(s) of departmental
staff involved;
(7) The name of witnesses (if
applicable); and
(8) The relief or action that
is sought.
(l) The warden, director, or administrator shall review
the grievance, direct an investigation to be conducted if necessary, and
respond to the grievance.
(m) If the grievance exceeds the warden, director
or administrator’s authority, the grievance shall be forwarded to the person
with the authority to respond appropriately.
(n) The Level I grievance process shall be
skipped when the resident can demonstrate that using the Level I grievance
process is likely to result in identifiable risk or harm to his or her physical
safety or psychological well-being. An un-supported allegation of fear of
retaliation shall not be sufficient.
(o) Inquiry into requests shall be factual.
(p) Residents shall be notified of the facts and
resolution in writing.
(q) Grievances shall be responded to within 30
calendar days of receipt by:
(1) Granting the relief
requested if the complaint is validated during the investigation process;
(2) Denying the relief
requested if the complaint is deemed to be unfounded during the investigation
process; or
(3) Referring the resident to
the appropriate staff or area to address the formal complaint, when, and if, it
has been determined to be beyond the authority of the NHDOC.
(r) If investigation into the subject matter of
the Level I grievance requires additional time for investigation, an additional
30 days shall be available. The resident shall be notified of any extension
before the initial 30 calendar days expires.
(s) Residents shall be notified of the findings
and what the resolution is in writing following the completion of the
investigation. After the resident has received the outcome, he or she may
choose to elevate the complaint to a Level II grievance, and all actions
executed within Cor 313.05 shall satisfy the requirement to demonstrate the
Level 1 grievance process has been fully
exhausted.
Source. #12792, eff 5-25-19
Cor 313.06 Level II Grievance.
(a) All grievances shall be transmitted without
alteration, interference, or delay.
(b) Except as noted in Cor 313.05 (n), a Level II
grievance shall not be accepted unless it demonstrates that the Level I
Grievance process has been utilized and exhausted.
(c) Level II grievances shall be directed to the
commissioner.
(d) Level II grievances shall be limited to one
subject per grievance.
(e) Level II grievances must be filed within 15
days of the date of the response to the Level I Grievance.
(f) Residents who demonstrate a valid reason for
a delay shall have an extension in the filing time granted. Requests for
extension shall be made using the “Request Slip” form pursuant to Cor 312.
Those on probation or parole shall be required to submit a request in writing
to the appropriate authority.
(g) Valid reasons for a delay shall include, but
not be limited to:
(1) Probationer, parolee, or
facility resident illness or hospitalization;
(2) Death in the family; or
(3) No access to writing
materials.
(h) Level II grievances shall be date stamped on
the date of receipt whether electronically or manually. The date stamp shall be
the controlling factor when determining timelines.
(i) A grievance tracking form shall be utilized
by the warden, director, or administrator to record the receipt of and response
to grievances.
(j) The keeper of the grievance tracking form
shall include on the form:
(1) Probationer, parolee, or
facility resident’s name;
(2) Identification number;
(3) Date of receipt of the
grievance;
(4) Nature of the grievance;
(5) A summary of the reply to
the grievance;
(6) Date the grievance was
responded to; and
(7) Additional comments which
may be pertinent to the grievance
(k) All Level II grievances shall be completed
and submitted in accordance with Cor 313.05 (k) (1)(7) above.
(l) The commissioner shall review the grievance, direct
an investigation to be conducted if necessary, and respond to the grievance.
(m) Inquiry into requests shall be factual.
(n) Residents shall be notified of the findings and
what the resolution is in writing following the completion of the
investigation.
(o) Level II grievances shall be responded to
within 30 calendar days of receipt by:
(1) Granting the request if the
complaint is validated during the investigation process;
(2) Denying the request; or if
the complaint is deemed to be unfounded during the investigation process; or
(3) Referring the resident to
the appropriate staff or area to address the formal complaint, when, and if, it
has been determined to be beyond the authority of the NHDOC.
(p) If investigation into the subject matter of
the Level II grievance requires additional time for investigation, an
additional 30 calendar days shall be available. The resident shall be notified
of any extension before the initial 30 calendar days expires.
Source. #12792, eff 5-25-19
PART Cor 314 RESIDENT MAIL,
ELECTRONIC MESSAGING, AND PACKAGE SERVICE.
Cor 314.01 Purpose. The purpose of this part is to establish departmental rules for incoming and outgoing
correspondence, publications, and packages.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 314.02 Applicability. This part shall be applicable to all NHDOC
staff, residents, and the public.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 314.03 Definitions.
(a)
“Commissary” means a place where residents can purchase clothing, food
and sundries; the term also includes canteen.
(b)
“Cash withdrawal slip” means a form used for residents to
draw funds from their resident account in order to purchase items or pay bills.
(c)
“Electronic messaging” means a privilege that
provides digital correspondence service provided by a contracted vendor.
(d)
“Hobbycraft” means an activity where residents
participate in arts and crafts.
(e)
“Investigations bureau” means the bureau charged with investigating
allegations of gross misconduct or criminal activity.
(f)
“Legal mail” means correspondence between a resident and his or her
attorney(s), but does not include electronic messages.
(g)
“Literary Review Committee (LRC)” means a committee appointed by the
commissioner of corrections to review questionable materials attempting to be
introduced into a facility.
(h)
“Partially nude figure” means a figure with less than completely and opaquely covered
human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or female breast below a point
immediately above the top of the areola.
(i) “Privileged mail” means
correspondence with public officials, including any elected state or federal
official or any appointed head of a state or federal agency, courts, attorneys,
medical offices, or law-enforcement agencies.
(j)
“Resident account” means an account established by
the NHDOC for the resident to control the resident’s funds.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 314.04 Procedure.
(a)
The NHDOC shall allow residents to send and receive correspondence,
publications, and packages through the United States Postal Service, contracted
vendor, or regulated parcel carriers, according to all applicable laws and
regulations.
(b)
Members of the public who choose to communicate using the electronic
messaging system implicitly consent to:
(1) Staff monitoring all
electronic messages;
(2) Potential suspension or revocation
of service for individuals who transmit content identified as unacceptable
pursuant to Cor 314.11; or should the message, attachment, or both contain
materials that directly threaten operational security, personal security, or
both, or contain images or acts of abuse, violence, or both. and
(3) Failure to abide by rules
set forth within Cor 314 shall result in a forfeiture of use of the electronic
messaging service for a minimum of one year from the date of the occurrence.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 314.05 Incoming Mail Requirements.
(a)
Incoming correspondence shall be written in black or blue ink pen, or
pencil.
(b)
Incoming correspondence containing any of the following, but not limited
to, shall be prohibited:
(1) Marker;
(2) Crayon;
(3) Colored pencil;
(4) Glitter;
(5) Chalk;
(6) Lipstick;
(7) Sticker(s);
(8) Adhesive material; and
(9) Gel pens.
(c) Incoming correspondence shall use unscented standard white
copy, printer, or loose-leaf paper or standard stock index cards.
(d)
The following forms of correspondence shall be prohibited:
(1) Greeting cards;
(2) Postcards featuring any
type of printed design, picture or depiction; and
(3) Any unusually thick paper
or stationary.
(e) All books, periodicals, and magazines shall be:
(1) From a bona fide publisher
or bookstore;
(2) Prepaid and postage paid;
and
(3) Delivered through the
United States Postal Service.
(f)
COD packages and items that have been re-packed or delivered by other
sources shall not be accepted.
(g)
Newspaper articles, internet printings, and photocopies shall be
authorized if they do not violate any other standard of this rule, and:
(1) The article shall be no
larger than standard letter size of 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches; and
(2) The article shall not
be altered in any form.
(h) Book size shall not exceed 9 inches by 12
inches.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 314.06 Mail and Package Limitations.
(a)
When the cost is borne by the resident, there shall be no limit on the
volume of letters a resident may send or receive.
(b)
Incoming resident mail shall be limited to 10 pages in length per
letter.
(c)
Packages shall be limited to 15 pounds.
(d)
Bulk mail that advertises or solicits any item or service that residents
are not authorized to receive shall not be forwarded to the residents.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 314.07 Mail Security Screening.
(a)
All incoming and outgoing mail shall be subject to being opened, copied
and read except for privileged correspondence and legal mail pursuant to Cor
314.15 and Cor 314.16.
(b)
No correspondence shall be accepted with any type of binding attached to
the pages of the documents. The NHDOC shall not consider a single staple to be
“bound.” Staff shall remove a single staple and forward the mail to the
resident.
(c)
The following documents addressed to residents shall be accepted by the
mailroom staff and forwarded to the administrator of
programs of the facility where the resident is housed:
(1) Birth certificate;
(2) Passport;
(3) Certificates of naturalization;
(4) Social security cards;
(5) Driver’s licenses; and
(6) Non-driver license identification issued by
the NH department of motor vehicles.
(d)
If a resident, through legal mail, privileged correspondence, or regular
mail receives a check, the check shall be forwarded to the mailroom to be
logged and forwarded to the NHDOC bureau of resident accounts where the check
shall be deposited in the resident’s account.
(e)
All cash received in the mail shall be treated as
contraband.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 314.08 Electronic
Message Screening.
(a)
All incoming and outgoing electronic messages shall be subject to
monitoring and inspection prior to delivery.
(b)
Incoming or outgoing messages that are in violation of this rule shall
be rejected unless the message is potentially criminal in nature in which case
the message shall be forwarded to the investigations bureau for further review.
(c)
Messages sent by residents that are in violation of this rule shall
subject the resident to administrative or criminal action, or both.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 314.09 Withholding or Rejecting of Mail,
Electronic Messages or Packages.
(a)
Incoming or outgoing resident mail, electronic messages, magazines,
books, or packages that meet any of the following criteria shall be withheld:
(1) Descriptions or depictions of procedures for the
construction or use of weapons, ammunition, bombs, incendiary devices, or other
items that might constitute a security hazard;
(2) Materials that depict, encourage, or describe
methods of escape from correctional facilities, or contain blueprints,
drawings, or similar descriptions of locking devices of penal institutions, and
other materials that might assist in the planning or execution of an escape;
(3) Descriptions or depictions of procedures for
brewing alcoholic beverages, or the use, procurement, or manufacture of drugs,
and drug paraphernalia;
(4) Material that violates postal regulations,
makes unlawful threats, or attempts at blackmail or extortion;
(5) Material that contains contraband as defined
by other federal or state law or regulation;
(6) Photographs,
pictures, or videos of partially nude children, or adult visitors, or
which contain an image where the head is cropped or obscured, making the age
determination of the subject indeterminable;
(7) Publications containing explicit
descriptions, advertisements, or pictorial representations of sexual acts that
include penetration, bestiality, or sex involving children;
(8) Correspondence between a resident, current
probationer or parolee or supervisee of
any other correctional department, institute or jail without the permission of
the chief administrator of each facility or his or her designee;
(9) Documents written in code or instructions on
how to write in code, including the use of emoji;
(10) Descriptions or depictions that encourage
activities which may lead to the use of physical violence, group disruption, or
security threat group activity;
(11) Materials that encourage or instruct in, the
commission of criminal activities or are in violation of the rules of conduct
for residents;
(12) Material pertaining to gambling or
facilitation of a lottery;
(13) Unauthorized solicitation of gifts, goods, or money from persons other than the family of the resident;
(14) Correspondence constituting or contributing
to the conduct or operation of a business, except correspondence necessary to protect
the property or funds of the resident during confinement or for educational
purposes;
(15) Contents that would, if transmitted, create a
clear and present danger of violence and physical harm to persons or property,
or severe psychiatric or emotional disturbance to a resident;
(16) Material or correspondence that relates to
resident or prison organized groups or unions;
(17) Security threat group correspondence or
materials;
(18) Obscene material as determined and defined by
the LRC, the commissioner, or a court of law;
(19) Resident to resident mail except as
authorized by the warden, director or designee; and
(20) Materials that may jeopardize institutional
security.
(b)
When incoming mail or packages, other than bulk or, third or fourth
class is rejected for any reason, the originator if readily identifiable shall
be notified that the letter or package was rejected by the respective mail or
property room staff.
(c)
All notices of rejected, non-processed, or un-forwarded mail or packages
shall be in writing and shall specifically cite the reason(s) for the rejection
or non-processing.
(d)
Any material provided to investigative agencies shall be handled and
processed as physical evidence in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and
regulations.
(e)
Residents may request one copy of the existing “Withheld Mail Log”
entries pertaining to them for a particular date or timeframe at his or her own
expense. The log shall be maintained in
the mailroom for a minimum of 60 days.
Thereafter, the log shall be archived.
(f)
All mail or electronic messages shall be withheld from residents on
suicide watch. Non-privileged mail shall
be placed in the resident’s personal property. Privileged mail shall be logged into the
Legal Mail Log where it shall be noted that the resident was unable to sign for
it. Privileged mail shall then be held in the facility property room.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 314.10 Mail
Forwarded to the Investigations Bureau.
(a)
Material that will become part of an official investigation shall be
retained as evidence. Both the sender
and the intended recipient shall be notified by investigations bureau staff
within 10 working days that the material is being held as evidence, unless
making the notification jeopardizes the investigation, in which case a written
exception shall be sought from the professional standards director or higher
authority. In the event that the
exception is not approved, the resident shall be given written notification
within 10 days of the date of that decision.
(b)
Material that does not constitute a violation of Cor 314.11 (a) shall be
returned to the mailroom staff with instructions to forward it to the
addressee. If the material is held less
than 10 days, no notice to the resident of the item being withheld shall be
required.
(c)
Unauthorized resident to resident mail shall be retained by the
investigations bureau and is not subject to the notification requirement.
(d)
Material that the investigations bureau has determined should be
rejected shall be returned to mailroom staff with an explanation for rejection
together with instructions to notify both the sender, if known, and the
intended recipient. Notice to the
resident and the sender shall be from the mailroom.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 314.11 Privileged Correspondence.
(a)
All privileged mail shall be completely confidential and shall be
clearly marked “Privileged” on the address side of the envelope.
(b)
Outgoing privileged mail shall be handled without interference,
inspection, reading, or opening.
(c)
Privileged mail or correspondence shall leave the possession of the
resident sealed and shall be delivered sealed.
(d)
Incoming privileged mail shall be opened and inspected for contraband
only in the presence of the resident.
(e)
When the author of either inbound or outbound mail is in doubt, such
items shall be brought to the attention of the department’s investigations
bureau prior to delivery.
(f)
Mail addressed to an individual indicated as privileged shall not be
opened for inspection except in the resident’s presence.
(g)
Residents may seal correspondences addressed to individuals who are
classified as privileged before depositing the mail in an approved collection
box.
(h)
The following shall be the complete list of agencies or individuals
classified as privileged:
(1) President of the United States, Washington
DC;
(2) Vice President of the United States,
Washington DC;
(3) Members of Congress addressed to appropriate
office;
(4) The Attorney General of the United States and
regional offices of the Attorney General;
(5) Federal or state courts;
(6) The governor and council of the State of New
Hampshire, State House, Concord, NH 03301;
(7) The Attorney General of the State of New
Hampshire, 33 Capitol St, Concord, NH 03301;
(8) Commissioner of the NHDOC;
(9) Wardens or directors of the NHDOC;
(10) Members of the state parole board;
(11) Members of the New Hampshire general court,
at the state house or legislative office building;
(12) County Attorneys;
(13) Doctors and medical staff of the NHDOC;
(14) Doctors and medical staff not on the staff of
the NHDOC; and
(15) Law Enforcement Agencies.
(i) The following
correspondence shall not require postage:
(1) Federal or State courts;
(2) The governor and council of
the State of New Hampshire;
(3) The attorney general of the
State of New Hampshire;
(4) Members of the New
Hampshire general court;
(5) Members of the New
Hampshire parole board; and
(6) Staff members of the NHDOC.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 314.12 Legal Mail.
(a) Correspondence between a resident and his or her
attorney(s) shall be opened in the presence of the resident to ensure the
authenticity of the correspondence and to check for contraband.
(b) The phrase “Legal Mail” shall be written on
the address side of the envelope in order to assure confidential handling in
either in-bound or out-bound legal mail.
(c) Incoming legal mail found in violation of
this rule shall be forwarded to the investigations bureau for appropriate
action with the person(s) or firm(s) involved.
(d) Legal mail shall not be bound. No legal
correspondence shall be accepted with any type of binding attached to the pages
of the documents. The NHDOC shall not
consider a single staple to be “bound.”
Staff shall remove the staple and forward the mail to the resident.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor 314.13 Non-Privileged Incoming Mail.
(a) All incoming mail shall have the resident’s
full name and ID number as part of the mailing address. Mail received without the ID number shall be
returned to sender as having insufficient address.
(b) Items which residents are not authorized to
have in their possession, or items that exceed the authorized allowances, shall
be returned to the sender or otherwise disposed of as requested by the resident
involved.
(c) The NHDOC or any of its employees shall not
be responsible for any incoming package to residents unless the package has
been mailed “Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested” and staff has signed
acknowledgement of receipt for the package.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
Cor
314.14 Appeals.
(a) If a resident or correspondent believes that
the NHDOC improperly rejected mail, packages, books or periodicals he or she
may appeal to the warden or director in writing within 10 days of the date they
were sent notice of the decision.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #4 at chapter
heading for Cor 300) #13154, eff 1-5-21
CHAPTER Cor
400 CLASSIFICATION
Revision Note #1:
Document #12503, effective 3-23-18,
readopted with amendments Chapter Cor 400 on classification. Document #12503 made extensive changes to the
wording, format, structure, and numbering of rules in Chapter Cor 400.
Document #12503 replaced all prior
filings for rules in Chapter Cor 400.
The prior filings affecting rules in Chapter Cor 400 included the
following documents:
#7449, eff 2-6-01
#9384, INTERIM, eff 2-3-09
#9509, eff 7-8-09, EXPIRED
7-8-17
#12397, INTERIM, eff 9-29-17
Revision Note #2:
Document #12777, effective 5-11-19,
readopted with amendments Chapter Cor 400 on classification. Document #12777 made further extensive
changes to the wording, format, structure, and numbering of rules in Chapter Cor
400 as last filed under Document #12503.
Document #12777 replaced Document
#12503 for all rules in Chapter Cor 400.
REVISION NOTE #3:
Document
#12887, effective 9-28-19, readopted with amendments and renumbered Part Cor
307 titled “Work Release” as Part Cor 411 titled “Work Release.”
Document #12887
replaces all prior filings for rules in Cor 307. The prior filings affecting these and other
rules in Chapter Cor 300 are listed in Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at
the chapter heading for Chapter Cor 300.
CHAPTER Cor
400 CLASSIFICATION
PART Cor 401 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Cor 401.01 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide rules
that establish the general framework for an objective corrections
classification system. The day-to-day internal practices and procedures of the
classification system are contained in the classification handbook.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor 401.02 Scope.
These classification rules shall apply to all department of corrections
staff and all residents, probationers and parolees.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
PART Cor 402 DEFINITIONS
Cor 402.01 Definitions.
(a)
“Administrative Home Confinement (AHC)” means an electronic monitoring
program for eligible residents which is designed to provide a moderate to high
level of supervision to those individuals granted access to the program and
ensure program compliance is adhered to.
(b)
“Behavioral health illness” means a substantial impairment of emotional
process, or of the ability to exercise conscious control of ones’ actions, or
the ability to perceive reality or to reason, which impairment is manifested by
instances of extremely abnormal behavior or extremely faulty perceptions. The term does not include impairment
primarily caused by epilepsy, intellectual disability, continuous or sporadic
periods of intoxication caused by substances such as alcohol or drugs, or
dependence upon or addiction to any substances such as alcohol or drugs.
(c)
“Correctional offender information system (CORIS)” means the software
application utilized to manage information pertaining to residents which shall
include but not be limited to, criminal history, housing assignments, job
status, resident pay, disciplinary history, visitor information, and other
administrative information.
(d)
“Dangerous instrument” means an instrument or device that under the
circumstances which it was used, is readily capable of causing death or serious
bodily injury.
(e)
“General Population” means residents who reside in non-restrictive
housing units.
(f)
“Harm to himself or herself or others” means a resident has within the
preceding 40 days, inflicted or attempted to inflict bodily harm on himself,
herself, or another or threatened to inflict serious bodily harm to himself,
herself, or another, or attempted suicide or serious self-injury and there is a
strong possibility that these attempted acts will occur again if the resident
is not hospitalized. This term can also
mean resident behavior demonstrates that he or she lacks the capacity to care
for his or her own welfare, that death, serious bodily injury, or serious
debilitation would ensue if hospitalization does not occur.
(g)
A “major rule violation” means the highest level of institutional
resident rule violation and is considered as serious or, severe, and shall be
subject to disciplinary action. The term
includes “A” level rule violations.
(h)
A “minor rule violation” means a moderate to minimal level of
institutional resident rule violation and would constitute as a minor or
inconsequential rule violation, and is subject to disciplinary action. The term includes “B” and “C” level rule
violations.
(i) “MITTIMUS” means a court order directing a
sheriff or other police officer to escort a convict to a prison, or commands a
jailer to safely keep a felon until he or she can be transferred to a
prison. The term includes the transcript
of the conviction and sentencing stages, which is duly certified by a clerk of
court.
(j)
“No Job Available (NJA)” means no current vacancies exist where a
resident may be placed to work.
(k)
“Pending Administrative Review (PAR)” means “Pending Administrative
Review” as defined in Cor 101.18.
(l)
“Reduced Pay Status (RPS)” means a reduction in resident pay for reasons
which include, but are not limited to, a change in job, change in job status,
or suspension from a job assignment.
(m)
“Resident” means a person who has been committed to the custody of the
commissioner pursuant to a court order, or is transferred to the custody of the
commissioner from a confinement facility outside the state prison system where
the person was confined pursuant to a court order. The term includes “inmates”, “patients”,
“probationers”, and “parolees”.
(n)
“Secure Psychiatric Unit (SPU)” means “Secure psychiatric unit” as
defined in Cor 101.29.
(o)
“Transitional Housing Unit (THU)” means a housing unit or facility where
residents are assigned for minimum security or work release while preparing for
release from institutional settings back into the community.
(p)
“Transitional Work Center (TWC)” means a housing unit or facility where
residents are assigned for minimum security while preparing for release from
institutional settings back into the community.
(q)
“Weapon” means a firearm in the individual’s possession, knife or bladed
instrument, dangerous instrument, explosives, incendiaries, or other items
which may be utilized to inflict bodily harm or death to the individual or
another.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
PART Cor 403 CORRECTIONAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Cor 403.01 Classification System of the New Hampshire
Department of Corrections (NHDOC).
(a)
The objective corrections classification system utilized by the
department shall be based upon a nationally recognized model.
(b)
The model shall systematically identify the following 8 security
program, and treatment needs of residents and match them with the department's
facilities and program resources:
(1) Public risk (P);
(2) Institutional risk (I);
(3) Medical and health care needs (M);
(4) Behavioral health needs (BH);
(5) Treatment needs (T);
(6) Educational needs (E);
(7) Vocational needs (V); and
(8) Work skills (W).
(c)
The objectives of the model used shall be to provide an objective
classification system that:
(1) Considers the safety of the public as well as
the institutional safety of the staff and the facility population;
(2) Places residents in the least restrictive
custody commensurate with their security needs and custody requirements with
regard to public safety and institutional risk in a consistent and fair manner;
(3) Militates
against extended maximum custody status unless exceptional reasons or
circumstances exist, such as but not limited to escape attempts, numerous and
recent major disciplinary violations, repeated returns to maximum custody, or
an ongoing public threat;
(4) Matches the needs of residents with agency
resources to include utilizing staff in the most efficient and effective
manner;
(5) Is easily administered, provides for ease in
training staff, and is easily explainable to, residents as well as to the
public;
(6) Maximizes the use of the institutional
classification process through specialized testing and interviews by prison
program and support staff, and which develops a system that will not only
assign housing to residents but also assure that residents receive the maximum
benefit of training and programming available to them in accordance with their
rehabilitative needs;
(7) Is capable of validation; and
(8) Can be easily
incorporated into a computerized management information system that could be
further used for planning for the needs of the department and the residents.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
403.02 Classification Staff.
(a) There shall be classification staff at every
facility.
(b) The classification staff shall:
(1) Conduct quarantine interviews and
provisionally assign residents to a housing unit for the remainder of the
diagnostic period;
(2) Make recommendations to the administrator of
classification and client records based on the initial classification
evaluation;
(3) Sign and submit the re-entry plan to the
administrator of classification and client records for approval;
(4) Function as a fact-finder in reviewing the
reclassification recommendations of unit boards, and thereafter make
reclassification recommendations to the administrator of classification and
client records;
(5) Monitor the activities of unit classification
boards to assure that standards and eligibility criteria are being followed;
(6) Make recommendations for special conditions
such as requirements for conditional parole commitment and alternative release
programs;
(7) Train departmental personnel in the
classification process;
(8) Inform the victim services coordinator about recommended resident transfers
or reduced custody levels to facilitate timely notification of crime victims
pursuant to RSA 21-M:8-k Rights of Crime Victims;
(9) Request permission from
the sentencing judge when a resident is being considered for work release or
home confinement prior to their minimum parole date;
(10) Review and approve or
deny job changes pursuant to pursuant to Cor 409.03 (k);
(11) Enters the PREA assessment results into
CORIS;
(12) Approve or deny
keep-aways and enter into CORIS, provided that for purposes of this
subparagraph “keep-away” means any resident(s) that poses a threat to or is
threatened by any other resident being classified;
(13) Review and make recommendations for AHC
applications;
(14) Review and make recommendations for
administrative review evaluations pursuant to Cor 410.04;
(15) Maintain the PAR list;
(16) Assist in resolving open charges;
(17) Facilitate county and out-of-state placements
pursuant to RSA 623:2 and RSA 622-B:2;
(18) Audit units for:
a. PAR compliance;
b. Job assignments; and
c. Classification reviews;
(19) Review sentencing documents
for sexually violent predator offenses, prompting notification pursuant to RSA
135-E:3 when appropriate; and
(20) Assign resident
housing.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19; ss by #12884, eff 9-28-19
PART Cor 404 INTAKE HOUSING ASSIGNMENT
Cor 404.01 Housing Assigned to Residents During The
Intake Process.
(a)
Intake housing assignments shall be in a facilities reception and
diagnostic unit unless the resident:
(1) Has a documented history of assaulting staff
or other residents;
(2) Has escaped from a secure facility;
(3) Is sentenced to life without parole;
(4) Is sentenced to death;
(5) Has documented protective custody issues; or
(6) Requires constant medical or psychiatric
care.
(b)
Residents who meet any of the above criteria shall be housed during the
intake process in either the:
(1) Special housing unit;
(2) Secure psychiatric unit; or
(3) A health services center.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
PART Cor 405 INTAKE AND ORIENTATION
Cor 405.01 Intake Procedures.
(a)
Upon admission to a facility each resident shall be brought to the
reception and diagnostic area by the transporting authorities.
(b)
Initial processing shall consist of the following:
(1) A thorough body search shall be done to check
for contraband;
(2) Medical or acute psychiatric problems shall
be noted and reported by the intake officer to the medical department and
security as soon as possible for triage;
(3) All new residents brought in from an
overnight stay longer than 48 consecutive hours at another facility, and any
resident returning from C-1 status, shall receive a shower with a delousing
solution;
(4) The resident shall be dressed in state issued
clothing and given bedding and toiletries;
(5) All property and money shall be collected and
placed in storage for safekeeping;
(6) A property receipt shall be issued to the
resident;
(7) The receiving officer shall interview the new
resident and complete the necessary reception data entry;
(8) Fingerprints and photographs of the resident
shall be taken;
(9) The committal paperwork of the resident shall
be reviewed to ensure that the resident has been committed to the custody of
the department; and
(10) A copy of the correctional handbook including
the rules and expectations required as well as the initial guidelines of the
classification process shall be provided to each incoming resident.
(c)
The resident shall sign a receipt for the correctional handbook to
assure that he or she has been properly notified of his or her responsibilities
as a resident.
(d)
Every resident shall receive an identification card which he or she
shall carry on his or her person at all times unless otherwise directed. Residents shall be subject to disciplinary
action if the ID card is lost or destroyed, and shall be responsible for the
replacement cost.
(e)
Upon completion of the intake process the resident shall be housed in
the appropriate housing unit in a quarantine status, as determined by the
classification staff. The initial
quarantine period shall last for 30 days unless a shorter or longer period is
necessary during which time the resident shall be oriented and initial
assessments shall be conducted.
(f)
Residents who demonstrate behavior(s) that reception staff suspect to be
behavioral health related shall be evaluated by the administrator of behavioral
health or designee to assess special housing needs.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor 405.02 Orientation for Residents of Departmental
Facilities.
(a)
Reception staff members shall on the first day of incarceration
interview and orient the resident as well as answer questions or
direct the questions to the appropriate staff member(s). As a result of these interviews, management
shall be alerted to any special need, which requires attention prior to the
initial classification evaluation.
(b)
Staff members shall provide the quarantined residents with an oral
presentation, which shall include:
(1) The facility warden’s name;
(2) The facility chief of security’s name;
(3) The unit supervisor’s
name;
(4) At what time the resident
can participate in recreational activities;
(5) How and when to shower;
(6) The process for cleaning
laundry and bedding;
(7) Meal times;
(8) Visitation process and hours;
(9) Diagnostic and assessment procedures;
(10) A summary of the prison
classification process to enable the resident to prepare for their initial
classification evaluation as well as to start planning for his or her future
progress through the system; and
(12) Eligibility requirements for
administrative home confinement.
(c)
Methods other than oral shall be provided for
residents that do not read or speak the English language or that are hearing
impaired.
(d)
A member of the investigations bureau, or designee, shall interview each
quarantined resident for the purpose of gathering information and assessing any
special needs or concerns that the resident might have.
(e)
The orientation period for residents shall be no more than 30 days,
unless there are unforeseen circumstances including,
but not limited to, a resident’s medical emergency, a facility emergency, or a
staffing shortage that prevents the orientation from being completed within the
30-day timeframe. The administrator of classification and client records shall
be notified in writing by the reception unit supervisor
and
shall review the case of any new resident who is not transferred out of
orientation housing within 30 days of arrival to verify the unforeseen
circumstance, after which the resident shall be informed in writing of the
reason. To comply with HIPAA regulations,
medical issues which cause a resident to remain in orientation housing beyond
30 days shall be communicated directly to the resident by a health care
provider.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19; ss by #12885, eff 9-28-19
PART Cor 406 ASSESSMENTS
Cor 406.01 Resident Assessment Process.
(a)
During the first 30 days of incarceration, the resident shall be seen
by:
(1) The medical staff to determine his or her
medical needs;
(2) Behavioral health staff to determine his or
her behavioral health needs;
(3) Program staff to determine his or her program
needs;
(4) Education staff to determine his or her
educational needs;
(5) Career and technical education staff to
determine his or her career and technical education needs; and
(6) A classification staff member to review
assessment results and develop the re-entry plan.
(b)
There shall be 5 custody levels as follows:
(1) C-1 or “community corrections” where
residents work, recreate, and receive treatment in the community;
(2) C-2 or “minimum custody” where residents may
work in the community, but recreate, and receive treatment at a departmental
facility;
(3) C-3 or “medium custody” where a resident
lives, works, recreates, and participates in treatment with the general
population of a departmental facility;
(4) C-4 or “close custody” where a resident
lives, works, recreates, and participates in treatment under some restriction
in a departmental facility; and
(5) C-5 or “maximum custody” where a resident
lives, works, recreates, and participates in treatment within a secure unit of
a departmental facility.
(c)
Custody level shall be determined by the intersection of public risk and
institutional risk scores as designated in Table 406-1, Custody Level Matrix
below:
Table 406-1 Custody Level Matrix
|
Institutional
Risk Assessment |
Public Risk
Assessment |
|||||
|
|
P-1 |
P-2 |
P-3 |
P-4 |
P-5 |
|
|
I-1 |
C-1 |
C-2 |
C-2 |
C-3 |
C-5 |
|
|
I-2 |
C-1 |
C-2 |
C-3 |
C-3 |
C-5 |
|
|
I-3 |
C-2 |
C-2 |
C-3 |
C-3 |
C-5 |
|
|
I-4 |
C-3 |
C-3 |
C-4 |
C-4 |
C-5 |
|
|
I-5 |
C-4 |
C-4 |
C-4 |
C-5 |
C-5 |
|
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor 406.02 Public Risk Assessment.
(a) If a resident receives a combination of
ratings ranging from “1” to “5”, the “highest” rating in this example will
dictate the public risk rating, which would be P-5.
(b)
Public risk, which relates to a resident’s escape potential, and if he or she does escape what danger he or she
would present to the public, shall be determined by the highest rating assigned
to any of the following 9 factors:
(1) Extent of
violence in current offense;
(2) Weapon used in
current offense;
(3) Escape history;
(4) Violence history;
(5) Nature of sexual offense;
(6) Confinement history;
(7) Sentence length;
(8) Detainer status or known pending charges; and
(9) Substance abuse history.
(c)
The factors for (b)(1) above shall be assessed
independently for “extent of violence in current offense” on a scale of 1 to 5
in the following manner:
(1) A rating of 5 for death, premeditated or
unprovoked;
(2) A rating of 4
for death resulting from a crime of passion, or armed robbery, kidnapping,
arson of an occupied structure, and 1st degree assault;
(3) A rating of 3 for serious injury or death
resulting from the sale of a drug, 2nd degree assault, or armed or unarmed
robbery;
(4) A rating of 2 for threat or minor injury; and
(5) A rating of 1 for no violence involved.
(6) Attempted offenses shall be treated the same
as if the offense were committed;
(7) Parole violation shall be scored on the
original crime that they were sentenced; and
(8) The P-score for parole violators shall be
reduced by one score where the nature of the violation, which returned them to
prison, contained no violence.
(d)
The factors for (b)(2) above shall be assessed
independently for “weapon in current offense” with scores awarded in the
following manner:
(1) A rating of 3 for weapon involved; or
(2) A rating of 1 for no weapon involved.
(e)
The factors for (b)(3) above shall be assessed
independently on a scale of 1 to 5 in the following manner:
(1) A rating of 5 for escape or attempted escape
from a secure perimeter facility less than two years ago or multiple escapes or
escape attempts in the past 5 years;
(2) A rating of 4 for escape or attempted escape
from a secure perimeter facility over 2 years ago;
(3) A rating of 3 for escape or attempted escape
from a non-secure perimeter facility less than 3 years ago or default, bail
jumping, being a fugitive from justice, or escape during the arrest process
less than 3 years ago;
(4) A rating of 2 for escape or attempted escape
from a non-secure facility over 3 years ago, or default, bail jumping, being a
fugitive from justice, or escaping during the arrest process more than 3 years
ago; or
(5) A rating of 1 for no escape history.
(f)
The factors for (b)(4) above shall be assessed
independently on a scale of 1 to 4 in the following manner:
(1) A rating of 4 for 2 or more serious offenses;
(2) A rating of 3 for one serious offense or 2 or
more minor offenses;
(3) A rating of 2 for one minor offense; or
(4) A rating of 1 for no violent offenses.
(g)
The factors for (b)(5) above shall be assessed
independently on a scale of 1 to 5 in the following manner:
(1) A
rating of 5 for sexual offense resulting in death, or of a particularly
heinous or violent nature;
(2) A rating of 4 for rape or a sexual offense
resulting in injury;
(3) A rating of 3 for molestation of a lesser
nature than rape, or sexual offense other than rape resulting in minor injury;
(4) A rating of 2 for sexual offense not
described in the above ratings such as child pornography where no physical or
mental force was used or in crimes not specific to the NH criminal code of a
sexual offense but the indictment describes a crime sexual in nature; or
(5) A rating of 1
for no sexual offense.
(h)
The factors for (b)(6) above shall be assessed
independently on a scale of 1 to 3 in the following manner:
(1) A rating of 3 for 2 or more
confinements in a correctional institution;
(2) A rating of 2 for one
confinement in a correctional institution; or
(3) A rating of 1 for no previous
confinement.
(i) The factors for (b)(7) above shall be assessed independently on a scale of 1 to 5 in the following manner:
(1) A rating of 5 for death penalty or life without parole;
(2) A rating of 4 for 16 years
or more including life;
(3) A rating of 3 for 5 to 15
years;
(4) A rating of 2 for 1 to 4
years; or
(5) A rating of 1 if not
applicable.
(j)
The factors for (b)(8) above shall be assessed
independently on a scale of 1 to 4 in the following manner:
(1) A rating of 4 for detainer
or known pending charge or charges for a capital offense;
(2) A rating of 3 for detainer
or known pending charge or charges for a felony offense;
(3) A rating of 2 for detainer
or known immigration detainer for deportation, or pending charge or charges for
a misdemeanor, fine traffic offense, or other violations not listed; or
(4) A rating of 1 for no
detainers or pending charges.
(k)
The factors for (b)(9) above shall be assessed
independently on a scale of 1 to 3 in the following manner:
(1) A rating of 3 for serious
abuse directly related to the offense which jeopardized the safety of the
public or the safety of the resident or both;
(2) A rating of 2 for moderate
abuse not related to the offense which jeopardized the safety of the public or
the resident or both; or
(3) A rating of 1 for minimal
or no substance abuse which posed nominal danger to the public or the resident
or both.
(4) Only one rating shall be
entered for each of (c) through (k) above.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor 406.03 Institutional Risk Assessment.
(a) The institutional risk score, shall be determined by the
highest rating assigned to any of the 5 factors listed (b) below. For example, if a resident receives a
combination of ratings ranging from “1” to “4”, the highest rating in this
example the “4”, shall dictate the institutional risk score, which would be
I-4.
(b) The institutional risk
categories shall be:
(1) Prior
institutional adjustment;
(2) Community
stability;
(3)
Cooperativeness;
(4) Probation
and parole adjustment; and
(5) Security threat
group affiliation or membership.
(c) The factors
for (b)(1) above shall be assessed independently on a scale of 1 to 5 in the following manner:
(1) A rating of 5 for poor with 1 or more major
rule violations related to violence, escape, contraband possession, or serious
offenses which disrupts institutional operations and jeopardizes public or
resident safety;
(2) A rating of 4 for unsatisfactory with 1 or
more major rule violations not related to violence, escape, contraband
possession and did not cause a disruption in institutional operations, or a
series of multiple minor rule violations that interrupt the orderly operation
of the institution and jeopardize the safety of staff and residents;
(3) A rating
of 3 for satisfactory with minimal minor rule violations without pattern or
disruption to the institution, or no prior adjustment record available but
known prior incarcerations;
(4) A rating of 2 for good with few minor rule violations rule
violations; or
(5) A rating of 1 for exemplary with no disciplinary record or prior
incarceration.
(d) The factors for (b)(2) above shall be assessed independently
on a scale of 1 to 4 in the following manner:
(1) A rating of 4 for poor with serious
adjustment problems while in the community;
(2) A rating of 3 for satisfactory when the
resident’s overall adjustment in the community is satisfactory;
(3) A rating of 2 for excellent when the resident
is able to adjust extremely well to community life; or
(4) A rating of 1 for no prior community
supervision or incarceration.
(e) The factors for (b)(3) above shall be assessed independently
on a scale of 1 to 3 in the following manner:
(1) A rating of 3 for poor when the resident
either refuses or limits cooperation;
(2) A rating of 2 for satisfactory when the
resident provides basic information but does not go beyond in providing
assistance; or
(3) A rating of 1 for excellent when the resident
not only provides basic information but also assists staff in identifying possible program and service
needs.
(f) The factors for (b)(4) above shall be assessed independently
on a scale of 1 to 3 in the following manner:
(1) A rating of 3 for poor when the overall
probationer or parolee adjustment on probation or parole is deemed to be
unsatisfactory based on documented records generated through any negative
contact with law enforcement officials outside of routine contact with a PPO;
(2) A rating of 2 for satisfactory when the
probationer or parolee on probation or parole is perfunctory, with no noted
violations related to the conditions of release as described within the parole
plan set forth by the parole board or exemplary actions demonstrating forward
progression toward rehabilitation or assimilation to the community; or
(3) A rating of 1 for excellent when
the probationer or parolee adjustment to probation or parole is exceeding the
terms and conditions of his or her parole plan as documented by the PPO.
(g) The factors for (b)(5) above shall be assessed independently
on a scale of 1 to 4 in the following manner:
(1) A rating of
4 for a known leader or high ranking member of a security threat group member;
(2) A rating of
3 for a known security threat group member;
(3) A rating of
2 for a known affiliation with security threat group or groups; or
(4) A rating of
1 for no connection to any security threat group.
(h) Only one rating is shall be entered for each of
(c) through (g) above.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor 406.04 Medical
Assessment.
(a) Each resident shall be given a complete
physical examination during the quarantine period by a qualified health care
professional. The physical examination
shall include a complete medical history.
Particular attention shall be paid to current illnesses and health
problems that need appropriate attention.
Laboratory testing shall be done as needed and other tests as necessary.
After a physical examination is completed, each resident shall be coded based
upon his or her physical condition and needs.
(b) Medical coding shall range from “1” to “5”
based on the following:
(1) A rating of M-5 for a resident who is
severely limited in physical capacity or who is incapable of handling work
assignments so that, although he or she might be able to handle some training
assignments or they might require specialized placement or extensive medical
monitoring;
(2) A rating of
M-4 for a resident who has very limited physical capacity and requires special
work or training assignments or has impairments that are generally not
correctable;
(3) A rating of
M-3 for a resident who has limited physical capacity for work or training
assignments; and can work for moderate periods of time and may not do heavy
lifting;
(4) A rating of
M-2 for a resident who is physically capable, but may have a chemical imbalance
that can be managed as long as the resident follows a treatment regime, and can
handle most any work or training assignment; or
(5) A rating of
M-1 a resident who is physically capable of performing any work or training
with no restrictions.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
406.05 Behavioral Health Assessment.
(b) Behavioral health coding shall range from “1”
to “5” based on the following:
(1) A rating of
BH-5 for severe impairment due to psychiatric illness requiring management in a
secure psychiatric facility, where residents in this category would meet the
criteria used in the voluntary or involuntary transfer of residents from
correctional institutions or jails to a psychiatric facility for treatment
pursuant to RSA 623:1;
(2) A rating of BH-4 for severe impairment due to
psychiatric illness requiring special monitoring and treatment, but no transfer
to a secure psychiatric facility. Residents in this category shall include
those diagnosed by a physician or psychiatric provider as behaviorally ill and
requiring on-going treatment including prescribed medication or counseling and
whose unpredictable behavior indicates the need for special evaluation and
management regarding resident or program placement;
(3) A rating of
BH-3 for moderate to mild impairment due to psychiatric illness or
psychological problems. Residents in
this category shall include those in need of on-going mental health clinical,
psychiatric, or psychological services which might include prescribed
medication, psychotherapy, or counseling on a regular basis such as weekly,
monthly or bimonthly, or some other prescribed regimented schedule. Residents in this category shall include
those who would usually be assigned to regular individual and program
placements. This group shall also include those who might be seen as
manifesting crisis of a behavioral nature such as acting out or self-injury
requiring special individual maintenance from time to time;
(4) A rating of
BH-2 for mental health alert due to history of psychiatric illness currently in
remission and not requiring special individual or program assignment. This
group shall include those residents who might have a need for individual or
staff initiated clinical intervention for unspecified, non-critical emotional
or psychological problems; and
(5) A rating of
BH-1 for no mental health needs. This group includes residents appropriate for
regular individual and program placements. A resident with a history of
psychiatric illness whose condition remains in remission may, at the discretion
of mental health staff, if it is medically appropriate, be assigned this rating
code.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
406.06 Treatment Assessment.
(a)
The treatment assessment (T)
category shall be an unchangeable need and a minimal graduation scale which
shall be applied to show the resident’s progress in accomplishing
institutional goals in the treatment or programming need area(s).
(b)
The following numbers shall indicate progress levels for the resident’s rank of T-5:
(1) A rating of
4 for when the institutional requirements are not in progress or less than
halfway completed;
(2) A rating of
3 for when all institutional requirements are in progress and are halfway or
more completed;
(3) A rating of
2 for when all but institutional requirements are met but community-based
treatment or programming has not been identified or followed through on; or
(4) A rating of
1 for when all institutional requirements are met and community-based treatment
or programming has been identified such as receiving a letter from a sponsor or
agency stating that they will be providing community treatment.
(c) T sub-codes
shall be:
(1) A rating of
“A” for drug or alcohol use disorder or addiction;
(2) A rating of
“S” for sexual offender treatment; and
(3) A rating of
“DV” for domestic violence.
(d) T residents shall require and shall have
treatment or programming within the institution, and shall be referred for
continued treatment or programming after release.
(e) T residents shall be assessed to determine treatment
or programming needs as referred by clinical, custody, or classification staff.
(f) T residents shall be permitted to voluntarily
participate in treatment or programming.
(g) T
residents shall be permitted to voluntarily participate in treatment or
programming when resources are available.
(h) Results of these assessments shall be
documented in the resident’s client record.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor 406.07 Educational, Vocational, and Work Skills
Assessment. All incoming residents shall be interviewed by education staff which shall include:
(a)
A review of existing educational records;
(b)
A collection of self-reported work history and experience data; and
(c)
Obtaining a release of information which is required for obtaining
needed educational records.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
PART 407
CLASSIFICATION PROCESS
Cor
407.01 Classification Evaluations.
(a) There shall be 3 formal classification
evaluations within each facility as follows:
(1) The initial
classification evaluation which shall be completed within 30 days of a resident
arriving at a facility pursuant to Cor 407.04;
(2) The
administrative classification evaluation which shall be completed within 30
days of a resident being removed from general population and placed on special
status in accordance with Cor 410.04(f); and
(3) The unit
classification evaluation which shall be completed at the unit level to
determine the progress or needs of the resident in accordance with Cor 407.10.
(b) The initial classification staff member shall
make recommendations to the administrator of classification and client records,
relative to the initial classification and the re-entry plan of the resident.
The initial classification evaluation shall be facilitated by a bureau of
classification and client records staff member and the results documented in
the electronic client record.
(c) The administrative classification board shall
review the circumstances surrounding placement of the resident in special
status pursuant to Cor 410 and make recommendations to the administrator of
classification and client records for resolving the status.
(d) The administrative classification board shall
be comprised of:
(1) The sending
unit supervisor or designee who shall be the board chair; and
(2) At a
minimum, one other member.
(e) The unit classification board shall review
the progress of the resident and make reclassification recommendations to the
administrator of classification and client records.
(f) The unit classification board shall be
comprised of:
(1) The unit
supervisor or designee who shall be the board chair; and
(2) The case
manager of the resident.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
407.02
Notification of Classification Evaluation.
(a) Residents shall be given 48 hours’ notice of
an evaluation.
(b) The 48 hours’ notice may be waived by the
resident.
(c) Residents shall attend an evaluation a
minimum of once per year.
(d) Refusal to attend the yearly evaluation shall
not result in disciplinary action against the resident.
(e) If the resident refuses to attend, the
evaluation shall be completed, and a note shall be made, in the electronic
client documenting the refusal.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
407.03 Notification of Classification
Evaluation Form.
(a) The notice of classification evaluation shall
be paper or electronic.
(b) Staff shall supply the following on the
notice:
(1) Name of
person scheduling the evaluation;
(2) Date of the
scheduling notice;
(3) Name of the
resident;
(4) Booking
number;
(5) Date of the
evaluation; and
(6) Reason for
the evaluation, either:
a. To review work performance,
disciplinary record, and programming progress of the resident; or
b. To review the circumstances of the resident
being placed in administrative review status.
(c) The resident shall supply on the “Notice of
Classification Evaluation” form:
(1) The
resident’s desire to be present and to participate in the evaluation;
(2) The
resident’s desire not to be present at the evaluation;
(3) The
resident’s desire to exercise their right to a 48-hour notice of the
evaluation; or
(4) The
resident’s desire to waive their 48-hour notice of the evaluation.
(d) The resident shall sign the “Notification of
Classification Evaluation” form and note:
(1) The date
the notice was received, and;
(2) The time
the notice was received.
(e) If the resident refuses to sign the completed
form, there shall be no consequence to him or her. The form shall simply be processed through appropriate
channels, with a notation that the resident has refused to sign it.
(f) Opening of
the electronic notice shall serve as proof that the notice was received.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
407.04 Initial Classification
Evaluation.
(a) The initial classification evaluation shall
be facilitated by a classification staff member.
(b) The participation of the resident shall be
mandatory.
(c) At the initial classification evaluation, the
classification staff member shall:
(1) Review and
discuss the assessments and re-entry plan of the resident; and
(2) For a resident with victim notification
requirements, inform the victim services coordinator when the board recommends
assignment to a prison at a location other than the facility in which the
resident was received.
(d) The resident shall sign the re-entry plan.
(e) If the resident refuses to sign the completed
plan, there shall be no consequence to him or her. The plan shall simply be
processed through appropriate channels, with a notation that the resident has
refused to sign it.
(f) After the initial housing assignment is made
under Cor 404.01, the classification staff member shall:
(1) Recommend
assignment to various programs within the available resources based upon the
re-entry plan of the resident; and
(2) Make a recommendation
for a job assignment based upon the needs of the institution and the needs and
skills of the resident.
(g) Job assignment shall be mandatory unless the
facility’s medical department certifies that the resident is medically
precluded from working pursuant to Cor 406.04.
(h) Residents shall complete all necessary
programs before being considered for movement forward in custody levels
including reduced custody programs.
(i) The resident
shall upon successful completion of any program inform his or her case manager
so that appropriate documentation can be made on the re-entry plan.
(j) Modifications to re-entry plans shall be made
as follows:
(1) Additions
to, deletions from, or changes in an approved plan, after plan implementation,
to modify certain component and program areas to better meet the needs of the
resident shall be based on factual, objective documentation, such as
notification to client records of active detainers, warrants, or known pending
charges, receipt of negative background information, minor or major
disciplinary reports, written documentation of behavioral health or changes in
behavioral health status, or drug, alcohol, or sexual offender needs; and
(2) These changes shall only be made by the
classification staff after consultation with appropriate staff. Program needs that were not originally
diagnosed during the orientation period of the resident shall be sufficient
justification to make modifications to a plan.
(k) The classification staff member or designee
of each facility shall inform the victim services coordinator, upon completing
classification evaluations for residents who have victim or witness
notification requests, when residents are being considered for the following
custody changes:
(1) From medium
custody C-3 to minimum custody C-2;
(2) From
minimum custody C-2 status to work release or administrative home confinement
C-1 status;
(3) From C-1 or
C-2 to any higher custody status;
(4) Transfer to
another in-state facility;
(5) Transfer to
or from a county house of correction; and
(6) Transfer to
or from an out-of-state prison.
(l) When there is an escape from custody from any
department facility, the shift commander’s office shall determine if there is
an obligation to notify a victim or agency and notify the victim services
coordinator accordingly.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor 407.05 Housing
Assignment.
(a) Housing assignments shall be determined by
the overall classification score of the resident.
(b) The public risk rating shall be determined
pursuant to Cor 406.02.
(c) The institutional risk rating shall be
determined pursuant to Cor 406.03.
(d) Residents shall not be assigned a
classification score lower than C-3 if:
(1) He or she
is sentenced to life without parole; or
(2) He or she
has a public risk score of 5 which signifies he or she is an extreme public
risk.
(e) Death sentence residents shall:
(1) Not be
assigned a custody level lower than C-5 at initial classification;
(2) Not be eligible
for re-classification to a custody level lower than C-5 and thus not be subject
to re-classification hearings; and
(3) Be afforded
all the same access to programs, recreation, and other services as afforded to
other C-5 residents.
(f) If a resident has an initial classification
score of C-2 or lower, the classification staff shall, after the re-entry plan
is complete, recommend to the administrator of classification and client
records, direct placement to a housing unit designated for C-2 residents.
(g) In order to provide the consistency that is
desired from this objective classification system, the classification staff
shall use all the available information to make the appropriate initial housing
designation to avoid frequent changes. In cases where the records of the
residents are missing information upon which to classify him or her to their
least restrictive custody status pursuant to Cor 403.01(c)(2), as well as
maintain the appropriate security level, the residents shall be assigned to the
unit that provides the most suitable security according to the information
available. Upon receipt of additional
information that indicates a review in custody status is necessary, a rehearing
shall be scheduled within 30 business days of receipt of the additional
information.
(h) The department approved Prison Rape
Elimination Act (PREA) assessment shall be completed within 72 hours of the
arrival of a resident at a departmental facility to determine the cell, pod,
and tier assignment for each resident assigned to its unit. A PREA assessment
as described within 28CFR§115.41 shall be utilized to determine type and
compatibility for housing assignments within a designated living unit. Thereafter, PREA assessments of the resident
shall be updated at a minimum of once a year.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
407.06 Documentation and Processing
of Individual Re-entry Plans.
(a) Upon completion of assessments, data shall be
assessed and compiled by the classification staff member for the purpose of
developing the resident re-entry plan.
Program and treatment needs shall be determined and defined by
behavioral health, medical, educational, vocational, and relevant program
staff.
(b) The classification staff member or designee
shall write the re-entry plan.
(c) The plan, based on assessed needs, shall
include applicable:
(1) Programs;
(2) Goals;
(3) Objectives;
and
(4) Electives.
(d) The completed plan shall be signed by the
resident and the classification staff member.
(e) The completed plan shall then be forwarded to
the administrator of classification and client records for review.
(f) If the administrator of classification and
client records considers the plan not to be relevant to the program needs of
the resident in accordance with the assigned classification needs scores, it
shall be returned to the author of the plan for further review or
clarification.
(g) Pre-trial detainees, immigration detainees,
and federal detainees shall not have re-entry plans developed due to their
un-sentenced status but shall be assigned an initial classification score at
the time of their initial classification evaluation which shall govern their
custody level, housing assignment, and work assignment throughout their stay
unless their sentencing status changes.
(h) Residents who transferred from other
jurisdictions to serve their sentence shall have a re-entry plan developed
following the same procedures as sentenced New Hampshire residents but all
decisions involved in this plan that require approval by the sending
jurisdiction shall be subject to such approval before any change in status is
made.
(i) The commissioner
shall remove any resident from any approved plan, at any level of custody, at
any time if in his or her opinion the placement might jeopardize the safety,
security, or the orderly operation of the institution staff, other residents,
or the public.
(j) The re-entry plan for the resident shall be a
recommended course of action and shall not be binding on the department to
grant movement forward in custody levels, recommend parole, or special
alternative programs.
(k) The classification staff member shall date
and sign the “Initial Classification Evaluation and Re-entry Planning” form.
(l) The resident shall date and sign the “Initial
Classification Evaluation and Re-entry Planning” form.
(m) If the resident refuses to sign the completed
form, there shall be no consequence to him or her. The form shall simply be
processed through appropriate channels, with a notation that the resident has
refused to sign it.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
407.07 Initial Classification
Evaluation and Re-entry Planning Form.
(a) The classification staff shall complete and
submit the “Initial Classification and Re-entry Planning Form” (Rev 08/2018).
(b) Notice that the commissioner has the
authority to remove any resident from any approved plan, at any level of
custody, at any time if in his or her opinion the placement might jeopardize
the safety, security, or the orderly operation of the institution.
(c) Notice that the re-entry plan for the
resident is a recommended course of action and shall not be binding on the
department to grant movement forward in custody levels, recommend parole or
special alternative programs.
(d) The “Initial Classification Evaluation and
Re-entry Planning Form” shall be processed pursuant to Cor 407.06(k)(l)(m)
above.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor 407.08 Notification
to Residents of Classification Results and Re-entry Plan. The classification staff member shall notify
the resident of the initial classification results and re-entry plan on the
“Initial Classification Evaluation and Re-entry Planning” form within 30 days
of the evaluation.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
407.09 Appeal of Classification
Evaluation Decisions.
(a) A resident may appeal the classification
evaluation results to the administrator of classification and client records by
completing and submitting a “Request Slip” form pursuant to Cor 312 within 15
days of receipt of the results.
(b) If the appeal is denied, the resident may
bring a further appeal to the commissioner by completing and submitting a
“Request Slip” form pursuant to Cor 312.
(c) The resident shall not appeal to the
commissioner until receiving a response from the administrator of
classification and client records.
(d) The commissioner's decision shall be final.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
407.10 Unit Classification
Evaluations.
(a) Residents housed out-of-state or in other
facilities shall be subject to the classification procedures of that
institution. That institution shall
submit the proposed classification for approval by the New Hampshire department
of corrections. The department shall
approve the recommended classification if the resident would qualify for the
classification pursuant to Cor 400. The
department shall deny the proposed classification if requirements set forth
within Cor 400 are not met. Classification evaluations for state residents
housed at county facilities shall be done telephonically or electronically.
(b) Each resident residing in a departmental
facility shall attend a unit classification evaluation at least on an annual
basis.
(c) For other than annual unit classification
evaluations, residents residing in a departmental facility shall be requested
to attend unit classification evaluations. After notification, if the resident
chooses not to participate, the resident shall notify the unit supervisor in
writing.
(d) A recommendation for an unscheduled
reclassification evaluation shall be made for a resident by the unit supervisor
of the housing unit of the resident or by the classification staff in cases
where new information is obtained or in cases where the behavior of the
resident, either positive or negative, warrants earlier consideration.
(e) The schedule for standard reviews for
reclassification shall be as follows:
(1) C-5 residents
assigned to the special housing unit shall
be reviewed every 3 months by the unit team, except for death sentence
residents per Cor 407.05(e), and:
a. The warden shall review every case in which a
resident has resided in the special housing unit in excess of 3 consecutive
months;
b. The commissioner shall review every case in
which a resident has resided in the special housing unit in excess
of 6 consecutive months;
c. A new case management plan shall be required
as follows each time a C-5 resident is evaluated after the first 6 months and:
1. The case management plan shall specifically
state what the resident must do to be reclassified to a lower custody and
a timeframe for such re-evaluation; and
2. A copy of the plan shall be given to the resident; and
d. The warden shall be notified each time a resident is moved
into or out of the special housing unit;
(2) C-4
residents shall be reviewed every 6 months, or earlier, if considered
appropriate, pursuant to (f), below, by the unit team or the classification
staff, and:
a. C-4 residents accepted into a therapeutic
community shall receive a classification override of one step to C-3 custody in
order to fully participate in the curriculum; and
b. Therapeutic community staff shall evaluate
the custody level of all residents and facilitate a classification evaluation
to determine the current needs of all residents leaving the therapeutic
community;
(3) C-3 residents shall be reviewed every 6
months, or earlier, if considered appropriate, pursuant to (f) below, by the
unit supervisor or the classification staff, for those residents with less than
3 years to their minimum parole date, except for those with a consecutive
sentence to serve;
(4) C-3 residents
shall be reviewed every year, or earlier, if
considered appropriate, pursuant to (f) below, by the unit supervisor or the
classification staff, for those residents with more than 3 years to their minimum parole date or who have a
consecutive sentence to serve;
(5) C-2
residents shall be reviewed every 6 months, or earlier, if considered
appropriate, pursuant to (f), below, by the unit supervisor or the
classification staff, for those residents with less than 3 years to their
minimum parole date, except for those with a consecutive sentence to serve; and
(6) C-1
residents shall not be reviewed unless:
a. They are charged with a major disciplinary
infraction;
b. They are charged with multiple minor
disciplinary infractions; or
c. They are having difficulty adjusting to
living and working in the community.
(f) Reviews for reclassification shall be held
earlier than the schedule in (e), above, based upon, but not limited to, the
following:
(1) Changes in
the disciplinary record of the resident;
(2) Court
orders;
(3) Changes in the
sentence of the resident;
(4) New
sentences;
(5) Changes in
the physical health of the resident; and
(6) Changes in
the behavioral health of the resident.
(g) The
case manager of the resident shall automatically schedule the resident for
reviews in accordance with the time frames above and notify the resident that a
unit classification evaluation has been scheduled. Residents who believe they have legitimate
reasons for an earlier review may request review consideration to the unit
supervisor via a “Request Slip” form pursuant to Cor 312.
(h) It shall be the case manager’s responsibility
one week prior to the unit evaluation to have the re-entry plan of the resident
updated and available for review at the unit classification evaluation. No reclassification reconsideration shall be
made without written documentation for review at the unit classification
evaluation. It shall be the
responsibility of the resident to inform the case manager of completion of any
program so appropriate notations can be made on the plan.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
407.11 Notification of Unit
Classification Evaluation. The
resident shall receive notification pursuant to Cor 407.02.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
407.12 Documentation and processing
of Individual Re-entry Plans. The
unit classification evaluation shall be documented pursuant to Cor 407.06.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
407.13 Unit Classification Evaluation
and Re-entry Planning Form.
(a) The unit evaluation board chair shall supply
the following information on the “Unit Classification Evaluation and Re-entry
Planning Form”:
(1) Name of the
resident;
(2) Booking
number;
(3) Housing
unit;
(4) AHC
eligibility;
(5) The
resident’s desire to pursue AHC;
(6) The
resident’s non-desire to pursue AHC;
(7) Whether the
decision to pursue AHC is not applicable;
(8) Any pending
legal issues or amendments including but not limited to:
a. Detainers; and
b. Consecutive sentences;
(9) Escape
history to include but not be limited to:
a. Dates;
b. Location; and
c. A summary of the event(s);
(10) Notation
of any specific public risks or concerns;
(11) Whether
victim notification is required;
(12) Whether
approval from the sentencing judge or jurisdiction is required;
(13) The
resident’s disciplinary history for the past year;
(14) The resident’s
needs, including but not limited to:
a. Sexual offender evaluation & treatment as
directed;
b. Substance use disorder evaluation and
treatment as directed;
c. Academic skills;
d. Vocational skills;
e. Self-help;
f. Transitional housing; or
g. Community based treatment;
(15) Whether
the needs in (14) above are:
a. Court recommended;
b. Court ordered;
c. Department recommended; or
d. Department required;
(16) Custody level
recommendation of either:
a. C-5;
b. C-4;
c. C-3;
d. C-2; or
e. C-1;
(17) Housing
recommendation of either:
a. NH state
prison for men;
b. Northern NH correctional facility;
c. NH
correctional facility for women;
d. Transitional work center;
e. Transitional housing unit;
f.
Out-of-state; or
g. County placement;
(18) Time frame
for next review, either:
a. Of 30 days;
b. Of 60 days;
c. Of 90 days;
d. Of 120 days;
e. Of 6 months;
f. Of 1 year;
or
g. Other;
(19) Document
that the 48-hour notice of evaluation was:
a. Received;
b. Not
received; or
c. Waived; and
(20)
Documentation whether the resident:
a. Was present at the evaluation;
b. Was not present at the evaluation; or
c. Waived his
or her right to be present at the evaluation.
(b) The resident shall sign the completed
evaluation from.
(c) If the resident refuses to sign the completed
evaluation form, there shall be no consequences to him or her. The form shall
simply be processed through the appropriate channels with a notation that the
resident has refused to sign it.
(d) The completed form shall be forwarded to the
classification staff office.
(e) Classification staff shall review the
forwarded form for completeness and correctness.
(f) Incomplete or incorrect forms shall be
returned to the evaluator board chair as determined in Cor 407.01(d)(1) for
correction.
(g) For completed and correct forms, the
classification staff shall either:
(1) Approve the
evaluation if the resident is found to be compliant with Cor 400; or
(2) Deny the
evaluation if the resident is found to be noncompliant with Cor 400.
(h) Classification staff shall document the
reason for denial in the comments section.
(i) The administrator
of classification and client records shall approve or deny any classification
evaluation where movement to or from the special housing unit, or the special
management unit is recommended by the evaluation board. The administrator shall
document the reason for the approval or denial in the comments section, and
sign the completed evaluation form.
(j) The commissioner or designee shall approve or
deny any recommended change in custody of two steps or more in any direction
based on the totality of the situation and requirements set forth within Cor
400, and sign the completed evaluation form.
(k) The final decision reached shall be noted on
the completed evaluation form and shall include;
(1) Custody
level;
(2) Housing
assignment; and
(3) Review
time.
(l) Notice that the commissioner has the
authority to remove any resident from any approved plan, at any level of
custody, at any time if in his or her opinion the placement might jeopardize
the safety, security, or the orderly operation of the institution shall be
preprinted on the form.
(m) Notice that the re-entry plan for the
resident is a recommended course of action and shall not be binding on the
department to grant movement forward in custody levels, recommend parole, or
special alternative programs shall be pre-printed on the form.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
407.14 Notification to Residents of
Classification and Re-entry Plan Recommendations. The classification staff shall notify the
resident in writing of the classification evaluation results on the “Unit
Classification Evaluation and Re-entry Planning” form via unit staff.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
407.15 Appeal of Classification and
Re-entry Planning Recommendations.
The classification evaluation recommendations may be appealed pursuant
to Cor 407.09, above.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
407.16 Administrative Classification
Changes. The administrator of
classification and client records shall override the overall classification
score by one level in either direction if in his or her opinion the placement
might jeopardize the safety, security, or the orderly operation of the
institution or public safety. When the administrator of classification and
client records overrides the classification score in a manner which causes a
resident to either remain in or transfer to a more restrictive status than the
resident would be entitled to under the normal operation of the classification
system, the resident may request, via a “Request Slip” form pursuant to Cor
312, a written explanation of the facts relied upon and the basis for override.
Source.
(See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter heading for Cor 400) #12777,
eff 5-11-19
PART Cor 408 REDUCED
CUSTODY PROGRAMS
Cor 408.01 Levels
of Reduced Custody.
(a) There shall be a reduced custody program for
residents who do not require higher levels of custody and for those who require
gradual reintegration back into society thereby providing the best possible
method of both protecting society and providing a chance for rehabilitation
through a supervised and meaningful process.
(b) The reduced custody programs shall consist of:
(1)
Administrative home confinement (AHC)
(2)
Transitional work centers (TWC); and
(3)
Transitional housing units (THU).
(c) Residents shall be eligible to apply for AHC
if:
(1)
They are within 14 months of the end of their minimum sentence; and
(2) Have served a minimum of 90 days
at a state prison facility, unless the department authorized housing the
resident in another secure facility, not including county pre-trial time, or
the release is for participation in an educational program.
(d)
Residents shall not be eligible to apply for AHC if:
(1)
They have been convicted of one or more of the following offense(s):
a. Capitol,
first degree, or second degree murder;
b. Attempted
murder;
c.
Manslaughter;
d. Aggravated
felonious sexual assault, felonious sexual assault, sexual assault, or failure
to register or duty to report pursuant to RSA 651-B;
e. First degree
assault;
f. Class B
assault by prisoner;
g. Robbery; or
h. Escape;
(2)
They have 2 or more DUIs within the past 5 years from the date sentenced
to prison; or
(3)
They have any AHC revocations in the past 3 years.
(e) Residents shall receive orientation on the
AHC program at their initial classification evaluation and by unit correctional
case managers as residents approach the window of opportunity
for application. The program and
application process shall be fully explained to appropriate residents
at those times.
(f) Residents that are within 24 months of their
minimum parole date shall be eligible for a TWC.
(g) Residents shall be eligible for placement at
a TWC within 36 months of their minimum parole date, when authorized by the
commissioner or commissioner’s designee, if it is determined that there are
extenuating circumstances that shall include, but not be limited to, accident,
injury, illness, death of a family member, or other circumstance beyond the
resident’s control. Operational needs of
a facility will also be considered, and shall include but not be limited to,
housing availability, program availability, resident, staff, and public safety.
This will be approved only after a review of public risk in accordance with Cor
406.02.
(h) Residents within 12 months of their minimum
parole date shall be eligible for a THU.
(i) THUs shall be
outside a main prison facility’s grounds, and resident job assignments shall be
in the community.
(j) If a resident has not yet reached his or her
minimum parole date, the sentencing judge shall be notified and given a 10-day
opportunity to object to the resident being assigned to work release before
placement into the work release program.
(k) If the sentencing judge objects, pursuant to
(j) above, the resident shall not move until he or she has reached his or her
minimum parole date.
(l) C-2 residents shall be placed at THUs to
serve as:
(1) Trustee
cooks;
(2) Central office
workers; and
(3) Maintenance
workers.
(m) C-2 residents shall remain in the THUs except
when accompanied elsewhere by staff.
(n) A resident who is sentenced to the New
Hampshire department of corrections who has treatment or program
recommendations by the court noted on his or her MITTIMUS or triggered during
the assessment process shall have a referral to determine the level of care or
service needed prior to being considered for reduced custody.
(o) A resident that is deemed high risk or
requires a higher level of treatment or programming shall successfully complete
required programming before being considered for any level of reduced custody.
(p) Requests for exception shall be addressed to
the administrator of classification and client records and shall be triaged
through the director of security and training, the facility warden or director,
administrator of classification and client records, and the commissioner as a
group.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
408.02 Gaining Reduced Custody.
(a) Requirements for gaining reduced custody
shall be as follows:
(1) Major, A level, disciplinary violation free
for a 60-day period prior to applying;
(2) Minor, B level, disciplinary violation free
for a 30-day period prior to applying;
(3) Minor, C level,
disciplinary violation infractions shall be discretionary at time of unit
reclassification hearing;
(4) All required programs shall have been
completed unless the program is available in reduced custody;
(5) Approved reduced custody residents shall be
housed in secure facilities until the completion of required programs if the
required programs are not available in reduced custody; and
(6) Classification score based on the public risk
and institutional risk ratings shall be at the appropriate level.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
408.03 Restrictions on Gaining
Reduced Custody.
(a) A residents serving a sentence for escape or
attempted escape from a non-secure facility over 3 years ago, or default, bail
jumping, being a fugitive from justice, or escape during an arrest process
shall not be eligible until on or after their minimum parole date.
(b) A residents serving a sentence for escape or
attempted escape from a non-secure facility less than 3 years ago, or
absconding, default, bail jumping, being a fugitive from justice shall not be
eligible for reduced custody.
(c) A residents serving a sentence for escape
from a secure facility shall not be eligible for reduced custody until on or
after their minimum parole date and only if he or she has completed all
required programs or has a verifiable plan for completing required programs
while in custody, and:
(1) He or she is “A” and “B” level disciplinary
violation infraction free for the past 365 days; or
(2) He or she obtains the written approval from
the commissioner of corrections or his or her designee utilizing a resident
“Request Slip” form as defined in Cor 312, whereas upon receipt, the
commissioner or designee shall validate there are no extenuating circumstances
which may preclude the resident from approval. Extenuating circumstances shall
include, but not be limited to evidence that approval may jeopardize public
safety or the welfare of the resident or he or she does not qualify as described within Cor 400.
(d) A resident who has a warrant(s), detainer(s),
active indictment(s), known pending charge(s), or consecutive sentence(s) shall
be eligible for reduced custody if:
(1) He or she has completed all required programs
or has a verifiable plan for completing required programs while in custody; and
(2) He or she has obtained permission from the
entity with jurisdiction over the warrant(s), detainer(s), indictment(s),
pending charge(s), or consecutive charge(s).
(e) Residents who have other sentences that are
longer or consecutive to their New Hampshire sentence shall be disqualified for
reduced custody unless approval is granted by the other authority.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
408.04 Maintaining Reduced Custody. While assigned to minimum custody status, a
resident shall remain disciplinary report free. If a resident receives a disciplinary report,
he or she is subject to removal from the reduced custody program and returned
to a secure facility PAR, depending on the severity of the rule violation and
the potential risk to staff, residents, and the public
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
408.05 Regaining Reduced Custody
Status.
(a) A resident who is returned from reduced custody
status for disciplinary reasons shall be subject to disciplinary action.
(b) If the resident is found guilty at a
disciplinary hearing, a classification evaluation shall be conducted to
determine whether this infraction is cause to change
the resident’s custody level.
(c) If the resident’s custody level
recommendation remains C-1 or C-2 that resident shall be returned to the
reduced custody program:
(1) 30 days after pleading guilty to or being found
guilty of a minor, B-level, offense; or
(2) 60 days after pleading guilty to or being
found guilty of a major, A-level, offense.
(d) Residents may be returned to reduced custody
sooner with extenuating circumstances that shall include, but not be limited
to, accident, injury, illness, death of a family member, or other circumstance
beyond the resident’s control. Operational needs of a facility shall also be
considered, and shall include but not be limited to, housing availability,
program availability, resident, staff and public safety. This shall be approved only after a review of
public risk in accordance with Cor 406.02 and if approved by the administrator
of classification and client records.
(e) If the resident is found not guilty of the
offense they shall be returned to the previous custody at the first available
bed.
(f) When a resident is reclassified to C-3 or
higher custody level, from either C-2 or C-1 level, he or she shall return to
the higher custody level and shall not be eligible for reduced custody until
their next regularly scheduled classification evaluation, unless there is a
change in his or her status that warrants earlier review. If the resident is
again recommended for reduced custody at that time he or she shall be placed on
the appropriate waiting list and shall move as bed space becomes available.
(g) Disputes resulting from removal from reduced
custody shall be settled using the grievance process pursuant to Cor 313.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
PART Cor 409
JOB ASSIGNMENTS AND CHANGES
Cor
409.01 Job Assignments.
(a) Residents shall be assigned to a work or training
program unless medically unable to participate.
(b)
Residents who by virtue of age, physical incapacity, or mental
incapacity cannot work shall not be required to work but such residents shall have the opportunity to
participate in vocational training, education, and recreation programs
commensurate with their physical or mental ability. Classification staff shall remove such a resident
from a job and place the resident in non-working status on a permanent basis,
only after staff from the division of medical and forensic services provide
classification staff with information substantiating the medical or behavioral
capacity issues warranting such decision.
(c) Assignments to work and training areas shall
be made through the following:
(1)
Classification evaluations;
(2) A “Job
Change Request Form” completed and approved by the classification staff during
one of the quarterly job fairs; or
(3) A “Job
Change Request Form” approved by classification staff based on institutional
needs.
(d) Assignment to a specific job shall be based
on the following:
(1)
Classification score of the resident;
(2) Needs of
the institution; and
(3) Needs and
skills of the resident.
(e) Available areas of work and training shall be
as follows:
(1)
Correctional industries;
(2) Custodial
assignments;
(3) Service
related jobs in the kitchen, laundry, warehouse, or maintenance department;
(4) Vocational
training;
(5) Education;
and
(6) Reduced
custody programs.
(f) Job fairs shall be held at each prison
facility on a quarterly basis within each calendar year in order to present
potential employment opportunities to residents. This process shall allow residents to request
a change in their current job assignment without going through formal
classification hearings for those jobs that do not affect their overall
classification scores. Those residents
not wishing, or not being recommended, to stay in their present assignment
shall attend the job fair to seek other employment.
(g) To seek a job change the resident shall
complete a “Job Change Request Form” pursuant to Cor 409.03, below.
(h) No staff member shall sign-off a job change
request to any state certified vocational training program unless it has been
verified that the resident has:
(1) Achieved a
minimum grade level of 7.5 in reading and math on the tests of adult basic
education (TABE);
(2) Earned a
verified high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate; or
(3)
Successfully completed all pre-requisite courses.
(i) The
classification staff shall reassign residents to any job that needs to be done
at a departmental facility.
(j) The resident may appeal the decision for an
unrequested job change on a “Request Slip” form pursuant to Cor 312, to the
classification staff stating the reasons for his or her disagreement. If the
classification staff upholds the job change, an appeal may be made to the
administrator of classification and client records on a “Request Slip” form,
pursuant to Cor 312.
(k) Residents who work in the
health services center or who may be exposed to infectious diseases or blood
borne pathogens in their work assignment shall be required to attend infection
control training.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19; ss by #12886, eff 9-28-19
Cor
409.02 Security Sensitive Work
Assignments.
(a) Each facility shall identify work areas that
are security sensitive due to posing potential risks to institutional security.
(b) Residents shall be in C-3 classification for
a minimum of 120 days before applying for a security sensitive position.
(c) Residents in C-2 classification and being
housed in C-2 housing shall be permitted to apply for security sensitive
positions without a waiting period.
(d) Residents being assigned to security
sensitive work areas shall require the approval of the facility chief of
security or designee. Approval shall be based on the following criteria to
include, but not be limited to, disciplinary infraction history, staff input as
well as safety for the resident, staff, and the public including the ability to
maintain institutional security.
(e) Residents who have one or more of the
following shall not be permitted to work in security sensitive areas without
the approval of the warden, who shall take into consideration all criteria
identified in Cor 409.02(d) above:
(1) Possession
of escape implements within the last 5 years;
(2) Possession
of drugs with the intent to distribute or possession of weapons within the last
2 years;
(3) Positive
drug screen within the past 1 year; or
(4) Major
disciplinary infraction within the past 60 days
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
409.03 Job Change Request Form.
(a) The following shall be the 2 types of
job-change request forms:
(1) The “Job
Change Request Form”; and
(2) The
“Transitional Work Center Job Change Request” form.
(b) A resident shall be permitted to request a
job change at any time.
(c) A resident who wants a job change shall
supply the following on the applicable “Job Change Request” form:
(1) Date, name,
and identification number;
(2) Current
housing unit;
(3) Present
job;
(4) Proposed
job;
(5) Reasons for
the request; and
(6) Experience
in requested area applied for.
(d) The resident shall present the form to his or
her present job supervisor.
(e) The
present job supervisor of the resident shall supply on the form comments on the
job performance and behavior on the job of the resident.
(f) The present job supervisor shall then:
(1) Sign and
date the form; and
(2) Forward the
form to the proposed job supervisor.
(g) The proposed job supervisor shall supply on
the form comments as to whether there is a position available for the resident.
(h) The proposed job supervisor shall then:
(1) Sign and date
the form; and
(2) Return the
form to the resident’s unit supervisor.
(i) The unit
supervisor shall supply on the form the following information:
(1) Comments on
the proposed job change to include any information which may preclude the
resident from working within the newly requested position, to include but not
limited to, recent disciplinary infractions, safety concerns for residents,
staff, and the public; and
(2) Whether the job change request is approved.
Approval shall be based on whether the opportunity would be beneficial to the
resident and the institution, and if the resident meets the requirements for
the desired position.
(j) The unit supervisor shall then sign and date
the form and forward the form to classification staff.
(k) The classification staff upon receipt of the
form shall supply the following on the form:
(1) Comments on
the proposed job change, taking into consideration all information provided
within the “Job Change Request” form by staff and if staff, institutional
security, or the public safety could be jeopardized, or approving the job would
invalidate the re-entry plan of the resident; and
(2) Whether the
job change request is approved or denied which shall be based on the review of
all compiled information collected and contained within the “Job Change
Request” form, including but not limited to staff comments and observations, as
well as documented disciplinary infraction history, as well as benefits to the
resident and the institution.
(l) Job change requests which are recommended by
the current and prospective employer shall be approved unless during the review
by classification staff there is evidence that approving the change would put
resident, staff, institutional security, or the public in jeopardy, or
approving the job would invalidate the re-entry plan of the resident.
(m) The classification officer shall then:
(1) Sign and
date the form; and
(2) Forward
copies of the form to the following:
a. The
resident;
b. The present
job supervisor;
c. The proposed
job supervisor;
d. The unit
supervisor; and
e. Client
records.
(n) The resident shall begin work at the new job
within 90-days.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
409.04 Reduced Pay Status.
(a) If a resident is to be fired from his or her
assigned job for cause, he or she shall not be terminated until his or her
right to due process is exercised.
(b) A resident found guilty of a disciplinary
infraction involving the work or program assignment shall be placed on “reduced
pay status (RPS)” by the appropriate work site supervisor using the “Placement
on Reduced Pay or No Job Available Status” Form.
(c) Residents placed on RPS for disciplinary
reasons may appeal the assignment to the warden or director’s designee using a
“Request Slip” form as described in Cor 312.
(d) Residents placed on RPS shall not be assigned
another job until 90 days has lapsed from the date of placement in RPS status.
(e) Residents who are on RPS shall remain in
their housing area except when they are directed by a staff member to be
elsewhere.
(f) If availability exists, and the housing unit
and program area staff authorize, residents on RPS may participate in education
and programs and shall be paid RPS wages.
(g) Residents under 21 years of age who are
receiving special education services shall continue to attend classes when on
RPS.
(g) If a resident’s job performance is not
satisfactory through no fault of his or her own, the supervisor shall document
this, stating the reasons on the “Placement on Reduced Pay or No Job Available
Status Form” and noting that no disciplinary action needs to be taken. Copies
shall be forwarded to the classification office, the resident, and the unit
security representative, within 24 hours. Classification staff shall enter this
information into the CORIS, and the resident shall be able to seek other employment.
(h) Residents
placed in NJA status may get another job assignment once a completed job change
request has been approved by classification staff for the specific facility.
(i) Residents unable to continue in his or her current job due
to a medical condition and who have been provided with a medical lay-in pass
shall be reassigned a medical lay-in job code.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
409.05 No Job Available Status. Residents shall be assigned to the NJA status
when:
(a) He or she is newly incarcerated and is in the
orientation period; or
(b) His or her work performance at an assigned
job is substandard through no fault of his or her own.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
409.06 Placement on Reduced Pay or No Job Available Status Form. The “Placement on Reduced Pay or No Job
Available Status” form shall contain the following:
(a) The resident’s name;
(b) The resident’s ID number;
(c) The resident’s housing assignment;
(d) The resident’s job
assignment and shift;
(e) Whether the placement is in:
(1) (RPS); or
(2) (NJA)
Status.
(f) The specific reason for the placement;
(g) The staff member’s name; and the date.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
409.07 Job Assignment Suspension.
(a) Residents shall be suspended from his or her
work assignment without pay during the disciplinary and due process procedures
utilizing the “Individual Job Assignment Suspension Form”, if it is determined
there is a threat to institutional security, the safety of residents, staff or
the public.
(b) Residents suspended without pay that are
found not guilty of the charges used to suspend them shall be reimbursed all
missed pay while suspended.
(c) Residents removed from his or her work
assignment administratively pursuant to (409.06) above shall be paid at the
standard NJA status pay-rate, and permitted to pursue employment in other
areas.
(d) Residents may appeal their administrative
removal from an assigned job to the warden or director on a “Request Slip” form
as defined in Cor 312.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
409.08 Individual Job Assignment Suspension Form. The “Individual Job
Assignment Suspension Form” shall contain the following:
(a) The resident’s name;
(b) The resident’s ID number;
(c) The resident’s housing assignment;
(d) The pending disciplinary infractions;
(e) The suspension effective date;
(f) The resident’s work site and shift;
(g) The worksite supervisor’s printed name and
signature;
(h) Notification to the resident of either:
(1) “You have
pled guilty to or been found guilty of the disciplinary infraction(s)
referenced in (4) above. You are hereby placed in RPS effective (date). All
movement and employment restrictions apply pursuant to Cor 409.05 (e)”; or
(2) “You have
been found not-guilty of the disciplinary infraction referenced in (4) above.
You will report back to your work-site effective (date)”; or
(3) The form
shall contain the following language for notification:
“Although you have not been found guilty of a
disciplinary infraction, you are being removed from your work assignment
permanently per documented unusual circumstances, confidential intelligence
information, or first-hand knowledge of individual misbehavior”.
(i) The removal in
(h)(3) above shall require the approval of the facilities chief of security or
higher authority.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
PART Cor 410
SPECIAL STATUSES
Cor 410.01 Protective
Custody.
(a) The department shall provide a protective
custody status for those residents that face a verifiable danger of being
physically harmed by another resident.
(b) Protective custody may be sought by a
resident. The resident shall demonstrate
during an administrative review evaluation that he or she faces danger of being
physically harmed by describing the nature of the harm and identifying the
residents who has threatened him or her.
(c) Residents in quarantine status shall make a
request for consideration for protective custody to the unit supervisor. These
requests can be made verbally, by the resident to a staff member, or in writing
to a staff member, no special form shall be required. The approving unit supervisor shall schedule
that resident for a protective custody review evaluation.
(d) If a resident housed in general population has
a rational fear for his or her safety, he or she shall report his or her
concern to a staff member who shall notify the shift supervisor.
(e) The shift supervisor shall immediately place
the resident in PAR status pending protective custody (PC) review pursuant to
Cor 410.04 below. A report shall be
completed and distributed to the shift commander, the unit supervisor of the
housing area of the resident, and the classification staff before the end of
the shift supervisor's tour of duty that day.
(f) The approving unit supervisor shall advise
the case manager of the resident requesting protective custody. The case
manager shall attempt to mediate the issue and resolve it. If the case manager
is unable to mitigate the problem, the case manager shall notify the approving
unit supervisor, and document the attempted mitigation in the resident’s
record, and a PC evaluation will be scheduled.
(g) The approving unit supervisor shall schedule
a protective custody review evaluation for those residents deemed as requiring
one, if one has not yet been scheduled.
The resident shall be notified 24 hours in advance of the PC review
evaluation. The resident may waive this notice.
(h) The protective custody evaluation board shall
consist of:
(1) The shift
commander or designated shift supervisor;
(2) A member of
the department’s investigation bureau, who shall be the evaluation board chair;
and
(3) The
approving unit’s supervisor or designee.
(i) A resident shall
request in writing if he or she chooses to preclude a specific staff member, or
officer from attending the evaluation.
In addition, any witnesses, questions, or evidence to be presented
during the evaluation, by the resident, shall be requested in writing as soon
as possible, but no later than 12 hours prior to the start of the evaluation.
Requests shall be submitted on a “Request Slip” form as defined in Cor 312, to
the unit supervisor or case counselor or case manager of the resident only.
(j) A resident may object to the presence of a
particular officer on the evaluation review board based on a disciplinary
infraction involving the officer and the resident, which occurred within 3
months immediately preceding the evaluation. Requests shall be completed as
described within (i) above.
(k) The evaluation review board in reaching its
decision, shall consider the following to determine if a feasible, verifiable
threat of bodily harm exists and would jeopardize the safety of the resident:
(1) What is in the
best interest of the health, welfare, and safety of the other resident’s;
(2) All
evidence relevant to the request of the resident to be placed in, or to remain
in, protective custody status;
(3) Any alleged
conflict the resident might have with other residents currently confined in the
institution;
(4) Whether the
resident currently would be in any danger, should the resident be returned to
general population; and
(5) Whether the
resident being evaluated specified a verifiable danger and named the resident
or residents who he or she feared would cause him or her physical harm.
(l) A resident shall not be refused protective
custody status or removed from such status based on disciplinary reasons, or
reasons unrelated to the resident or of other residents in that status.
(m) The residents shall have a right to appear at
his or her evaluation, testify, call witnesses, and present relevant evidence
as directed in (i) above. However, the protective custody review board
chair as identified in (h)(2) above, shall exclude any witness called by a
resident from testifying if the presence of that witness at the evaluation
might pose a danger to prison security, or the safety of the resident, or the
testimony of the witness is irrelevant or cumulative. In no event shall the board chair require a
resident to offer evidence that would incriminate himself or herself.
(n) The chair of the review board as identified
in (h)(2) above, shall issue a written recommendation to the administrator of
classification and client records. He or she shall make the final decision
which shall be based upon, whether evidence exists that a feasible, verifiable
threat of bodily harm is present and would jeopardize the safety of the
resident. All evaluation documentation, which shall include the board's
reported observations and the facts relied upon by the board, in arriving at
such conclusions, shall be considered by the administrator of classification
and client records when reaching his or her final decision.
(o) If protective custody status is recommended,
the board shall recommend a housing placement based on the nature of the threat
to the resident, and the resident shall:
(1) Remain in
or be returned to the same or another housing unit in general population;
(2) Be
transferred out of state;
(3) Be
transferred to a county facility; or
(4) Be
transferred to a different departmental facility.
(p) Verbal notification shall be provided to the resident
by unit staff. Due to the potential danger to the resident involved by
possessing protective custody documents, written notification shall be provided
to the resident of the administrator of classification and client records final
decision only if requested by the resident.
(q) If the resident is dissatisfied with the
decision of the review board he or she may, within 7 days, appeal to the
administrator of classification and client records on a “Request Slip” form as
defined in Cor 312, stating the reasons why this status should be granted or
revoked. During the pendency of the
appeal the resident shall remain in PAR status.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
410.02 Secure Psychiatric Unit (SPU)
Assignments.
(a) A resident shall be a candidate for transfer
to the (SPU) if the resident is:
(1) Classified
at level BH-5, a behavioral health score of 5, and is a danger to self or
others;
(2) Observed by a behavioral health clinician engaging
in behavior that would qualify the resident for reclassification to level BH-5
and is dangerous to self or others;
(3) Certified by a psychiatric provider as needing
management or treatment in a secure psychiatric facility; or
(4) Ordered
transferred by the superior court of the sentencing jurisdiction.
(b) If a court order is issued, delivery of a
copy of the order to the administrator of SPU shall initiate the transfer.
(c) Whenever any of the necessary criteria listed
in section (a), above are met, the administrator of the behavioral health unit
or designee, in consultation with the administrator of SPU, shall initiate
proceedings by completing and submitting to the SPU a “Transfer of a Person
Under Departmental Control to the Secure Psychiatric Unit for Behavioral Health
Treatment Services Pursuant to RSA 623:1” form, (Rev. 02/2018).
(d) The completed transfer form shall be
forwarded to the SPU prior to the transfer of the resident so that admission
arrangements can be made.
(e) If a person in the custody of the
commissioner needs emergency treatment and requires immediate transfer to the
SPU, the due process review shall occur within 24 hours following the transfer,
and shall be executed as outlined within Cor 504.07.
(f) A resident who agrees to be transferred to
the SPU shall sign the form in (c) above.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
410.03 Pending Administrative Review
(PAR).
(a) “Pending administrative review (PAR)” as
defined within Cor 101.18, shall allow investigation of various issues as
delineated in (e), below.
(b) PAR shall be imposed on a resident when circumstances
arise involving the resident that might place the safety, security, and orderly
operation of the facility in jeopardy or for any other valid penological
purpose. It shall be imposed only for
the minimum amount of time necessary when the continued presence of the
resident in the reduced custody or general population presents a clear danger
to himself, herself, others, or facility safety.
(c) When a resident is involved in an incident
that threatens institutional security, staff, or other residents, and, in the
opinion of the on-duty shift supervisor, it is necessary that he or she be
placed in PAR status to prevent further incidents, or because of the
seriousness of the incident, the shift supervisor shall advise the resident of
the imposition of PAR status and have him or her moved to the housing unit
designated for that purpose.
(d) The responsible officer shall prepare a
“Pending Administrative Review Notification and Review Form”, pursuant to Cor
410.05, below, forward it to the shift supervisor, and file a report for
investigation and distribution before going off duty. The shift supervisor shall sign the form,
ensure a copy is delivered to the resident, and forward copies to the
investigations bureau, the classification and client records office. The “Pending Administrative Review
Notification and Review” form shall indicate to the resident that a written
appeal of this status may be made on a “Request Slip” form as defined in Cor
312, to the warden within 48 hours.
(e) The various categories of administrative
review shall be designated as follows in Table 410-1, Administrative Review
Designation:
Table 410-1 Administrative Review Designation
|
Category |
Designation |
|
Administrative |
Administrative Review-Pending Reclassification |
|
Investigation |
Administrative Review-Pending Investigation |
|
Protective Custody |
Administrative Review-Pending PC Review |
|
Behavioral Health |
Administrative Review-Pending Behavioral Health
Review |
|
Reclassification based on Discipline |
Administrative Review-Pending Reclassification |
|
Transfer |
Administrative Review-Pending Transfer |
(f) The sending unit staff shall schedule an administrative
review evaluation within 7 days.
(g) If there is no change in the PAR status of
the resident, a meeting every 7 days thereafter shall be scheduled and:
(1) The
resident shall be present at every 7-day meeting and shall be given the
opportunity to speak at the meeting;
(2) The 7-day
meetings shall be documented on the PAR form; and
(3) If the PAR
status is not resolved the reviewer shall note the specific reason why not on
the form.
(h) The weekly meetings shall not be
administrative review evaluations, but shall be administrative meetings.
(i) When the PAR
status is resolved, or it is determined that it cannot be resolved, an
administrative review evaluation shall be scheduled.
(j) Except for extenuating circumstances and with
the approval of the administrator of classification and client records, PAR
status shall be cleared in no more than 30 days.
(k) For residents with victim notification
required, the classification staff or designee shall inform the victim services
coordinator when the board recommends reclassification to a higher custody
level, reclassified to minimum custody, work release, AHC, or reclassified to
any custody level inside the secure perimeter.
(l) The administrative review evaluation shall
review the facts and circumstances regarding the imposition of PAR and shall
recommend to the administrator of classification and client records that the
resident be released from PAR or recommend the continuation of PAR until such
time as a disciplinary hearing can be scheduled. If the administrative review evaluation
concludes that the return of the resident to the prison population would not
pose a clear danger to institutional security, or to the well-being of the
resident, the board shall recommend to the administrator of classification and
client records that the resident be released from PAR status. If the board determines that release of the
resident from secure housing would pose a clear threat to him or her, others,
or to institutional security, it shall recommend the resident be retained in
secure housing pending a re-classification evaluation.
(m) The administrator of classification and
client records shall approve all recommendations unless the administrator of
classification and client records can articulate a reason why approving the
recommendation would create a threat to institutional security, staff, or other
residents.
(n) Residents retained in PAR shall be reviewed
by the sending unit supervisor or designee at 7-day intervals and shall be
advised of the reason for any delay in obtaining a hearing or recommended
action, as well as the approximate date by which they can expect the action to
be completed.
(o) Residents in PAR shall have the same cell
furnishings offered the other residents in the same housing unit unless
reduction or restriction of certain items are necessary to maintain security
control or to prevent the resident from harming themselves or others.
(p) Residents retained under this rule in PAR
status shall be afforded the same recreation, work, education, and other
activities as are other residents in the same housing unit unless security of
the institution mandates otherwise.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
410.04 Pending Administrative Review
Notification and Review Form.
(a) The officer who is placing a resident in PAR
status shall supply the following on the “Pending Administrative Review
Notification and Review” form:
(1) The date;
(2) The name
and identification number of the resident;
(3) The
officer’s name; and
(4) The PAR category
as described in Cor 410.04 above, in which the resident is being placed.
(b) The officer shall sign the “Pending
Administrative Review Notification and Review” form.
(c) The officer who delivers the “Pending
Administrative Review Notification and Review” form to the resident shall
supply the following on the “Pending Administrative Review Notification and
Review” form:
(1) His or her
name; and
(2) The
delivery date.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
410.05 Notice of Evaluation Form. Resident shall be notified of the
administrative review evaluation pursuant to Cor 407.03.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
410.06 Administrative Review
Evaluation Form.
(a) The “Administrative Review Evaluation” form
shall be used by classification staff to document evaluations for residents
placed in administrative review status.
(b) The “Administrative Review Evaluation” form
shall contain:
(1) The name of
the resident;
(2) The booking
number of the resident;
(3) The names
of board members;
(4) The sending
facility and unit;
(5) The current
facility and unit;
(6) The reason
for placement in administrative review status;
(7)
Documentation of 24-hour notice being:
a. Received;
b. Not
received; or
c. Waived;
(8) Documentation
of the resident being:
a. Present;
b. Absent; or
c. Attendance
being waived;
(9) A summary
of the evaluation;
(10) Documentation
of witness statements being attached if applicable:
(11) The
custody level recommendation of either:
a. C-1;
b. C-2;
c. C-3;
d. C- 4; or
e. C-5;
(12) A housing
recommendation of either:
a. NH state
prison for men;
b. Northern NH
correctional facility;
c. NH
correctional facility for women;
d. Transitional
work center;
e. Transitional
housing unit;
f.
Out-of-state; or
g. County
placement;
(13) The
specific unit, county, or state, if applicable;
(14) A notation
of any escape history;
(15) A notation
of any public risk concerns;
(16) Whether
victim notification is required;
(17) The board
chair’s signature;
(18) The warden
or director’s approval or denial;
(19) The reason
for denial if applicable;
(20) The
facility warden’s signature if the review was protective custody related;
(21) The
commissioner’s approval or denial if the result is a 2-step change in the
resident’s classification status;
(22) The final
decision of the resident’s:
a.
Classification;
b. Housing; and
c. Time to next
review;
(23)
Instructions on how to appeal the decision; and
(24) Notice
that the commissioner has the authorization to remove any resident from any
approved plan, at any custody level, at any time if in his or her opinion the
placement might jeopardize the safety, security, or orderly operation of any
departmental facility.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
410.07 Medical Segregation.
(a) Medical segregation shall be imposed only by
a doctor, licensed provider, or advance practice registered nurse, hereinafter
called the medical authority, who upon examination of the resident has
determined that it is necessary to separate him or her from the general
population because the resident might be contagious or a threat to his or her
self or others because of his or her medical or mental condition.
(b) Medical segregation shall be imposed only for
as long as necessary to resolve the medical or psychiatric concern. It shall occur in any housing facility within
the institution consistent with security requirements, and the medical needs of
the resident as determined by the medical authority. Items available to the resident in the
housing location shall be limited or restricted by the medical authorities if
necessary, pursuant to (g) below.
(c) Residents in medical segregation shall be
restricted from work or participating in recreation by the medical authority if
necessary, pursuant to (g) below. In
each case the limitations associated with that condition shall be specified and
shall become part of the treatment folder health record of the resident.
(d) Residents held in medical segregation for
psychological reasons shall visit with the psychiatric providers or behavioral
health counselor as determined by the medical authority. Such visits shall be
for the purpose of monitoring or checking the resident, providing therapy and
treatment, and determining on a regular basis whether the status should
continue. That determination shall be
made by the medical authority based on the authority's own examination and
reports from the healthcare staff.
(e) Upon initial examination and during the
period of medical segregation, the medical authority shall determine whether
referrals or transfers should be made to other facilities or medical or
psychiatric personnel.
(f) The medical authority shall keep medical
records regarding imposition of the status, including recording the reasons for
imposition of the status and what referrals, if any, to outside facilities were
sought. The medical condition shall be regularly reviewed to insure that
segregation is imposed only for the period absolutely required for valid
medical and psychiatric reasons. The
medical authority and the behavioral health staff or healthcare staff shall on
a regular basis keep progress notes and indicate the reason for continuation of
the status in the health record of the resident.
(g) A resident placed in medical segregation
shall retain all rights and privileges in consonance with the custody level of
the resident including all personal property and participation in programs,
unless the medical authority determines in his or her opinion that the exercise
of a particular right or privilege by the resident might jeopardize the medical
treatment that he or she is undergoing, in which case the medical authority
shall prescribe in writing a partial or total curtailment of such rights and
privileges.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor 410.08 Disciplinary
Confinement of a Resident to Cell (DCC).
(a) Disciplinary Confinement of a Resident to
Cell (DCC), shall be imposed on a resident by the disciplinary board as
punishment for a specific disciplinary infraction after he or she has been
afforded a due process hearing pursuant to Cor 311.
(b) DCC, shall be imposed for up to 15 days at a
time with a 24-hour break between any consecutive impositions.
(c) Residents in DCC shall:
(1)
Be visited by a member of the medical or behavioral health
staff on a daily basis to determine whether he
or she has any medical complaints;
(2) Receive one
hour out of cell, 7 days a week;
(3) Have the
opportunity to shower on a daily basis;
(4) Have the
opportunity for issue and exchange of clothing, bedding, linen, and laundry at
least 3 times a week;
(5) Be provided
the same opportunities for the writing and receipt of letters available to
general population residents. In addition, writing implements and paper shall
be supplied to residents in DCC upon request;
(6) Be
restricted to only placing telephone calls to their attorney of record, New
Hampshire Legal Assistance, and family members during a verified family crisis;
(7) Have access
to counseling services, social service, religious guidance, and commissary
purchased personal hygiene toiletries;
(8) Be provided
access to reading materials. Soft cover
books shall be requested only from the chaplain or tier officer. Personal magazines and newspapers shall be
held in property until the punitive time is completed; and
(9) Only
receive visits from their attorney of record, New Hampshire Legal Assistance,
and family members during a verified family crisis. These visits shall be scheduled and facilitated
through the unit supervisor or designee.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
Cor
410.09 Temporary Confinement of a
Resident to Cell (TCC).
(a) When a resident becomes so hostile or
agitated that opening the cell door might result in a violent incident, he or
she shall be temporarily confined to his or her cell (TCC).
(b) The shift supervisor shall be notified
immediately of the TCC.
(c) The shift supervisor or designee shall, upon
notice of the TCC:
(1) Speak with
the resident in an attempt to resolve the situation;
(2) Review the
situation, including talking with any witnesses;
(3) Advise the
warden or chief of security if the situation is not resolved within 2 hours;
and
(4) Call a
behavioral health worker if needed.
(d) If the TCC continues beyond one day, the
warden or director shall evaluate whether the circumstances outlined in (a)
above continue to be present and make a decision thereupon each day whether to
continue the status.
(e) A classification evaluation shall be convened
within 3 days if the behavior of the resident does not allow him or her to be
released from the cell by that time.
(f) Use of TCC shall be documented in an incident
report. Any limitations on property shall
be documented and justified on the TCC log and no property or furnishing shall
be removed unless the resident is destroying property, attempts to set fire to
those items, is assaultive, or self-destructive. The clothes of the resident shall not to be
removed unless absolutely necessary. The
underwear of the resident shall not to be removed unless the warden or designee
finds that in light of the condition of the resident the underwear might be
used by the resident to harm himself or herself or others. Any limitations on
clothing shall be documented and justified on the TCC log.
(g) No resident shall be placed in a cell bare of
any furnishings without an immediate referral and evaluation by behavioral
health, and the condition shall continue only so long as is necessary.
(h) Residents in temporary cell confinement shall
not be let out of their cells for the ordinary recreation, showers, or other
activities enjoyed by residents who are compliant. Since this status poses a serious hardship on
a resident, it shall continue only for the period of time necessary to insure
the safety of the resident or others.
Source. (See Revision Notes #1 and #2 at chapter
heading for Cor 400) #12777, eff 5-11-19
PART Cor 411
WORK RELEASE
Cor
411.01 Work Release Program Purpose. The work release program shall provide a
structured community-based opportunity for eligible residents to reintegrate
into the community by obtaining employment and other approved rehabilitative
activity while residing in a departmental transitional housing unit. Residents participating in the program shall
be assisted in a graduated program of lessening restrictions as they
demonstrate increasing social responsibility.
Source. (See Revision Note #3 at chapter heading for
Cor 400) #12887, eff 9-29-19
Cor
411.02 Work Release Program
Description. The program shall
provide guidance and jurisdiction over the resident while assisting them in
completion of their program. Residents
in the program shall be assigned to a departmental transitional housing unit,
taking into consideration availability of employment, educational
opportunities, public safety, public acceptance, and the desires of the
resident.
Source. (See Revision Note #3 at chapter heading for
Cor 400) #12887, eff 9-29-19
Cor
411.03 Eligible Entrants.
(a) Residents eligible for entry
into the work release program shall include those who meet the following
criteria:
(1) The resident shall be within 12 months of parole of
serving the resident’s last sentence;
(2) If detainers or warrants have
been lodged, the resident may seek approval through the administrator of inmate
classification and client records;
(3) The administrator of classification and
client records after reviewing the detainers and warrants, and considering any
perceived risk to the public, shall base his or her decision upon:
a. The seriousness of the underlying offenses;
b. The resident’s institutional record;
c. The resident’s criminal history;
d. Any unpaid fines,
restitution or both;
e. Warrants issued as a condition of parole; and
f. The originator of the warrant does not seek extradition.
(4) The
resident shall not have been found guilty of any departmental disciplinary
actions for the past 60 days where prison privileges could have been curtailed
as a sanction;
(5) The resident shall possess sufficient funds in his or her
account to cover initial expenses associated with participation in the program
as determined by the department.
Source. (See Revision Note #3 at chapter heading for
Cor 400) #12887, eff 9-29-19
Cor 411.04 Eligible
Entrants from Sources Other Than Prison.
(a) Parolees shall be eligible to participate in
the program under such conditions as the adult parole board shall prescribe for them.
(b) Residents committed or transferred to the
secure psychiatric unit shall be eligible to participate in departmental work-release programs if
consistent with the resident’s treatment plan and program space
availability. However, residents who
object and who do not have a state prison sentence shall not be placed in work
release programs.
Source. (See Revision Note #3 at chapter heading for
Cor 400) #12887, eff 9-29-19
Cor
411.05 Residents Required to Follow
Rules. Residents at transitional
housing units shall follow the rules and orders provided by the staff. Any failure to follow rules and orders shall
result in the resident being removed from the program.
Source. (See Revision Note #3 at chapter heading for
Cor 400) #12887, eff 9-29-19
Cor 411.06 Disposition
of Resident Funds.
(a) Each resident at a
transitional housing unit shall have a limit placed on the amount of money at
his or her disposal, limited as follows:
(1) Phase 1 $20.00 per week;
(2) Phase 2 $40.00 per week;
(3) Phase 3 $50.00 per week; and
(4) Phase 4 $60.00 per week.
(b) Residents shall surrender to the designated
staff member all funds received by them or credited to their account pursuant
to RSA 651:25.
(c) A designated staff member shall assist the
resident in developing a budget, and approve disposition of the funds,
including payments for:
(1) Room and board in the specified amount;
(2) Transportation fees;
(3) Medical, dental, and prescription costs;
(4) Court ordered restitution or fees and child support as
ordered;
(5) Family support;
(6) Personal expenses in approved amounts;
(7) Savings; and
(8) Other
expenses as ordered by the courts or regulatory agency having such powers.
(d) Additional funds may be
requested for necessary purchases such as child-care expenses or tools for
work.
(e)
Under no circumstances shall residents have money
not accounted for in their budget.
(f)
Unaccounted for funds shall be confiscated, and presented
as evidence at a disciplinary hearing, as follows:
(1) Persons found not guilty of possessing unaccounted for funds
shall have the funds returned to them.
(2) Persons found guilty of possessing unaccounted for funds
shall be sanctioned in accordance with departmental policy and procedure
directive 5.25.
Source. (See Revision Note #3 at chapter heading for
Cor 400) #12887, eff 9-29-19
Cor 411.07 Approved
Absences from Transitional Housing Units.
(a) Upon application, and
with a concurring recommendation from the resident’s case manager, and the
program manager of the transitional housing unit absences shall be approved
from the unit for any resident who meets the following criteria:
(1) The
resident shall be serving the last 90 days of his or her last sentence;
(2) The
resident shall be physically and mentally capable of conducting himself or herself in a law-abiding manner and can be without
escort or supervision without putting either the public or property at risk;
(3) The resident has demonstrated through institutional
behavior a level of responsibility which provides reasonable assurance he or
she will fully comply with the requirements of the approved absence and will
not jeopardize the safety of persons or property; and
(4) The purpose of the approved absence shall be to:
a. Visit immediate family, including:
1. Father, either natural, adoptive, or step;
2. Mother, either natural, adoptive, or step;
3. Brother, either natural, adoptive, or step;
4. Sister, either natural, adoptive, or step;
5. Wife;
6. Husband;
7. Children, either natural, adoptive, or step;
8. Legal civil union partners; or
9. Grandchildren.
b. Attend the funeral of immediate family, as described in a.
above;
c. Obtain medical treatment as prescribed by an appropriate
medical authority; or
d. For attendance at specific community activities, including:
1. Religious;
2. Educational;
3. Vocational;
4. Social;
5. Civic; or
6. Recreational activities.
Source. (See Revision Note #3 at chapter heading for
Cor 400) #12887, eff 9-29-19
Cor
411.08 Removal from the Program.
(a) Work release status shall not be considered a
right, but shall be a privilege. Any
resident shall be removed from the program
any time the commissioner believes or has reason to believe the peace, safety,
welfare, or security of the community or any person will be endangered by the
person on work release status.
(b) Residents so removed shall be returned to a more secure correctional setting.
(c) Parolees so removed shall
be returned to a New Hampshire state prison.
(d) A resident who is placed in escape status at
a transitional housing unit shall upon return to custody be returned to a New
Hampshire state prison and not returned to the transitional housing unit, at
least until the incident is resolved.
Source. (See Revision Note #3 at chapter heading for
Cor 400) #12887, eff 9-29-19
PART Cor 412 NON-GOVERNMENTAL PERSONNEL ACCESS TO
RESIDENT NON-MEDICAL RECORDS
Cor 412.01 Permission for Release of Information. Residents shall complete and sign a “Release of
Information Form” (revised 5/2019) as referenced in Cor 412.03 prior to the
release of information from their non-medical client records. A copy of the completed form shall be
maintained in the client record. The
release shall expire 6 months from the date of issue.
Source. #13082, eff 8-6-20
Cor 412.02 Copies of Official Records.
(a)
Attorneys, excluding the department of justice, insurance companies,
employers, or other individuals shall submit a completed and original “Release of Information” form as described
in Cor 412.03 signed by the resident along with prepayment for requested
copies.
(b)
After review of a paper
record, a count of the total pages to be copied and the cost of producing said
materials shall be determined. The estimated printing costs shall include the
per page cost as well as the total cost for reproduction, and shall be sent to
the requesting party for pre-payment.
(c)
Costs for printed materials shall be determined by the commissioner, or his
or her designee and printing costs shall be calculated by considering current
market prices associated with producing such documents.
(d)
Should the requesting party request an electronic copy, the requesting
party shall be charged a flat fee of $10 for records stored in the ECR and the EDSA. This fee shall cover the cost of the medium,
mailer, postage, and review of the Release of Information form to determine
which parts of the record shall be released. A copy of the bill shall also be
sent to Department financial services.
(e)
Pursuant to RSA 560:22 and RSA 332-I:13,when there is no estate
administration, the surviving spouse or next of kin shall have access to copies of the deceased resident’s
record upon providing proof of the requestor’s identity unless the record
indicates that the individual shall not have access to those records. Copying fees shall be applied as stated in
(b) and (c) above.
(f)
Upon receipt of the appropriate fees, financial services shall notify
the office of client records that payment was received. The office of client
records shall make and forward the requested copies.
Source. #13082, eff 8-6-20
Cor 412.03 Release of
Information Form.
(a)
The “Release of Information Form” (5/2019 edition) shall be completed by
the resident and shall contain:
(1) The resident’s name, ID
number, and date of birth;
(2) The expiration date of the
form;
(3) The resident’s signature; and
(4) The signature of a witness to the resident
signing the form.
(b)
The form shall
identify:
(1) The name of person
who is authorized to review the file;
(2) The name of the organization the person in
(1) above represents; and
(3) The specific record(s) in
the resident’s non-medical electronic record(s) the person shall examine and
discuss.
(c)
The form shall
state specifically what records shall be reviewed.
(d)
The resident
shall sign the completed form to consent to the following:
(1) “I understand that these
records are confidential and will not be released unless I sign this Release of
Information Form”; and
(2) “I further understand
that this consent to release information may be revoked in writing by me at any
time”.
Source. #13082, eff 8-6-20
CHAPTER Cor
500 STANDARDS FOR HEALTH, MEDICAL, AND
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE IN CORRECTIONS FACILITIES
Revision Note:
Document #12793, effective 5-25-19,
readopted with amendments and renumbered Part Cor 303, titled “Standards for
Health and Medical Care in Corrections Facilities”, as Part Cor 501 and Cor 502
in a new Chapter Cor 500, titled “Standards for Health, Medical, and Behavioral
Health Care in Corrections Facilities.”
Document #12793 also adopted Part Cor 503 titled “Medical and
Psychiatric Emergencies” and readopted with amendments and renumbered Part Cor
304, titled “Standards for Treatment at the Secure Psychiatric Unit,” as Part
Cor 504. Document #12793 readopted with
amendments and renumbered Cor 302.03, titled “Diagnosis, Counseling, and
Therapy”, as Cor 505.01 in Part Cor 505 titled “Behavioral Health Services”,
with the exception of Cor 302.03(i), which was
readopted with amendments and renumbered as Cor 505.02 titled “Sexual Offender
Administration”. Document #12793 adopted
Cor 505.03 through Cor 505.07.
Document #12793 replaces all prior filings
for the former rules Cor 302.03, Cor 303, and Cor 304. The prior filings affecting the former rules
Cor 302.03, Cor 303, and Cor 304 include the following documents:
#7448,
eff 2-6-01
#9383,
INTERIM, eff 2-3-09
#9508,
eff 7-8-09, EXPIRED 7-8-17
#12396,
INTERIM, eff 9-29-17
#12502,
eff 3-23-18
Cor 501.01 Purpose. The purpose of these rules is to define the
circumstances in which, and mechanisms by which, involuntary emergency
treatment, seclusion, or restraint can be provided for adult residents in
correctional settings. These emergency
interventions are designed to be effective, safe, and time-limited and utilized
only after all less restrictive options have been exhausted.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor
501.02 Definitions.
(a) "Administrator" means the
non-medical administrator of the secure psychiatric unit (SPU) or, in the absence of the administrator, the designee in charge of the
facility.
(b) “Administrative review committee (ARC)” means
a committee comprised of administrators from the division of medical and forensic services assigned by the director of medical and
forensic services as a risk management and clinical review committee of the
treatment rendered to residents who have committed sexually-related offenses or
have a documented sexually violent history.
(c) “Advance practice
registered nurse (APRN)” means an advanced practice registered nurse licensed
by the board of nursing who is certified as a psychiatric behavioral health
nurse practitioner by a board-recognized national certifying body.
(d) “Behavioral contract”
means a document that addresses current negative behaviors which are preventing
a resident from being successful in a program or treatment, and that contains
an agreement to ensure that the resident is made aware of concerns and how the
resident and treatment provider can work together to resolve barriers to
treatment.
(e) “CMS regional office” means the office of the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Branch Chief, Survey and Enforcement Branch, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services,
Room 2275, John F. Kennedy Federal Building, Boston, Massachusetts 02203.
(f) “Completion without full
application” means that the sexual offender treatment participant is not
consistently demonstrating use of the tools and concepts learned in treatment
and is not consistently demonstrating the application of interventions
necessary for full completion.
(g) “Correctional Offender Record Information
System (CORIS)” means the resident’s official electronic record.
(h) “Cycle of offending” means
an individual model which graphically demonstrates early antecedents in a
person’s sexual offending behavior.
(i) “Department” means the department of
corrections.
(j)
"Emergency" means the physical or behavioral status of a
resident that, if not treated promptly, will likely result in substantial harm
to the resident or others.
(k) “Facility” means
New Hampshire state prison for men, New Hampshire correctional facility for
women, northern New Hampshire correctional facility, the residential treatment
unit, and the SPU.
(l) “Female sexual offender
treatment services” means treatment for females that have sexually related
charges unique to the needs and differing typologies of the female offender.
(m) “Individual” means a
person receiving services from a facility.
(n) “Individual treatment plan (ITP)”
means a documented plan that describes the resident’s condition and procedures
that will be needed, detailing the treatment to be provided, expected outcomes,
and expected duration of the treatment outlined by the treating clinician and
with the resident’s feedback.
(o) “Informed decision” means a choice made
voluntarily by an individual or applicant for services or, where appropriate, such person's legal guardian, or
durable power of attorney after all relevant information necessary to making
the choice has been provided, when:
(1) The person understands that he or she is free to choose or refuse
any available alternative;
(2) The person clearly indicates or expresses his or her choice; and
(3) The choice is free from all coercion.
(p) "Involuntary admission"
means admission to the secure psychiatric unit pursuant to RSA 623:1.
(q) "Lack of capacity" means the
inability of a person, after efforts have been made to explain the nature,
effects, and risks of the
proposed treatment and alternatives to the proposed treatment, to engage in a
rational decision-making process regarding the proposed treatment as evidenced
by his or her inability to weigh the nature, purpose, risks, and benefits of
the proposed treatment and any available alternatives and the likely
consequences of refusing treatment.
(r) “Licensed provider”
means a provider licensed in the state of New Hampshire.
(s) “Maintenance contract” means a document
created by residents in the sexual offender treatment programs to mitigate sexual re-offending. This is an agreement that
is a work in progress during treatment and residents leave with a contract.
This document includes the resident’s triggers, and his or her abilities to
change thinking patterns, and ideas to keep him or her free from reoffending.
(t) "Medical
emergency" means a physical condition of a patient which, if not treated,
will result in an immediate, substantial, and progressive deterioration of a
serious physical illness or injury.
(u) “Nursing staff”
means a registered or licensed practical nurse or other care provider working
under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
(v) “Patient” means a person involuntarily
admitted to the SPU by order of a probate court pursuant to RSA 623:1, or any
other person admitted to the SPU.
(w) “Personal safety
emergency” means a physical status, a behavioral status, or an act or pattern of
behavior of an individual which, if not treated immediately, will result in
serious physical harm to the individual or others.
(x) “Physician” means a
medical doctor licensed in the state of New Hampshire who is employed by,
consultant to, or otherwise under contract with the department.
(y) "Psychiatric
emergency" means a condition of a patient, resulting from psychiatric
illness, which, if not treated promptly, likely will result in either:
(1) Imminent danger of harm to the patient or others as evidenced by:
a. Symptoms that in the past have immediately
preceded acts of harm to self or others; or
b. A recent overt act
including, but not limited to, an assault or self-injurious behavior when the
likelihood of preventing such harm would be substantially diminished if
treatment is delayed; or
(2) Deterioration
of the patient's psychiatric status from his or her usual behavioral status as
manifested by exacerbation of
psychiatric symptoms that potentially endanger self or others, or lead to
severe self-neglect, or lead to a failure to function in a less
restrictive environment when the likelihood of stabilizing and reversing such
deterioration would be substantially diminished if treatment is delayed.
(z) “Resident” means any person housed in a
department facility, work center, or transitional housing unit.
(aa) “Restraint” means a mechanical device, drug,
or medication when it:
(1) Is used as a restriction to manage an individual’s behavior or
restrict the individual’s freedom of movement;
(2) Is not a
standard treatment or dosage for the individual’s condition, in order to modify
a individual’s interaction
with others to achieve the highest level of function; or
(3) Any manual
method, physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment that immobilizes
an individual or
reduces the ability of an individual to move his or her arms, legs, head, or
other body parts freely but does not include devices, such as orthopedically
prescribed devices, surgical dressings or bandages, protective helmets, or
other methods that involve the physical holding of an individual, if necessary,
for the purpose of permitting the individual to participate in activities
without the risk of physical harm.
(ab) “Safety booth” means an enclosure a resident
is placed in, that allows the resident who is known to be assaultive towards others
to have interpersonal interactions with other residents and to participate in
group gatherings that include, but are not
limited to, group therapy and educational classes.
(ac) “Seclusion” means the involuntary confinement
of an individual who is 18 or older who:
(1) Is placed alone
in a room or area from which the individual is physically prevented, by lock or
person, from leaving; and
(2) Cannot or will not make an informed decision to agree to such
confinement.
(ad) “Steering
committee” means a group of participants that steers the direction of a unit or
program. The committee works on projects such as the contract, agenda for
monthly unit meeting and is the voice of the unit.
(ae) “Sexual
offender treatment services (SOTS)” means treatment specifically established to
create accountability and eliminate any further sexual victimization and
sexually deviant behaviors.
(af) “Training” means
provision of education to staff, based on the specific needs of the individual
population, resulting in demonstrated knowledge and documented competency.
(ag) “Treatment” means medical or psychiatric
care, excluding seclusion or restraint, provided by a physician, a person
acting under the direction of a physician, or a clinician in accordance with
generally accepted clinical and professional standards.
(ah) “Treatment
team” means all the disciplines participating in the implementation and
oversight of the individual treatment plan.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19; ss by #12888, eff 9-28-19
PART Cor 502 STANDARDS OF CARE
Cor 502.01 Health,
and Medical Care in Departmental Facilities.
(a) Medical care shall be provided to residents
at each departmental facility. Medical
care shall include services providing for the person’s physical and behavioral
well-being as well as treatment for specific diseases or infirmities.
(b) A physician licensed in New Hampshire by the
board of medicine shall be designated the chief medical officer and shall be
responsible for medical services and work cooperatively with the psychiatric
medical doctor ensuring the provision of comprehensive healthcare.
(c) Residents arriving at a departmental facility
shall receive a comprehensive medical examination within 14 days of arrival
directed to the discovery of physical and behavioral health illness.
(d) Medical examinations shall include:
(1) Medical and behavioral health history;
(2) A physical examination;
(3) A dental examination;
(4) Diagnostic lab tests;
(5) Notation of apparent medical physical
illnesses or accessibility issues;
(6) A determination of the physical ability of
each resident for work; and
(7) A notation of referrals or recommended
treatment for specific illnesses or accessibility issues.
(e) Based on the history and examination, a
licensed medical provider shall prescribe any necessary treatment including
referral or therapy.
(f) All medical services shall be performed by
medical staff licensed in the State of New Hampshire under the general
supervision of a licensed physician.
(g) The department shall include appropriately
licensed medical staff to assure residents have full-time access to medical
care. Medical care shall include
provisions for the transfer of sick or injured residents to medical facilities
as deemed medically necessary. Medical
facilities shall include prison infirmaries and referrals to outside medical
specialists, other licensed health care facilities, accredited hospitals, and
the SPU.
(h) Medication shall be prescribed only by
properly licensed physicians, physician assistants, or APRN providers. Such medications shall only be dispensed
under the supervision of licensed pharmacists.
(i) Medications
appropriately prescribed and dispensed as described above shall be administered
in one of these methods:
(1) Self-administered by individuals;
(2) Self-administered by individuals under direct
staff supervision; or
(3) Administered by medical staff.
(j) Medical records shall contain documentation
concerning healthcare related encounters including, but not limited to, medical
and behavioral health assessment and examinations, healthcare findings, and
treatments.
(k) A routine sick call policy shall be
established for each facility. Each
resident shall be given an opportunity to request to report to sick call. When routine sick call is unavailable, or the
resident is unable to personally transmit their medical concerns, corrections
officers and other staff members shall transmit concerns to medical
authorities. No one shall prevent
residents from seeking medical help.
Residents who, because of their custody or other status, are not able to
visit the health services center to seek medical care on the schedule
established, shall be visited in their cell or other convenient place by a
medical professional who shall conduct an examination or perform any medical
procedures as necessary. Documentation
of medical concerns expressed and addressed shall be completed in the
electronic health record.
(l) Medical personnel shall have available
portable screens or other devices to insure adequate privacy during medical
examinations and treatment. The medical
services in-patient areas shall have a call system so that residents can summon
medical help when they are confined in that facility. Nursing stations shall be so located that
nurses can monitor the condition of the residents.
(m) Residents requiring monitoring shall be
monitored by a trained individual.
Residents housed in segregation or any other restricted status that
prevents them from visiting sick call at the medical facility shall be visited
at least once a day by a member of the medical staff. The chief medical officer shall report to the
chief administrator of the facility or designee and the director of medical and
forensic services or designee whenever the physical or behavioral health of a
resident will be adversely affected by continued segregation or by any
condition of confinement.
(n) The department shall ensure that there are
written policies which detail the operations and procedures of departmental
medical facilities, medical care, medical services, and medical treatment, and
that they are reviewed at least 2 times each year, kept current, and followed.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor 502.02 Emergency Response to a Psychiatric
Emergency.
(a)
As soon as possible after a suspected psychiatric incident, the
treatment staff of the facility and the resident shall develop a crisis plan
to:
(1) Identify the resident’s preferred response to
a psychiatric emergency situation in order to avoid more restrictive
interventions;
(2) Identify the resident’s history of physical,
sexual, or emotional trauma, if any; and
(3) Minimize the possibility of involuntary
emergency measures.
(b)
Involuntary emergency treatment, seclusion, or restraint in a facility
shall not be implemented unless a physician or APRN determines that a personal
safety emergency exists.
(c)
A physician or APRN shall authorize involuntary emergency treatment,
seclusion, or restraint without consent of the resident only following personal
examination or observation, except as provided in Cor 502.03 or Cor 502.04.
(d)
No involuntary emergency treatment shall be administered pursuant to Cor
502 unless it is to take effect within 24 hours and is expected to alleviate or
ameliorate the status or condition which has caused the emergency.
(e)
The emergency response that is administered pursuant to Cor 502 shall be
an intervention that:
(1) Is expected to be effective;
(2) Considers whether any of the following
factors regarding the resident’s condition would require special accommodation
to ensure necessary communication and the individual’s safety:
a. Medical factors;
b. Psychological factors; and
c. Physical factors, including:
1. Blindness or other limitations of sight;
2. Deafness or other limitations of hearing; and
3. Any other physical limitation that would
require special accommodation;
(3) Is the least restrictive of the resident’s
freedom of movement; and
(4) Gives consideration to the resident’s
preferred response to a psychiatric emergency situation.
(f) Involuntary emergency treatment,
seclusion, or restraint ordered following a personal safety emergency shall be
authorized for no more than is necessary, but in no case for more than 24
hours.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor 502.03 Medical Use of Restraints.
(a)
An emergency response shall include use of restraints only to the extent
authorized by this section
(b)
Restraints shall:
(1) Not be imposed longer than is necessary to
resolve a personal safety emergency regardless of the length of the time
identified in the order; and
(2) Not exceed 2 hours unless there is documented
authorization by a physician or APRN.
(c)
Restraints shall be used only as a last resort when no other
intervention in an emergency situation is feasible to protect the immediate
safety of the resident or others.
(d)
Restraints shall never be used explicitly or implicitly as punishment
for the behavior of the resident.
(e)
Residents in restraints shall be afforded privacy through practices
including:
(1) The use of a single room;
(2) Minimizing external stimuli such as noise,
nearby movement, and approaches by other residents; and
(3) Continuous staff observation to assure the
conditions in (2) above are met.
(f)
Authorization for the use of restraints shall be as follows:
(1) A physician or APRN may write an order for
the use of restraints; or
(2) A physician or APRN may authorize the use of
restraints via telephone when the order:
a. Follows deliberate and comprehensive
consultation between the physician or APRN and a trained APRN or registered
nurse (RN) who has personally evaluated the resident by reviewing:
1. The assessments of the resident that have
been performed;
2. The safety issues involved; and
3. The potential antecedents to the
restraint(s);
b. Is for a period not to exceed 2 hours; and
c. Is countersigned by the ordering physician or APRN within 24
hours of the time such treatment was ordered.
(g)
A physician or APRN may authorize in writing, or verbally by telephone,
the extension of an order of restraint(s) if he or she, or a trained APRN or
registered nurse (RN), has personally examined, observed, and assessed the
resident for whom the seclusion or restraint is ordered.
(h)
Following an examination and assessment as required by (g) above such
authorization shall expire unless it is renewed by telephone order for an
additional 4 hours. Any further
extensions of restraints shall require a personal examination or observation by
a physician or APRN.
(i) If the condition of the resident does not
improve to meet the criteria for termination, the physician or APRN may renew
the order as specified in (h) above, provided that no resident shall remain in
restraints for more than 24 hours from the time such procedure was initiated
unless a physician or APRN personally examines, observes, and assesses the
resident and renews the order in writing.
(j)
Staff shall continually monitor the individual during periods of
restraint to ensure that:
(1) In the judgment of the staff, all reasonable
measures are in place to ensure that the resident’s
health and safety is protected during the period of restraint;
(2) The resident receives meals and regular
opportunities to move and to utilize the bathroom;
(3) All other basic physiological needs are
identified and met; and
(4) The restraint is discontinued as soon as the
resident’s status or condition has improved to the extent that a personal
safety emergency no longer exists, regardless of the length of time identified
in the order.
(k)
Only during incidents requiring immediate action shall restraints be
utilized without the authorization of a physician or APRN.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor 502.04 Emergency Medication and Other Emergency
Treatment.
(a)
A physician or APRN in a facility shall prescribe medication as a form
of emergency treatment, to be administered without the resident’s consent at
the time a personal safety emergency is declared. Such authorization shall be countersigned by
the ordering physician or APRN within 24 hours of the order for involuntary
administration of the medication.
(b)
When emergency medication is ordered, the resident shall be offered,
whenever feasible, a choice of taking the medication orally or by injection.
(c)
Psychosurgery, electroconvulsive therapy, sterilization, or experimental
treatment of any kind shall not be used as involuntary emergency treatment.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor 502.05 Review and Documentation of Emergency
Response.
(a)
At the time that any emergency treatment, seclusion, or restraint is
administered in a facility pursuant to Cor 502.03, the physician or APRN
administering or directing such treatment, or a person acting under his or her
direction, shall promptly record the circumstances pertaining to the personal
safety emergency.
(b)
The person completing a record pursuant to (a) above shall include the
following:
(1) The resident’s name;
(2) The date and time when the report is
completed;
(3) The physician or APRN’s name;
(4) A description of the resident’s physical or
behavioral status and the act or pattern of behavior which constitutes the
emergency;
(5) The names of any witnesses other than the
resident;
(6) A description of any alternatives attempted
or considered prior to declaring a personal safety emergency;
(7) Any treatment limitations;
(8) A description of the specific emergency
treatment, seclusion, or restraint ordered; and
(9) The physician’s or APRN’s signature.
(c)
As soon as possible following an involuntary emergency treatment,
seclusion, or restraint, facility medical or nursing staff, or both, shall
document the incident in the resident’s medical record.
(d)
As soon as possible following the resolution of the emergency situation,
medical staff shall:
(1) Address any physical injuries or trauma that
might have occurred as a result of the episode;
(2) Hold and document a discussion with the
resident to:
a. Review the circumstances that led up to the
emergency with the resident involved;
b. Ascertain the resident’s willingness or
desire to involve his or her clinician in a debriefing to discuss and clarify
their perceptions about the episode and to identify additional alternatives or
treatment plan modifications;
c. Hear and document the resident’s perspective
of the episode;
d. Discuss
and clarify any possible misperceptions the resident or staff might have
concerning the incident;
e. Identify with the resident any environmental
changes or alternative interventions to reduce the potential for additional
episodes; and
f. Ascertain whether the resident’s rights and
physical well-being were addressed during the episode and advise the resident
of the process to address perceived rights grievances; and
(3) Support the individual’s re-entry into his or
her assigned housing.
(e)
Within one business day, the individual’s clinician shall, after
discussion with the resident, modify the treatment plan as needed through a
treatment team review including areas noted in (d)(1)-(3) above and seek an
informed decision on that plan by the resident.
(f)
A review of the clinical appropriateness of the use of seclusion or
restraint shall be conducted:
(1) As authorized by the facility’s psychiatric
medical director;
(2) On the next business day following a personal
safety emergency;
(3) To assess compliance with the requirements of
Cor 503.02;
(4) To consider and take any action needed to
prevent the recurrence of the same or similar personal safety emergencies; and
(5) By the facility’s chief of security.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor
502.06 Notice of Right to Appeal.
(a)
On the business day following administration of emergency treatment
seclusion or restraint under Cor 502, the resident’s clinician or another staff
member designated by the facility shall provide notice to the resident or his
or her guardian of the resident’s right to complain against, and appeal, the
administration of emergency treatment.
(b) Appeals on the final decision shall be
forwarded, in writing, to the director of medical and forensics. An exception shall be that the appeals may be
filed verbally if the resident is unable to convey the appeal in writing.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor
502.07 Involuntary Emergency Medical
Treatment.
(a) The department shall maintain the general
health and well-being of residents.
Resident’s whose medical condition requires, in the opinion of the
departmental physician, physician’s assistant, or APRN, expeditious emergency
medical treatment to prevent death, substantial worsening illness or injury,
contagion or infection of others, or harm to self or others shall be treated in
the least intrusive manner as prescribed by the licensed provider, even over
the objection of the resident, pursuant to RSA 627:6, VII (b).
(b) In the case of an incompetent resident,
pursuant to RSA 627:6, VII(b), emergency treatment shall be administered when
the physician, physician’s assistant. or
APRN licensed provider reasonably believes that a reasonable person concerned
for the welfare of the resident would consent.
Legally responsible persons shall be notified before the proposed
treatment, if possible, but in no event later than 24 hours after the
administration of such treatment.
(c) Involuntary emergency treatment, seclusion, or restraint in a facility
shall not be implemented unless a licensed provider determines that a personal safety emergency exists. Involuntary
emergency medical and psychiatric treatment shall be administered by a licensed
provider only upon personal examination or observation prior to the decision to
administer such treatment, except in situations where emergency physical or
mechanical restraint or seclusion is necessary as described in (k) below.
(d) Involuntary emergency medical treatment,
pursuant to RSA 627:6, VII (b) shall be limited to the extent that:
(1) The authorization by the departmental
licensed provider to impose involuntary treatment issued pursuant to Cor 502.07
shall last for not longer than 72-hours unless the licensed provider issues a
new 72-hour authorization;
(2) No treatment shall be administered pursuant
to Cor 502.07 which is not reasonably expected to alleviate or ameliorate the
condition which has caused the need for said involuntary treatment; and
(3) The treatment that is administered shall be a
form of treatment that is the least restrictive effective treatment.
(e) When any emergency treatment is administered
pursuant to Cor 502.07 the physician or APRN administering or directing such
treatment shall record in the resident’s health
record the specific reasons that such involuntary treatment is necessary.
(f) The provider’s emergency response shall be an
intervention that:
(1) Is expected to be effective;
(2) Considers whether any of the following
factors regarding the resident’s condition would require special accommodation
to ensure necessary communication and the resident’s safety:
a. Medical factors;
b. Psychological factors; and
c. Physical factors, including:
1. Blindness or other limitations of sight;
2. Deafness or other limitations of hearing; and
3. Any other physical limitation that would require special
accommodation;
(3) Is the least restrictive of the resident’s
freedom of movement; and
(4) Gives consideration to the resident’s
preferred response to a psychiatric emergency situation.
(g) Documentation pursuant to (e) above shall be
distributed as follows:
(1) The original of the physician’s, or APRN’s
note regarding the involuntary treatment shall be retained in the resident’s
medical health record; and
(2) A copy shall be promptly transmitted to the
psychiatric medical director or designee to keep him or her informed of
residents receiving treatment pursuant to Cor 502.07.
(h) A resident or legally responsible person may
complain against and appeal the administration of involuntary treatment
pursuant to Cor 502.07 in accordance with the departmental grievance procedure
pursuant to Cor 313. The commissioner
shall act on the appeal within 48 hours after securing additional advice and
expertise from healthcare professionals.
(i) Each instance of involuntary emergency treatment shall
require an administrative review conducted by the director of medical and
forensic services or designee which shall review the treatment and
circumstances and make recommendations to the commissioner.
(j) Departmental employees shall use the minimal
amount of force and restraint necessary to prevent serious bodily harm to the
resident or others.
(k) All such interventions shall be limited to
the extent that:
(1) Any such intervention shall be imposed for a
period no longer than is necessary to resolve a personal safety emergency regardless of the length of the time identified in
the order;
(2) Interventions emergently imposed by licensed nursing staff may not
exceed one hour until a physician, or APRN can be
consulted to determine if continued authorization of emergency treatment is
necessary; and
(3) Authorization for the use of seclusion or restraint shall
be pursuant to Cor 502.07 (f).
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor
502.08 Involuntary Non-Emergency
Medical Treatment. Except as
provided in Cor 502.07 and 504.04, medical treatment shall be administered only
with the consent of the resident or the resident’s duly appointed legal
guardian. In the event a resident is
legally incapacitated, as defined in RSA 464-A:2, XI, to consent to medical
treatment which, in the opinion of the departmental physician, or APRN, would
tend to promote the physical or behavioral health of the resident, and the resident
does not have a legal guardian, the director of medical and forensic services
shall consult with and refer the matter to the department of justice who shall
petition the appropriate court for the appointment of a guardian or guardian ad
litem pursuant to RSA 464-A.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor 502.09 Training.
(a)
At a minimum, facilities shall provide training at the following
intervals to all staff who will be involved in the use of any type of restraint
or seclusion:
(1) During initial academy training; and
(2) During annual training.
(b)
Staff shall not perform any action relative to restraint or seclusion
without having been trained in the use of such methods, in accordance with (c)
and (d) below.
(c)
Training in the use of restraint shall address at least the following:
(1) Techniques to identify behaviors, events, and
environmental factors regarding resident and staff that might trigger
circumstances that require restraint or seclusion;
(2) Use of non-physical interventions;
(3) How to identify and choose positive
behavioral supports and the least restrictive intervention based on an
individualized assessment of the resident’s medical or behavioral status or
condition;
(4) How to ensure that the resident and staff are
able to communicate effectively;
(5) Safe application and use of all types of
restraint or seclusion, including mitigating positional risks that can result
in asphyxia or airway obstruction, in accordance with resident needs;
(6) How to monitor the physical and psychological
well-being of the resident who is restrained or secluded;
(7) How to recognize and respond to signs of
physical and psychological distress;
(8) How to identify clinical changes that
indicate that restraint or seclusion is no longer necessary;
(9) How to monitor respiratory and circulatory
status, skin integrity, and vital signs during restraint; and
(10) Training in first aid techniques and
certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including CPR
recertification every 2 years.
(d)
Training shall be given by a person who:
(1) Possesses the requisite qualifications based
upon education, training, experience, and certification to teach the assessment
of, and response to, a resident’s medical or behavioral status or condition;
(2) Is certified by a nationally recognized
program as an instructor in CPR; and
(3) Is
trained in crisis prevention utilizing a nationally recognized program or
comparable curriculum.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor 502.10 Reporting of Death.
(a)
In accordance with Patient Rights 42 CFR 482.13(g)(1)i
and the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act (PAIMI Act),
42 U.S.C. § 10801-10851, facility staff shall make a telephone report to the
CMS regional office, no later than the close of the next business day and to
the state protection and advocacy agency within 7 days following knowledge of a
resident’s death that:
(1) Occurs while a resident is in restraint or in
seclusion at the facility;
(2) Occurs within 24 hours after the resident has
been removed from restraint or seclusion; and
(3) Occurs within one week after restraint or
seclusion where it is reasonable to assume that the use of restraint or
placement in seclusion contributed directly or indirectly to the resident’s
death including, at a minimum:
a. Death related to restrictions of movement for
prolonged periods of time; and
b. Death related to chest compression,
restriction of breathing, or asphyxiation.
(b)
Staff shall document in the resident’s medical record the date and time
the death was reported.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor 502.11 Use of Safety Booths.
(a)
Safety booths shall only be utilized for, but not limited to:
(1) Assessments;
(2) Evaluations;
(3) Interviews;
(4) Group therapy;
(5) Education classes; and
(6) Hearings.
(b)
Safety booths shall be used only for residents residing in the special
housing unit of the NH state prison for men, or residents of the secure
psychiatric unit.
(c)
Use of safety booths shall be voluntary.
(d)
Safety booth sessions shall not exceed 2 hours.
(e)
Safety booth use shall not exceed 3 sessions per day.
(f)
Residents utilizing a safety booth shall not be restrained in any other
manner.
(g)
Safety booths shall not be used for punishment.
(h)
Residents using a safety booth shall not be unaccompanied in the room
for a length of time exceeding five minutes.
Source. #12889, eff 9-28-19
Cor 502.12 Resident Interaction Prohibited.
(a)
Except in exigent circumstances, which shall include, but not be limited
to, emergency evacuation of the housing area, residents of the SPU shall not be
in physical proximity with other residents of the SPU that are of the
biological opposite sex.
(b)
Residents shall be under staff supervision at all times when out of
their living unit.
Source. #12890, eff 9-28-19
PART Cor
503 MEDICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCIES
Cor 503.01 Guardianship. During the course of the authorized treatment
period, SPU staff shall assess the resident’s need for the appointment of a
guardian and take actions consistent with RSA 464-A and RSA 547-B.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor 503.02 Treatment Limitations. The authorization to provide emergency
treatment to the resident shall immediately expire if a guardian over the
person of the resident with authority to make treatment decisions is appointed
during the period of emergency treatment authorized.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
PART Cor 504
STANDARDS FOR TREATMENT AT THE SECURE PSYCHIATRIC UNIT
Cor
504.01 Administration.
(a) The administrator of the SPU, in
collaboration with an American Board of Psychology and Neurology, Inc. or
equivalent board-certified or board-eligible psychiatrist licensed in New
Hampshire, under the administrative supervision of the commissioner or
designee, shall be jointly responsible for the provision, supervision, and
administration of the medical and psychiatric services of the department and
the SPU.
(b) A psychiatrist who is a licensed physician in
New Hampshire, who shall be board-certified or who shall by virtue of education
and training be board-eligible, shall provide
psychiatric services under the supervision of the administrator of the SPU.
(c) A non-medical administrator shall oversee the
implementation of programs and services at the unit.
(d) There shall be on staff a psychiatrist,
licensed and board certified in New Hampshire.
(e) There shall be on staff an advanced practice
registered nurse (APRN).
(f) Nursing and security coverage shall be
provided 24 hours a day.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor
504.02 Secure Psychiatric Unit
Resident Management.
(a) SPU residents shall be those who are so
classified pursuant to RSA 622:40-48, RSA 171-B:2, RSA 135:17-a, I and II, RSA
135-C:34, RSA 651:8-b, RSA 651:9-a, RSA 651:11-a, RSA 623:1, or RSA 135-E:4 and
RSA 135-E:11 and are committed or transferred to an environment which provides
for the safety and security of the public, the staff, and those committed.
(b) SPU residents shall be under supervision at
all times when not in their rooms.
(c) SPU residents, when outside the boundaries of
the SPU, shall be supervised to ensure the safety and security of the public,
the staff, and the residents.
(d) Residents whose behavior and mental condition
permit shall be fed in a communal dining area.
(e) If a resident is disruptive, assaultive,
violent, or dangerous within the constraints of the secure psychiatric unit and
has demonstrated a propensity to throw his or her food or to use utensils as
weapons, he or she shall be denied the utensils and wholesome and nutritious
sandwiches or finger food shall be substituted
for the regular food.
(f) SPU residents whose behavior and mental
condition permit shall have in their possession in their rooms appropriate
allowable property as detailed in the SPU handbook.
(g) The SPU shall be a 24-hour forensic treatment facility and the residents housed within
shall be provided with the services of a psychiatrist, advanced registered
nurse practitioner, or an on-call physician, and 24-hour nursing coverage.
(h) Therapeutic recreational opportunities shall
be offered to SPU residents if clinically indicated;
(i) SPU residents
shall be provided the opportunity for religious counseling by ministers,
priests, rabbis, or other religious representatives
of organized faiths on a regular basis.
(j) SPU residents shall be provided the
opportunity to participate in educational and vocational programs as clinically
able.
(k) SPU residents
shall have the opportunity to work when their level of functioning permits,
consistent with security.
(l) SPU residents
shall be provided access to law library materials and access to regular library
materials. Books being transferred into
the SPU shall be carefully searched to preclude the introduction of contraband
through library materials.
(m) Property taken from a resident shall be
accounted for by the SPU property officer.
A receipt shall be made for any property removed from the possession of
any resident, and the resident shall be furnished a copy of the receipt.
(n) SPU residents
shall be provided a weekly opportunity to list items they desire from the
canteen. A list shall be provided to residents reflecting the items available to
them from the canteen. If a resident has
the money to pay for the items listed by that resident, and subject to a
security screening of the items, they shall be picked up by staff and delivered
to the resident.
(o) SPU residents
using the day rooms shall be afforded use of tablets for making pre-paid
calls.
(p) SPU residents
shall be afforded the opportunity to consult with their attorneys.
(q) SPU residents not under visiting restriction shall be allowed social visits to be
conducted during scheduled visiting hours in a supervised visiting area
provided in the SPU.
(r) Residents admitted
to the SPU shall be photographed and fingerprinted for the purpose of positive
identification.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor
504.03 Medical Records. Notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 329:26,
RSA 329-B, and RSA 330-A:32, medical and behavioral health records concerning
current residents of the secure psychiatric unit shall be exchanged between
other state medical and mental health facilities to facilitate treatment
pursuant to RSA 622:47.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor
504.04 Commitment. Any person admitted or transferred to the
unit shall be under the care and custody of the commissioner and the
administrator of the SPU and shall be subject to the rules and policies of the
commissioner until the person is transferred to a receiving facility in the
state mental health services system or otherwise discharged.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor
504.05 Rights of All Residents of the
SPU. Persons committed or
transferred to the unit who are convicted offenders, persons found not guilty
because of insanity, pre-trial detainees, or persons civilly committed, shall
retain all their individual rights, subject to those
restrictions that are inherent with confinement within a secure forensic
setting.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor
504.06 Procedures for Commitment to
the Secure Psychiatric Unit.
(a) All persons committed or transferred to the
unit pursuant to RSA 171-B:2, RSA 135:17-a, RSA 135-C:34, RSA 135-E:4, RSA
135-E:11, RSA 623:1, RSA 651:8-b, RSA 651:9-a, RSA 651:11, or RSA 651:11-a, as
lawfully ordered by the court of competent jurisdiction or the commissioner,
shall be residents of the SPU unless otherwise discharged pursuant to New
Hampshire law.
(b) A person in the custody of the commissioner
who needs hospitalization for a behavioral health illness shall be transferred
to the SPU following a due process hearing pursuant to RSA 623:1 and Cor
403.10. If the person requires immediate transfer, the due process review shall
occur within 24 hours following the transfer.
(c) Any person subject to an involuntary
admission to the SPU shall be transferred to the SPU, per RSA 622:40-48, upon a
determination that the person would present a serious likelihood of danger to
himself, or herself, or to others if admitted to or retained at New Hampshire
hospital.
(d) Admission to the SPU shall be ordered by:
(1) A probate court pursuant to the relevant
sections of RSA 135-C, RSA 171, or RSA 135-E;
(2) A criminal court order pursuant to the
relevant sections of RSA 651; or
(3) An emergency transfer pursuant to RSA 623.
(e) Except upon an order of court or in an
emergency, no admission or transfer to the SPU shall occur without the prior
approval of the commissioner or designee and the director of medical and
forensic services or their designees.
The request for approval shall be made in writing to the commissioner by
the sending jurisdiction. The
commissioner’s approval shall be based upon the physician’s or APRN’s
certification documenting the dangerousness of the person to self or others. In such instances, if the person to be
admitted or transferred objects to the admission or transfer, he or she shall
request a review of the decision by the director of medical and forensic
services or their designee. The review
shall occur prior to the admission or transfer, or within 24 hours following
the admission or transfer where immediate admission or transfer has been
determined necessary by the physician or APRN to protect the person or
others. If the director of medical and
forensic services upholds the objection of a person to be transferred, the
transfer shall not be made. If the
director of medical and forensic services upholds the objection of a person
already admitted or transferred, the person shall promptly be transferred back
to a receiving facility named by the director of medical and forensic services.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor
504.07 Due Process Hearing.
(a) Once it has been determined that a resident
is contesting the decision to move him or her to the SPU, as described above,
the administrator of medical and forensics, or his or her designee, shall
appoint 3 individuals to serve in the required positions needed to execute the
due process hearing, as outlined below:
(1) Independent decision maker, who shall make
the final determination whether the move is warranted and necessary;
(2) Offender advocate, who shall work with the
resident helping him or her prepare for the due process hearing, this may
include contacting community advocates, if requested by the resident, which may
include but not be limited to a disability rights representative, or a personal
attorney. The offender advocate may also
arrange for resident requested witnesses to be present if appropriate; and
(3) Department advocate, who shall represent the
department and validate why this movement is necessary to ensure resident and
staff safety.
(b)
The sending facility shall have completed this due process hearing prior
to movement of a resident barring exigent circumstances which shall include,
but not be limited to, emergency transfer of a resident to the SPU for
emergency treatment, in such cases the due process hearing shall be executed
within 24 hours following the transfer of the resident, if requested.
(c) The sending facility shall prepare the
following sections of the “Transfer of a Person Under Departmental Control to
the Secure Psychiatric Unit for Behavioral Health Treatment Services Pursuant
to RSA 623:1” form prior to a due process hearing being held:
(1) The resident’s name;
(2) The sending facility name and address;
(3) The name and title of the staff person
completing the form;
(4) The name, date and time of the staff member
who provided the resident with written notice he or she is being considered for
movement to the SPU;
(5) The name of the staff member who supplied the
resident with a copy of resident rights;
(6) The criteria for admission which has been
identified necessitating the move to the SPU, as identified by circling the
applicable option on page 2;
(7) The recommendation made by medical staff
initiating the transfer; and
(8) The name and
title of the offender advocate, department advocate and the independent
decision maker;
(d) At the completion of the due process hearing,
the independent decision maker shall supply the following on the form:
(1) His or her
name and position;
(2) His or her
finding of facts;
(3) Rulings;
and
(4) The final
decision reached.
(e) If the independent decision maker, who was
appointed by the director of medical and forensics services or designee,
concludes that the resident presently meets the criteria for transfer, the
warden or administrator of medical and forensic services shall approve the
transfer by signing and dating page 5 of the “Transfer of a Person Under
Departmental Control to the Secure Psychiatric Unit for Behavioral Health
Treatment Services pursuant to RSA 623:1” form.
(f) The correctional facility administrator shall
approve the transfer by signing section 5 of the “Transfer of a Person Under
Departmental Control to the Secure Psychiatric Unit for Behavioral Health
Treatment Services Pursuant to RSA 623:1” form
(g) The resident shall receive written notice of
the results of the due process hearing.
The staff member who serves a completed copy of the “Transfer of a
Person Under Departmental Control to the Secure Psychiatric Unit for Behavioral
Health Treatment Services pursuant to RSA 623:1” form to the resident showing
the decision of the independent decision maker, shall certify the resident was
served by providing in the witness area the following information:
(1) The printed
name and title of the staff member providing the resident with the document;
(2) The
signature of the staff member who served the resident; and
(3) The date
and time the inmate received the documentation.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor
504.08 Transfer of a Resident to the
Secure Psychiatric Unit for Behavioral Health Treatment Pursuant To RSA 623:1
Form.
(a) The administrator of behavioral health or
designee initiating a transfer to the SPU of a resident shall supply the
following on the “Transfer of a Person Under Departmental Control to the Secure
Psychiatric Unit for Behavioral Health Treatment Services Pursuant to RSA
623:1” form:
(1) The name of
the resident;
(2)
Correctional facility name;
(3) Address;
and
(4) His or her
name and title.
(b) The transfer form shall contain a notice to
the resident that includes:
(1) A statement
that he or she is being considered for transfer to the SPU pursuant to RSA 623:
1 for the purpose of receiving behavioral health treatment;
(2) A list of
the criteria for admission to the SPU for behavioral health treatment services
pursuant to RSA 623:1;
(3) Definitions
of the terms “behavioral health illness” and “harm to himself, herself, or
others” for the provider’s certification; and
(4) A statement
that he or she has due process rights, which include the opportunity for a
hearing.
(c) The licensed provider who examines the
resident shall supply the following on the transfer form:
(1) His or her
name and title;
(2) The name of
the resident recommended for transfer; and
(3) The date on
which he or she personally examined the resident.
(d) The licensed provider shall then:
(1) Sign and
date the form; and
(2) Certify by
his or her signature that in his or her opinion the criteria for transferring
the resident to the SPU have been met.
(e) A resident who agrees to be transferred to
the SPU shall sign and date a waiver of his or her right to a hearing.
(f) A resident who objects to being transferred
to the SPU shall sign and date page 3 of the “Transfer of a Person Under
Departmental Control to the Secure Psychiatric Unit for Behavioral Health
Treatment Services Pursuant to RSA 623:1” form to request a hearing.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor
504.09 Procedures Upon Admission.
(a) Upon admission to the SPU, each resident
shall receive:
(1) A psychiatric examination to be completed by
the psychiatrist or APRN;
(2) A preliminary treatment plan, resulting from
the completion of the above documents by the psychiatrist or APRN;
(3) A physical examination to be completed by the
physician’s assistant or APRN within 24 hours of admission or on the next
weekday including diagnostic lab tests such as blood and urine;
(4) Nursing assessment; and
(5) Nutritional assessment.
(b) Upon admission to the SPU each resident’s
transfer paperwork shall be assessed to verify the completeness of the legal
documents and the validity of the admission.
(c) A preliminary oral examination shall be made
during the admission physical. Referral
to a dentist shall be made when necessary.
On-going oral hygiene shall be scheduled while the resident is admitted
in the SPU. Additional dental services shall be available at the request of the
resident and accomplished as determined necessary by the dentist.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor
504.10 Individual Treatment Plans.
(a) Each resident admitted to the SPU shall have
an individualized treatment plan which shall be formulated by a
multi-disciplinary treatment team and authorized by a psychiatrist or APRN.
(b) The preliminary individualized treatment plan
shall be completed within 10 days after admission.
(c) Reviews of the preliminary individualized
treatment plan shall be completed 20 days after admission, 30 days after
admission, every other month thereafter, and quarterly after a year.
(d) A comprehensive clinical assessment shall be
completed within 10 days of admission.
(e) A therapeutic recreational assessment shall
be completed within 10 days following admission.
(f) Any other clinical assessments ordered by the
psychiatrist or APRN shall also be completed within the first 10 days of
admission.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor
504.11 Procedures for Release or
Transfer from the Secure Psychiatric Unit.
(a) When a person committed or transferred to the
unit no longer requires the security provided by the SPU, the commissioner
shall initiate his or her release or transfer, as follows:
(1) A person who was in pre-trial or post-trial
confinement when admitted to the unit shall be returned to the sending facility
or other appropriate facility; or
(2) The commissioner or his designee shall
transfer to the state mental health services system any person admitted or
transferred to the unit, pursuant to RSA 622:45, I, upon a determination that
the person no longer presents a serious likelihood of danger to himself or
others if confined within a receiving facility in the state mental health
services system.
(b) A patient of the SPU pursuant to RSA 651:9-a
shall be eligible for transfer by the commissioner to the state mental health
services system provided:
(1) That in consultation with the resident’s
treatment team, a psychiatrist or APRN determines that the person presents a
potentially serious likelihood of danger to himself, herself, or others as a
result of behavioral illness but that the resident no longer requires the
degree of safety and security as provided by the SPU;
(2) That prior approval of the proposed transfer
is obtained from the superior court if the transfer is not already allowed in an
existing court order; or
(3) The resident to be so transferred agrees to
the proposed transfer.
(c) If the resident does not desire to be
transferred, a review shall be held by a designee of the commissioner to
ascertain the reasons why the transfer is recommended and the resident’s
reasons for objecting. The designee
shall recommend to the commissioner or designee whether the resident should be
transferred and the circumstances relative to the data presented at the review.
(d) The director of medical and forensic services
shall have complete access to the departmental medical and behavioral health
records of the proposed transferee.
(e) Pursuant to RSA 622:49, if the director of
medical and forensic services intends to grant off-grounds privileges to any
person committed to the unit by criminal proceedings and who has subsequently
transferred to the state mental health services system, the administrative
director of medical and forensic services shall give written notice of such
intention to the commissioner. The
commissioner shall give written notice of the director of medical and forensic
services’ intention to the superior court for the county in which the resident
was committed, to the department of justice, and to the county attorney, if
any, who prosecuted the case.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
PART Cor 505 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
Cor 505.01 Diagnosis, Counseling, and Therapy.
(a)
There shall be an outpatient behavioral health unit which shall provide
for the resident’s behavioral health needs as determined by completion of an
initial behavioral health interview and a biopsychosocial assessment which
results in a behavioral health diagnosis.
Referrals for such assessments may be via self-referral made by
residents themselves or by any departmental staff member. These referrals shall be triaged accordingly,
and for those cases requiring on-going behavioral health treatment, a treatment
plan shall be developed and filed in the resident’s medical record.
(b)
The behavioral health unit shall be sufficiently staffed to include at a
minimum:
(1) A full-time New Hampshire
licensed administrative clinician who shall:
a. Oversee and supervise the testing operations
and determine what types of behavioral health interventions are needed;
b. Conduct staff training, triage referrals to
the behavioral health unit, and assist behavioral health staff with individual
cases;
c. Provide individual and group counseling and
supervise the provision of such counseling by mental behavioral health
clinicians; and
d. Review the behavioral health needs of the
residents and implement new treatment modalities as indicated;
(2) New Hampshire licensed
psychiatric providers who shall provide for the psychiatric needs of the
residents and the secure psychiatric unit including prescription of
medications, coordination of care between disciplines, and consultation with
administration with regard to behavioral health policy development; and
(3) Full-time clinical staff
who, at a minimum, shall be qualified under the state personnel system to
include, without being limited to, social workers or clinical mental health
counselors.
(c)
The out-patient behavioral health unit shall provide at a minimum the
following services:
(1) Documentation and
implementation of a treatment plan;
(2) Psychiatric services;
(3) Medication management;
(4) Individual counseling pursuant to RSA 329-B;
(5) Group therapy sessions as
appropriate; and
(6) Such other specialized
treatment for individuals or groups of resident as needed.
(d)
Behavioral health services shall be available to all resident regardless
of their custody status.
(e) Residents who are transferred to the
restricted housing settings such as the special housing unit (SHU) shall be
screened prior to being placed in a cell.
The behavioral health unit shall conduct a suicide risk assessment and
suitability review of the resident’s placement.
If the behavioral health unit’s staff is not on-site, nursing staff
shall conduct the assessment within health services. All staff shall complete appropriate clinical
documentation recording the assessment and outcome of the assessment in the resident’s health record.
If the resident presents a risk as a result of the assessment,
alternative housing arrangements shall be made to secure the individual for
their safety.
(f) Residents who are prescribed psychotropic
medications or are diagnosed with a severe mental illness (SMI) that are housed
in the SHU shall have clinical appointments scheduled at least every 14
business days that shall include at a minimum the following:
(1) Status examination as follows:
a. Appearance;
b. Interaction;
c. Speech;
d. Mood/Affect;
e. Thought process;
f. Thought content;
g. Suicidality; and
h. Violence;
(2) A review of their medications and any
reported side-effects for triaging to psychiatric providers;
(3) A subjective statement of each resident’s
current emotional status;
(4) An assessment of diagnosis/es with reflection
of psychiatry’s perspective, if available in the health record;
(5) The treatment plan
shall be updated which shall include referral to a case manager, assignment to
group therapy, triage to medical staff, or other individual specific goals
based on the clinical appointment; and
(6) A monthly report of these clinical
appointments to track compliance to the 14-day standard and treatment plan
development which shall be reviewed by the director of medical and forensic
services for compliance to the standards.
(g) The department shall provide a psycho-social
skill development program in restricted housing settings at all
facilities. Such programs will be
provided in consultation with the bureau of behavioral health. These shall operate in quarterly cycles with
at a minimum of 4 offerings a year for residents referred in these settings by
the behavioral health staff;
(h) The correctional staff assigned to restricted
housing settings shall be provided with specific training at a minimum of
quarterly on topics related to the treatment and supervision of individuals
with behavioral health issues; and
(i) The correctional staff assigned to restricted
housing settings shall conduct at minimum 30-minute rounds on individuals
housed in theses settings on psychotropic medications or diagnosed with a
severe and persistent mental illness.
(j) There shall be therapeutic communities as
follows for those residents:
(1) Who because of significant functional
impairment due to their documented behavioral illness are unable to
successfully live in the general population;
(2) Who are diagnosed with substance use
disorders; or
(3) Who are diagnosed with other behavioral
health disorders.
(k ) The therapeutic
communities shall be sufficiently staffed to include at a minimum:
(1) A full time administrator who shall:
a. Oversee the
clinicians managing the therapeutic communities to ensure proper procedures are
followed regarding admission, treatment, and transition of residents;
b. Manage the process of evaluating and triaging
those residents’ referred for therapeutic communities services; and
c. Supervise the collection of quality
improvement data and participate in the development of quality improvement
benchmarks; and
(2) Clinical staff to meet the treatment needs of
those receiving treatment in the therapeutic communities including but not
limited to of recreational therapy, psychological services, special
education, behavioral health therapy, medical care, safety, and psychiatric
interventions.
(l) Residents admitted to the therapeutic
community shall receive a complete evaluation of their psychiatric needs
including at a minimum:
(1) A complete psychiatric evaluation;
(2) A comprehensive clinical assessment; and
(3) An assessment of skills required to
successfully navigate in their housing unit.
(m) Above mentioned assessments shall result in
the development of a master treatment plan that specifically addresses the
individual’s clinical needs.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor 505.02 Sexual Offender Administration.
(a)
There shall be a sexual offender treatment services (SOTS) bureau which
shall provide for the treatment needs of residents who are incarcerated for
sexually-related offenses, and which meets the following requirements:
(1) Presence of a full-time administrator who
shall:
a. Oversee and supervise the assessment and
treatment of services for residents identified as in need of these services;
b. Review the sexual offender treatment needs of
the residents and implement treatment modalities as indicated;
c. Provide individual and group therapy and
supervise the provision of such services by other sexual offender treatment
therapists; and
d. Conduct staff training and supervision; and
(2) Full-time clinical staff who at a minimum
shall be qualified under the state personnel system.
(b)
Residents convicted of sexual offenses who are willing to participate in
SOTS shall be provided with an initial screening assessment in order to
determine their treatment needs including:
(1) A complete comprehensive clinical assessment;
(2) A risk and needs assessment;
(3) A review of any special accommodations
necessary to participate in treatment such as language barriers, intellectual
disability or accessibility issues; and
(4) A referral to any other services as
indicated.
(c)
Residents shall be placed into the appropriate form of treatment
services or on the waiting list for appropriate services.
(d)
A determination of required services shall be provided to the resident.
(e)
The goals of SOTS shall include:
(1) Decreasing use of cognitive distortions or
distorted thinking patterns;
(2) Establishing and maintaining trusting,
supportive, and equitable intimate relationships;
(3) Increasing autonomy and self-sufficiency;
(4) Developing a positive self-concept;
(5) Increasing effective emotional management;
(6) Reducing self-destructive or self-injurious
behaviors;
(7) Ensuring healthy sexual development,
expression, and boundaries;
(8) Developing open and honest communication;
(9) Developing the ability to appropriately
express thoughts, feelings, and wishes in a healthy manner;
(10) Becoming more aware of feelings and
developing appropriate coping mechanisms;
(11) Developing an understanding of the cycle of
thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that lead to offender relapse;
(12) Developing interventions to interrupt the
cycle of offender relapse;
(13) Increasing and improving pro-social skills;
(14) Developing improved self-esteem and healthier
relationship skills;
(15) Developing victim empathy;
(16) Demonstrating a consistent understanding and
application of treatment concepts in the management of a resident’s daily life;
(17) Self-disclosing entire sexual offending
history and verifying offense history by passing a polygraph or other validated
technology;
(18) Identifying high-risk areas and intervention
strategies;
(19) Developing a
comprehensive, workable maintenance contract that addresses appropriate
identification of risks, past unhealthy patterns of coping and appropriate
interventions for the future; and
(20) Referring the residents to appropriate
ancillary services as needed to ensure a systemic holistic approach to managing
their sexual offending behaviors.
(f) Referrals to sexual offender treatment
services shall be made through the initial classification process pursuant to
Cor 400 and on-going as needs are identified by departmental staff. Assessments shall be based on risk and needs
assessment and triaged into appropriate treatment services accordingly by
qualified sexual offender treatment staff;
(g) The SOTS unit shall at a minimum provide the
following services:
(1) Specific needs assessment to determine the
specific treatment needs of each resident as it relates to his or her sexual
offender treatment;
(2) The development of an individualized
treatment plan specific to sexual offender treatment;
(3) Group and individual therapy sessions;
(4) Discharge planning;
(5) Coordination with other prison services and
external services as indicated by the resident’s specific sexual offender
treatment needs; and
(6) Treatment reviews
of services to ensure public safety and risk mitigation through the
establishment of an administrative review committee (ARC) as follows:
a. The ARC
shall review the outcome of sexual offender treatment services. The ARC shall provide oversight to ensure the
department is meeting its mission in preventing further victimization from
sexually-related crimes;
b.
The purpose of the ARC shall be to ensure that each resident participating in
the department’s sexual offender treatment service has satisfactorily completed
his or her treatment goals as specified on their individualized treatment plan
and outlined by the clinician’s discharge summary proposal;
c. The person whose case is being reviewed shall
appear before the ARC unless the resident requests to be excused in
writing. Residents who refuse to request
to be excused in writing shall not be subject to adverse conditions. The refusal shall be noted in the official
record; and
d. The ARC shall be comprised of administrators
and senior level clinicians from the division of medical and forensic services
as assigned by the director of medical and forensic services.
(h) SOTS shall be staffed by qualified behavioral
health professionals who meet the following 2 requirements:
(1) Educational and license or certification
criteria specified by their state licensing board; and
(2) Qualifications established by the New
Hampshire state division of personnel.
(i) Residents declining SOTS services shall be
administered a behavioral status examination to determine if any behavioral
health needs exist. Any concerns that
might impact the resident’s ability to make decisions
due to a behavioral health condition shall be referred to behavioral health
services to develop a comprehensive treatment plan with the goal to engage the
resident into the appropriate sexual offender treatment intervention. If a resident refuses treatment
recommendations, he or she shall sign a waiver of responsibility indicating
that he or she is refusing treatment and shall suffer no punishment by the
department for the refusal.
(j) If a resident is eligible for sentence
reduction by participating in the program, this shall be included in the
calculation for his or her minimum release date to allow the resident timely
access to treatment. The resident shall
make SOTS aware of the potential for time off his or her sentence.
(k) An electronic health record shall be utilized
to document the treatment of a resident participating in SOTS.
(l) Participant
assignments shall be returned to the participant upon successful completion of
treatment. No copies shall be maintained
in the permanent record unless they document violations of state law or intention
to engage in criminal acts requiring investigation.
(m) SOTS staff shall not maintain local treatment
files.
(n) SOTS shall include but not be limited to:
(1) An initial screening evaluation for sexual
offenders to determine the level of treatment necessary;
(2) Ongoing assessment and progress reviews;
(3) Case management and coordination of ancillary
services to meet the specific needs of sexual offenders; and
(4) Gender responsive
treatment consistent with the empirical research related to sexual offenders.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor 505.03 Assessment.
(a) All sexual offenders who have sexually
related charges or whose crime had a sexual element shall be offered an
opportunity for screening and assessment for SOTS.
(b) The initial assessment shall be an overall
psychosocial evaluation and sexual risk assessment evaluation to review the
resident’s general social history, the static and dynamic risk factors present,
and the resident’s overall motivation and appropriateness for SOTS.
(c) Assessments shall focus on, but not limited
to:
(1) Low self-esteem;
(2) Self-injury or suicide attempts;
(3) Victimization during childhood and adulthood;
(4) Employment difficulties;
(5) Low educational attainment;
(6) Difficulties in intimate relationships;
(7) Anti-social peers and attitudes;
(8) Behavioral health difficulties; and
(9) Substance abuse.
(d) Residents identified during their initial
classification evaluation as being in need of sexual offender treatment shall
receive an additional assessment conducted by SOTS staff at least 3 years prior
to their minimum parole date. If a
resident is incarcerated with less than 2 years to his or her minimum parole
date, the individual shall be placed on the assessment waiting list according
to their minimum parole date and shall be seen as soon as their name comes up.
(e) SOTS staff shall utilize a nationally
recognized assessment tool for general recidivism use among general male
offenders and their criminal history.
(f) SOTS staff shall conduct a comprehensive
psychological profile of female residents and their criminal history. SOTS for women shall consist of open-ended
treatment length based on individualized treatment plans (ITPs).
(g) Upon completion of the assessment, the
resident shall be provided with the results and recommendations of the
assessment including the treatment in which he or she is being recommended to
participate.
(h) SOTS shall utilize different forms of
polygraph or other validated technology for assessments.
(i) A polygraph or other validated truth or
deception technology shall be utilized in SOTS for the purpose of full
disclosure of the resident’s range of sexual behavior. A polygraph or other truth or deception
technology shall also be utilized as a therapeutic tool in specific issues
exams when it is determined to be clinically indicated to further a resident’s
treatment progress.
(j) All participants of SOTS shall undergo a full
disclosure polygraph to ascertain their full spectrum of sexual offender.
(k) If results of the polygraph indicate no
deception, the participant, shall continue in treatment with no delays.
(l) If results of the polygraph are deceptive or
inconclusive, the participant shall be offered another opportunity within the
standards for timelines of polygraph administration to obtain a truthful or no
deception result. During the wait for
the 2nd polygraph, the clinician shall work with the participant to review any
inconsistencies and explore their distortions.
(m) If the second polygraph is inconclusive, the
participant shall continue in SOTS with the polygraph result highlighted in
their summary of completion.
(n) If the second polygraph exam indicates
deception, then the participant shall be reassessed and their treatment plan
adjusted accordingly.
(o) If the outcome of any polygraph or other
validated deception technology is inconclusive or deceptive, a resident shall
be referred for another polygraph or validated deception technology evaluation.
(p) The polygraph and other validated technology
shall be administered in a controlled setting and in collaboration with SOTS
staff. The procedures shall be in
accordance with the Standards of Practice (2017) of the American Polygraph
Association, http://www.polygraph.org/apa-bylaws-and-standards, and the ethical
standards and principles for use of physiological measurements and polygraph
examinations of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA),
Professional Code of Ethics 2017, https://www.atsa.com/Public/Ethics/ATSA_2017_Code_of_Ethics.pdf and as noted in Appendix B.
(q) The evaluating clinician shall complete a
record review that shall include, but not be limited to, police records, victim
statements, criminal history, and any other clinical evaluations as available
including but not limited to behavioral health screening and substance abuse
assessments as available.
(r) The clinician shall document in the
electronic health record and the electronic client record treatment
recommendations for each resident.
(s) The assessment shall be utilized to develop
an appropriate ITP.
(t) If a sexual offender declines the SOTS
assessment, it shall be noted that the resident is not interested in treatment
and the assessment has not been completed.
The resident’s decision to decline treatment
shall be documented in the electronic health record and the CORIS. Residents
shall sign a waiver of responsibility showing that he or she are declining
services at this time.
(u) If the sexual offender changes his or her
decision and makes a request for assessment, he or she shall be placed at the
end of the assessment waiting list at the time of his or her request and
processed according to that current list with no special consideration to their
minimum parole date due to their initial refusal of assessment and treatment.
(v) After evaluation of the resident’s need, the
outcome shall be sent to the resident in writing indicating the recommended
treatment needs. A reclassification
evaluation shall be conducted, and the sexual offender shall be placed on the
waiting list, if applicable, or placed immediately into treatment if space
permits.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor 505.04 Treatment.
(a)
The sexual offender treatment recommendations identified by the
department shall be:
(1) Community- based treatment;
(2) Prison-based Intensive Sexual Offender
Services (ISOTS); or
(3) No treatment.
(b)
Community based treatment shall include group therapy, both process
oriented and psycho-educational, journaling, workbook completion, homework
assignments, and other projects.
Participants shall live in the prison community and shall meaningfully
participate in community and community meetings.
(c)
ISOTS shall include group therapy, both process oriented and
psycho-educational, journaling, workbook completion, homework assignments, and
other projects. The participants shall
live together in a therapeutic community.
(d)
The participant shall meet with their primary therapist upon entry into
the treatment service to review treatment expectation, sign a treatment
contract and confidentiality waiver, and review treatment rules.
(e)
An ITP shall be established with the participant.
(f)
ITPs shall include at a minimum:
(1) The participant’s identifying information;
(2) Treatment needs;
(3) Goals and objectives; and
(4) Identification of any necessary ancillary
services to meet the specialized needs of each participant.
(g)
Prior to admission into SOTS, the resident shall begin attending
recommended behavioral health groups as part of his or her treatment plan.
(h)
The resident shall be referred for participation in groups such as:
(1) Cognitive behavior therapy;
(2) Coping skills;
(3) Dealing with trauma;
(4) Socialization;
(5) Victim empathy;
(6) Anger management; or
(7) Drug and alcohol treatment.
(i) All residents who enter the SOTS shall be
administered the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) potential for sexual
assault or sexual victimizing screening instrument and housed accordingly.
(j)
SOTS therapeutic services shall be offered in accordance with an ITP. If
the resident is identified with any intellectual disabilities or requires
medically restricted housing, a modified ITP shall be established.
(k)
A resident with multiple treatment needs shall have a collaborative
treatment plan established inclusive of areas such as substance use, behavioral
health, and psychiatric needs.
(l)
SOTS staff shall be responsible for determining completion of goals and
providing feedback to the resident on how to better achieve goals.
(m)
Sexual offender treatment shall be documented in the electronic health
record using the progress note, group note, treatment plan, and discharge
summary, including such documents as:
(1) The assessment;
(2) Polygraph or other validated technologies;
and
(3) Disclosure or administrative tools.
(n)
Treatment plans shall be updated at least every 6 months or when goals
are attained or require modifications based on the resident’s needs. Treatment plans shall also be updated when
entering into the next phase of treatment.
(o)
SOTS shall utilize a holistic approach to treating sexual offenders that
includes a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, psycho-educational
components, and the treatment of co-morbid conditions. Emphasis is placed on addressing trauma and
its impact on emotional, social, psychological and sexual adjustment.
(p)
Residents in SOTS shall participate in clinical therapeutic groups and
psycho-educational treatment aimed at the specific treatment needs addressed in
their ITPs. In addition, residents shall
participate in other behavioral health treatment, substance abuse treatment, as
designated in their ITPs. Residents
shall also complete a number of different homework assignments, journaling
assignments, and projects during treatment.
(q)
In their core clinical therapeutic groups residents shall address key
components of his or her offenses and work on issues of accountability,
responsibility, identifying and challenging distorted thinking, identifying and
coping with feelings and inappropriate or maladaptive coping skills, developing
a positive self-concept, increasing effective emotional management and
establishing and maintaining trusting, supportive and equitable intimate
relationships. Residents shall identify
the patterns of behavior that lead to their offending.
(r)
Caseloads shall be entered in the electronic client record for ongoing
informational sharing and awareness for re-entry planning. The electronic client record shall also be
used to document movement in SOTS for purposes of case management. Clinicians shall update this information, for
instance when someone has transitioned out of SOTs whether it be due to being
removed or because he or she has been issued a discharge summary.
(s)
Quarterly progress reviews shall be conducted with the participant and
documented on his or her treatment plan.
(t)
The primary therapist shall complete clinical progress notes for each
participant on the therapist’s caseload.
Post treatment encounters shall be documented in the electronic health
record.
(u) All discharges from sexual
offender treatment services shall be documented by the primary clinician within
5 days of program completion.
(v)
Community-based treatment shall be the recommendation for a resident
upon release to parole or other community-based supervision.
(w)
If an assessing clinician is recommending a resident for community–based
treatment following the assessment, the resident shall be referred for
additional screening as necessary to complete the assessment and recommendations. Once the assessing clinician determines that
a community treatment referral is warranted, this outcome shall be reviewed by
the administrator of SOTS and the deputy director of forensic services for thoroughness
and concurrence.
(x)
If the recommendation is approved, a treatment plan shall be developed
for participation in behavioral health groups to address any treatment needs of
the resident while waiting for release into community-based treatment services.
(y)
The resident shall also participate in continuing treatment until
released. If at any time during
continuing treatment a clinician identifies a behavioral status change, acquires
additional information with regard to the resident’s engaging in risky sexual
behaviors, or is provided additional collateral information which is a cause
for concern, a new assessment will be completed using gender validated tools as
appropriate.
(z) All residents, who post an
assessment by a department clinician and which receives a recommendation of
community-based treatment shall with a SOTS clinician’s assistance establish an
appropriate individualized treatment plan.
If the resident fails a polygraph or shows deception, he or she shall be
placed in ISOT to receive more intense treatment.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor 505.05 Program Completion.
(a)
When a program participant has met all program goals, he or she shall be
referred to the ARC by his or her SOTS therapist for case review.
(b)
The ARC shall:
(1) Meet at a minimum once a month to review
cases. The resident’s completed packet
shall be received by the ARC for review at least one week prior to the
scheduled meeting;
(2) Ensure that each resident participating in
the SOTS has reached maximum benefit via completion of his or her goals as
specified on his or her ITP and outlined by the clinician’s discharge summary
proposal;
(3) The SOTS therapist shall present the case,
relating the resident’s progress to his or her goals. The therapist shall also provide information
on any disciplinary action or behaviors that resulted in the resident being
removed from the program, if applicable.
Included in the case presentation shall be a description of the
resident’s self-management plan for the community to include therapeutic,
vocational, educational and housing activities established for transition;
(4) If treatment is not deemed completed, the
administrative review committee shall provide recommendations to enhance
attainment of treatment goals to the clinician for implementation with the
individual;
(5) Determine if the members of the ARC are in
agreement with whether a program participant has completed the program or needs
further treatment or assessment;
(6) The recommendations of the ARC shall be sent
to the parole board. The original
Administrative Review Committee Referral and Discharge Form (2019) shall be
placed in the resident’s electronic health record, electronic client record and
a copy sent to the program participant.
Participants shall also receive a copy of their discharge summary; and
(7) If treatment is not deemed completed, the ARC
shall provide recommendations to enhance attainment of treatment goals to the
clinician for implementation with the resident.
(c)
If the ARC members cannot reach an agreement pursuant to 2 above, the
SOTS administrator acting as chair of the committee shall make the final
recommendation.
(d)
No resident shall be considered to have completed the SOTS if he or she
have not developed a comprehensive plan including a description of his or her
offending cycle, a maintenance contract, and actions to establish community
treatment for release.
(e)
Once treatment goals have been successfully completed and the resident
has an updated cycle of offending and maintenance contract, the SOTS therapist
shall make recommendations for the resident’s on-going treatment needs in a
discharge summary for use upon release to the community and by the adult parole
board for continuity of care and safety planning.
(f) A participant shall have
successfully completed the treatment when the participant has demonstrated the
ability to apply, both verbally and behaviorally, the skill sets and treatment
concepts instilled through treatment.
(g)
Completion without full application issues shall be adequately
documented in progress notes or through warnings or behavioral contracts.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor 505.06 Removal and Re-Admittance.
(a)
An individual shall be removed from SOTS for:
(1) Disciplinary infractions related to sexual
behaviors;
(2) Multiple instances of non-compliance with
program expectations;
(3) Repeatedly not engaging in treatment;
(4) Criminal behaviors; and
(5) Multiple instances of disrupting the
treatment milieu.
(b)
Termination from treatment shall be utilized as a last resort after all
other possible methods to correct behavior has been exhausted.
(c)
All potential removals occurring as a result of founded disciplinary or
criminal action as determined by security or investigations shall be reviewed
as a team with the SOTS administrator, unless emergent removal is required. A meeting shall be offered to the resident to
outline reasons they are being considered for removal from treatment.
(d)
All removals shall be reviewed by the administrator of SOTS in
conjunction with the deputy director of forensic services within 5 calendar
days of the removal.
(e)
The primary therapist shall notify a participant of any concerns
regarding quality of work, behavioral issues, non-compliance with treatment
rules, and expectations, and any other area in which the participant is failing
to progress in treatment or causing a major disruption to the successful
treatment of other group members.
(f)
Notification of concern shall occur within 7 working days of
identification of the concern(s) as it relates to progress in treatment in
order to provide the participant the opportunity to improve in the area of concern
and to stay in treatment.
(g)
If a participant fails to complete one assignment, or has one absence
from any treatment group or meeting, the notification shall occur within 7
days.
(h)
If the clinician, after providing written notification, continues to see
lack of improvement in the specified areas, then the clinician shall refer the
participant to the treatment team for further consideration such as:
(1) Development of a behavioral contract;
(2) Addendum to a behavioral contract; or
(3) Termination from the program.
(i) A plan for re-admittance shall be completed
by the resident and reviewed by the primary sexual offender clinician if
submitted within 30 calendar days of being removed. A letter shall be sent to the resident who is
removed from treatment, explaining why he or she was removed and what he or she
was needs to work on for consideration of remittance.
(j)
Participants terminated from the program shall be allowed the
opportunity to request to re-enter treatment.
The former participant shall be eligible to request to return to
treatment or placement on the waiting list for previously terminated
participants, if applicable, once they have been out of treatment. This request shall only place them on the
waiting list and shall not guarantee an automatic entry into treatment. Previously terminated participants shall be
taken back into treatment as space allows.
(k)
Residents who have previously completed SOTS or community treatment but
who have returned on a parole violation shall be assessed within 90 days to
determine treatment needs. A treatment
plan shall be developed as a result of the new assessment and documented in the
electronic health record.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
Cor 505.07 Conflicts of Interest. No employee shall engage in any activity, as
an employee of the department, on the behalf of a private provider, or as an
employer of a community provider, that services the offender population, as
that shall be a conflict of interest. An
employee shall disclose and report all potential conflict of interest
situations to his or her supervisor immediately.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
500) #12793, eff 5-25-19
CHAPTER Cor 600
RESIDENT CASE MANAGEMENT
PART Cor 601
PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
Cor 601.01 Purpose. The purpose
of this chapter is to provide rules that establish the general framework for
the case management of residents.
Source. #12891, eff 9-28-19
Cor
601.02 Applicability. This rule shall apply to all NHDOC personnel
as well as residents, probationers, parolees, and the public.
Source. #12891, eff 9-28-19
PART Cor 602 DEFINITIONS
Cor 602.01 Definitions.
(a)
“Family” means:
(1) Husband;
(2) Wife;
(3) Children, either natural, adoptive, or step;
(4) Mother, either natural, adoptive, or step;
(5) Father, either natural, adoptive, or step;
(6) Grandparents, either natural, adoptive, or step;
(7) Brothers, either natural, adoptive, or step;
(8) Sisters, either natural, adoptive, or step;
(9) Aunts;
(10) Uncles;
(11) Brother’s spouse;
(12) Sister’s spouse;
(13) Legal
civil union partners; and
(14)
Grandchildren.
(b)
“Marriage” means pursuant to RSA 457:1-a,
namely, “marriage” is the legally recognized
union of 2 people. The term also includes “matrimony”.
(c)
“Spouse” means, pursuant to RSA 457:1-a, a party to marriage. The term
also includes “bride” and “groom’.
Source. #12891, eff 9-28-19
PART Cor 603
MARRIAGE
Cor 603.01 Resident Marriage.
(a)
Pursuant to RSA 457:1-a, any person who meets eligibility requirements
of RSA 457 may marry any other eligible person regardless of gender.
Source. #12891, eff 9-28-19
CHAPTER Cor 700 PHYSICAL PLANT
MANAGEMENT
REVISION
NOTE:
Document
#12892, effective 9-28-19, contained new Chapter Cor 700 titled “Physical Plant
Management” by adopting Part Cor 701 titled
“purpose and Applicability”, adopting Part Cor 702 titled “Definitions”, and
readopting with amendment and renumbering existing rules Cor 301.01, Cor
301.02, Cor 301.03, and Cor 301.04 as, respectively, Cor 703.01, Cor 703.02,
Cor 704.01, and Cor 703.03.
Document #12892 replaces all prior filings
for rules Cor 301.01 through Cor 301.04.
The prior filings affecting these and other rules in Chapter Cor 300 are
listed in Revision Note #1 and Revision Note #2 at the chapter heading for
Chapter Cor 300.
PART Cor 701 PURPOSE AND
APPLICABILITY
Cor 701.01 Purpose. The purpose of this rule shall be to
establish procedures governing physical plant management for New Hampshire
department of corrections (NHDOC) facilities.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
700) #12892, eff 9-28-19
Cor 701.02 Applicability. This rule shall apply to all staff,
residents, and the public.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
700) #12892, eff 9-28-19
PART Cor 702 DEFINITIONS
Cor 702.01 “Physical plant” means all buildings on NHDOC
property.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
700) #12892, eff 9-28-19
PART Cor 703 HEALTH AND SAFETY
Cor 703.01 Health and Safety Inspections.
(a) The housing,
industrial, work, recreational, and administrative areas of each facility shall
be maintained in a manner, which meets the standards established for the
facility by public health authorities in the state of New Hampshire.
(b) The New Hampshire department of health and
human services (DHHS), division of public health services, food protection
shall be requested to designate an appropriate
staff member from its department to inspect at least annually all areas of each
facility, with the exception of exempted health services facilities, and to render a written report of the results to the
commissioner. The chief administrator of
each facility shall comply with the orders, requirements, and recommendations
contained in the inspection report or request a waiver from these requirements
and recommendations. Items that require
additional funding shall be reported by the commissioner of corrections for
inclusion in appropriate budgetary documents.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
700) #12892, eff 9-28-19
Cor 703.02 Sanitation.
(a) Sanitation in the food service and food storage
areas of each facility shall be maintained in a manner that meets He-P 802.23
adopted by the commissioner of the DHHS, for food service and food storage
areas.
(b) Departmental facilities shall provide each
person in departmental custody and patient of the secure psychiatric unit with access to cleaning supplies, including toilet
brushes, brooms, cleansers, and disinfectants to keep their cell clean and to
keep the common and public areas of the facility clean.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
700) #12892, eff 9-28-19
Cor
703.03 Fire Safety.
(a) The director of the New Hampshire department
of safety, division of fire safety, or the local fire department shall be
requested to inspect each residential facility of the department and its
organizational sub-divisions, residential treatment unit, and the secure
psychiatric unit at least annually to determine fire safety, and to report the
results to the chief administrator of each facility. The department’s administrator of logistical
services shall coordinate such inspections.
The chief administrator of each facility shall comply with or shall
request a waiver from the requirements and recommendations of the director of
the New Hampshire department of safety, division of fire safety, or local fire
department. Items that require additional funding shall be reported by the
commissioner for inclusion in appropriate budget submissions.
(b) There shall be fire and emergency evacuation
plans for each facility that are reviewed regularly and updated as necessary
and such document shall be submitted to and approved by the state fire marshal.
(c) Fire drills for each departmental facility
shall be conducted regularly involving residents, staff, and visitors.
(d) The department shall
provide employees with training in fire safety, fire prevention, and limited
firefighting.
(e) There shall be a written fire and disaster
plan for each facility that shall include detailed actions to take in the event of fire or similar disaster at the facility. Such plan shall include evacuation as an
option or such other approaches to minimize damage, injury, loss of life, or
breaches of security in such situations as determined to be the most pragmatic
by the state fire marshal and the administrator of logistical services in
consultation with the chief administrator of each facility.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
700) #12892, eff 9-28-19
PART Cor 704 SERVICES
Cor 704.01 Food
Service.
(a) The New Hampshire department of health and human
services, division of public health services, food protection or its designee shall be requested at least annually
to inspect all food service areas of departmental facilities and to render a
written report of the results of its inspection. The chief administrator of each facility
shall comply with the requirements and recommendations contained in the
inspection report or request a waiver from these requirements and
recommendations. Items that require
additional funding shall be reported by the commissioner of corrections for
inclusion in appropriate budgetary documents.
(b) Each
resident shall be given the opportunity to have 3 wholesome and nutritious
meals each day served with proper eating and drinking utensils.
(c) Efforts shall be made to ensure that food that is supposed to
be served hot shall be served hot, and food that is supposed to be served cold
shall be served cold.
(d)
Restrictions on the type of food or utensils provided to a resident
shall be imposed if the resident throws his or her food or uses his or her food
to make the area unclean, unhealthy, unsafe, or is likely to use such items as
weapons against others or as a mechanism for self-injury.
(e) Each
resident shall be served the same quality of food in a quantity sufficient to
meet the resident’s nutritional needs.
(f)
Availability of medical or religious diets shall not be dependent upon
custodial or disciplinary status.
(g) There shall
be a process in place that establishes a changing menu that provides for a
regular variety in meals.
(h) The food
served to residents shall be properly prepared and served under the direction
of the food services supervisor.
(i) Menu planning, food purchasing, and
sanitation shall be overseen by a dietician in consultation with the food
services supervisor to ensure that meals are wholesome and nutritious. The food
services supervisor shall provide staff and residents guidance in food handling
and preparation.
(j) Food shall
be served, prepared, and stored in accordance with He-P 803.20 adopted by the
commissioner of DHHS. Food service equipment shall be maintained in
good working condition.
(k) All kitchen
employees including residents shall be trained in the handling and preparation
of food and medical diets by staff chefs and shift supervisors in consultation
with the food services supervisor and dietician. Staff hired for food service duty shall be
qualified by experience, training, or education for the position.
(l) There shall
be documentation that all persons who assist in the preparation or serving of
food shall report information about their
health, as it relates to diseases that are transmissible through food, in a
manner that allows the person in charge to prevent the likelihood of food-borne
disease transmission in compliance with the
provisions of He-P 2307.02.
(m) Each
resident who requires a medical diet certified by medical personnel shall be
provided a diet to meet their medical needs.
(n) Diets for
religious purposes shall be made available by the use of substitutes of
approximate equivalent nutritional value, as determined by the department's
dietician for those food items, which conflict with the dietary requirements of the resident’s religion.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Cor
700) #12892, eff 9-28-19
APPENDIX A
|
Rule |
Specific State Statute the Rule
Implements |
||
|
Cor
101.01-101.04 |
RSA
21-H:13, I; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.05 |
RSA
21-H:2, II; RSA541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.06 – 101.07 |
RSA
21-H:13, I; RSA541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.08 |
RSA
21-H:2, V; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.09 |
RSA
21-H:5, I, A; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.10-101.12 |
RSA
21-H:14; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.13 |
RSA
21-H:13, I; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.14 |
RSA
21-H:13, I; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.15 |
RSA
21-H:13, I; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.16 |
RSA
21-H:13, I; RSA 622:44; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.17 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (a); RSA, 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.18 |
RSA
21-H:13, I; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.19 |
RSA
21-H:13, II; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.20 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (a); RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.21 |
RSA
21-H-13, III (a); RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.22 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (a), (b), (c), (d), (e); RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.23 |
RSA
21-H:13, I; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.24 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (a); RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.25 |
RSA
622:44; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.26 |
RSA
541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.27 |
RSA
622:44; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.28 |
RSA
541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.29 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (a); RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.30 |
RSA
21-H:13, I; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.31 |
RSA
21-H:13, I; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.32 |
RSA
21-H:13, I; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
101.33 |
RSA
21-H:13, I; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.01(a)(1) |
RSA
21-H:3, II (a); RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.01(a)(2) |
RSA
21-H:3, II (b); RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.01(a)(3) |
RSA
21-H:8, XI (a); RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.01(a)(4) |
RSA
21-H:3, II (c); RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.01(a)(5) |
RSA
21-H:8, X; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.01(a)(6) |
RSA
21-H:8, II (e); RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.01(a)(7) |
RSA
651:2, V (e); RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.02(a) |
RSA
21-H:4, I (a)-(c); RSA 21-H:5, I (a); 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.02(b) |
RSA
21-H:4, II; RSA 21-H:5, I (a); RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.02(c) |
RSA
21-H:4, I (b); RSA 21-H:5, I; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.02(d) |
RSA
21-H:4, IV; RSA 21-H:5, I (a); RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.02(e) |
RSA
21-H:6, V; RSA 21-H:10, I; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.02(f) |
RSA
21-H:6, V; RSA 21-H:10, I; RSA 21-H:11; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.02(g) |
RSA
21-H:6, V; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.02(h) |
RSA
21-H:6, II; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.02(i) |
RSA
21-H:4, VI; RSA 21-H:5, IRSA 21-H:6, IV; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.02(j) |
RSA
21-H:4, V; RSA 21-H:5, I, RSA 21-H:6, III; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
102.02(k) |
RSA
21-H:4, VII; RSA 21-H:5, I;RSA 21-H:6, IV(a); RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
Cor
103.01 |
RSA
21-H:4; RSA 541-A:16, I (a) |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Cor
201.01 |
RSA
541-A:30-a, II |
|
|
Cor
201.02 |
RSA
541-A:30-a, II, V |
|
|
Cor
202.01 |
RSA
541-A:1; 541-A:30-a, II |
|
|
Cor
203.01 |
RSA
541-A:29-39 |
|
|
Cor
203.02 |
RSA
541-A:30-a, III, (k); 541-A:36 |
|
|
Cor
203.03 |
RSA
541-A:22, IV; 541-A:30-a, III (j) |
|
|
Cor
204.01 |
RSA
541-A:29-35; 541-A:30-a, III (a) |
|
|
Cor
204.02 |
RSA
541-A:29-35; 541-A:30-a, III (a) |
|
|
Cor
204.03 |
RSA
541-A:29-35; 541-A:30-a, III (a) |
|
|
Cor
205.01 |
RSA
541-A:29-35; 541-A:30-a, III (f) |
|
|
Cor
206.01 |
RSA
541-A:29-35; 541-A:30-a, III (a) |
|
|
Cor
207.01 |
RSA
541-A:31, I-II |
|
|
Cor
207.02 |
RSA
541-A:29-39; 541-A:31, I-II |
|
|
Cor
207.03 |
RSA
541-A:31, III |
|
|
Cor
207.04 |
RSA
311:1; 311:7; 541-A:30-a, III (b) |
|
|
Cor
207.05 |
RSA
541-A:31, V; 541-A:38 |
|
|
Cor
208.01 |
RSA
541-A:32; 541-A:30-a, III (g) |
|
|
Cor
208.02 |
RSA
541-A:32; 541-A:30-a, III (g) |
|
|
Cor
209.01 |
RSA
541-A:30-a, III (h) |
|
|
Cor
210.01 |
RSA
541-A:30-a, III (c) |
|
|
Cor
211.01 |
RSA
541-A:30-a, III (h) |
|
|
Cor
211.02 |
RSA
541-A:29-39 |
|
|
Cor
212.01 |
RSA
541-A:30-a, III (c) |
|
|
Cor
212.02 |
RSA
541-A:30-a, III (c) |
|
|
Cor
213.01 |
RSA
541-A:31, VI |
|
|
Cor
213.02 |
RSA
541-A:30-a, III (d), (e) |
|
|
Cor
213.03 |
RSA
541-A:33 |
|
|
Cor
213.04 |
RSA
541-A:33 |
|
|
Cor
213.05 |
RSA
541-A:31, VI (c); 541-A:35 |
|
|
Cor
213.06 |
RSA
541-A:31; 541-A:33 |
|
|
Cor
213.07 |
RSA
541-A:31; 541-A:33; 541-A:30-a, III (i) |
|
|
Cor
213.08 |
RSA
541-A:34-35; 541-A:30-a, (e) |
|
|
Cor
214.01 |
RSA
541-A:16, I (b)(3) |
|
|
Cor
214.02 |
RSA
541-A:16, I (b)(3) |
|
|
Cor
214.03 |
RSA
541-A:16, I (b)(3) |
|
|
Cor
214.04 |
RSA
541-A:16, I (b)(3) |
|
|
Cor
214.05 |
RSA
541-A:16, I (b)(3) |
|
|
Cor
215.01 |
RSA
541-A:16, I (c) |
|
|
Cor
215.02 |
RSA
541-A:16, I (d) |
|
|
Cor
215.03 |
RSA
541-A:16, I (c), (d) |
|
|
Cor
216.01 |
RSA
541-A:11, VII |
|
|
Cor
216.02 |
RSA
541-A:11, VII |
|
|
Cor
217.01 |
RSA
541-A:16, I (c), (d) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cor
301.01 |
RSA
21-H:13, I, II |
|
|
Cor
301.01 |
RSA
21-H:13, I, II |
|
|
Cor
301.02 |
RSA
21-H:13, I, II |
|
|
Cor
301.03 |
RSA
21-H:13, I, II |
|
|
Cor
301.04 |
RSA
21-H:13, I, II |
|
|
Cor
302.01 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (c), RSA 194:60 |
|
|
Cor
302.02 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (h) |
|
|
Cor
302.04 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (i), 516 US 804 (1996) |
|
|
Cor
302.05 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (j) |
|
|
Cor
302.06 |
RSA
21-H:13, III |
|
|
Cor
302.07 |
RSA
21-H:13, III |
|
|
Cor
305 |
RSA 21-H:13,
I, II and III(a) |
|
|
Cor
306.01 |
RSA
21-H:13, I, II, II-a, and VI |
|
|
Cor
306.02 |
RSA
21-H:13, I, II, II-a |
|
|
Cor 306.03 |
RSA
21-H:13, I, II, II-a, RSA 622:6-a |
|
|
Cor
306.04 |
RSA
21-H:13, I, II, II-a |
|
|
Cor
307.01 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (i) |
|
|
Cor
307.02 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (i) |
|
|
Cor
307.03 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (i) |
|
|
Cor
307.04 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (i) |
|
|
Cor
307.05 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (i) |
|
|
Cor
307.06 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (i); RSA 651:25 |
|
|
Cor
307.07 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (i) |
|
|
Cor
307.08 |
RSA
21-H:13, III (i) |
|
|
Cor
308.01 |
RSA
651:2, V (e) |
|
|
Cor
309.01 |
RSA
651:2, V (e) |
|
|
Cor 310.01 |
RSA 21-H:13, V |
|
|
Cor
312 |
RSA
21-H:13, I, II and III(a) |
|
|
Cor 313 |
RSA 21-H:13, I,
II and II-a |
|
|
Cor
313.03 |
RSA 21-H:13,
I, II and III(a) |
|
|
Cor
314 |
RSA
21-H:13, I, II and III(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cor
401 |
RSA
21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cor
402 |
RSA
21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
Cor
403.01 |
RSA
21-H:13, III(a); RSA 622:23 |
|
|
Cor 403.02 |
RSA 21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
Cor
404 |
RSA 21-H:13,III(a) |
|
|
Cor
405 |
RSA
21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
Cor
406 |
RSA
21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
Cor
407 |
RSA
21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
Cor
408.01 |
RSA
21-H:13, III(a); RSA 651:25 |
|
|
Cor
408.02 |
RSA
21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
Cor
408.03 |
RSA
21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
Cor
408.04 |
RSA
21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
Cor
409 |
RSA
21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
Cor 409.01 |
RSA
21-H:13, I, II and III(i) |
|
|
Cor
410 |
RSA
21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
Cor 411 |
RSA 21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cor 412.01 |
RSA 21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
Cor 412.02 |
RSA 21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
Cor 412.03 |
RSA 21-H:13, III(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cor
501 |
RSA
21-H:13,III(a) |
|
|
Cor 501.02 |
RSA 21-H:13, IV |
|
|
Cor
502.01 |
RSA
21-H:13,III(a) |
|
|
Cor
502.02 |
RSA
21-H:13,III(a) |
|
|
Cor
502.03 |
RSA
21-H:13,III(a) |
|
|
Cor
502.04 |
RSA
21-H:13,III(a) |
|
|
Cor
502.05 |
RSA
21-H:13,III(a) |
|
|
Cor
502.06 |
RSA
21-H:13,III(a) |
|
|
Cor
502.07 |
RSA
21-H:13,III(a) |
|
|
Cor
502.08 |
RSA
21-H:13,III(a) |
|
|
Cor
502.09 |
RSA
21-H:13,III(a) |
|
|
Cor
502.10 |
RSA
21-H:13,III(a); RSA 611-B:12 |
|
|
Cor
502.11 |
RSA
21-H:13, IV |
|
|
Cor
502.12 |
RSA
21-H:13, II-a |
|
|
Cor
503 |
RSA
21-H:13,III(a) |
|
|
Cor
504 |
RSA
21-H:13,III(a) |
|
|
Cor
505 |
RSA
21-H:13,III(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cor 601 |
RSA
21-H:13, III |
|
|
Cor 602 |
RSA
21-H:13, III |
|
|
Cor 603 |
RSA
21-H:13, III |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cor 701 |
RSA 21-H:13, I, II and II-a |
|
|
Cor
702 |
RSA 21-H:13, I, II and II-a |
|
|
Cor
703 |
RSA 21-H:13, I, II and II-a |
|
|
Cor
704 |
RSA 21-H:13, I, II and II-a |
|
APPENDIX B: INCORPORATED BY REFERENCES
|
Rule |
Title (Date) |
Obtain From: |
|
American Polygraph Association Standards of Practice (2019) |
NH Department of Corrections 105 Pleasant Street Phone: (603)
271-5603 Fax: (603)
271-5643 Download at no charge from: http://www.polygraph.org/apa-bylaws-and-standards |
|
|
Cor 505.03 (p) |
ATSA Professional Code of Ethics (2017) |
NH Department of Corrections 105 Pleasant Street Phone: (603)
271-5603 Fax: (603)
271-5643 Download at no charge from: https://www.atsa.com/Public/Ethics/ATSA_2017_Code_of_Ethics.pdf |