Custody, Care, and Education of Inmates

NRS 209.351 thru 209.42305 – Overview of the Rules and Regulations Associated with the Custody, Care, and Education of Inmates

If you’ve been sentenced to a Nevada prison, you may be wondering, “Will I be taken care of in prison? Will I have medical care? How will I get what I need?” These are important questions and there are rules and regulations set forth under NRS 209.351 thru 209.42305 governing how inmates are taken care of during the course of their incarceration. The Nevada Department of Corrections is the agency empowered with the oversight, custody, care, and education of inmates in Nevada.

Evaluation of Personal Needs for Inmates

The Director of the Department of Corrections establishes a record for each inmate that classifies and evaluates their individual needs, including specific health care needs.

Services Typically Offered To Inmates

• Strenuous exercise;
• Stress management;
• Character building;
• Behavioral training;
• Vocational Education or Training; and
• Training in obtaining employment.

Regulations Governing Inmates

• An inmate won’t be able to possess certain publications;
• An inmate is frequently be tested for alcohol and controlled substances; and
• An inmate is not allowed to have telecommunications devices.

Segregation and Solitary Confinement

The Nevada prison cannot place an inmate in disciplinary segregation without a hearing and, possibly, a psychological evaluation (if you have a suspected or known mental health condition). If someone has a significant mental impairment or serious mental illness, the inmate won’t be subjected to solitary confinement unless it’s necessary for the safety of others or the inmate.

If solitary confinement is recommended by the prison, the inmatre will receive notice of the action and of the right to a hearing. The hearing will be held fifteen days or less after the alleged violation or fifteen days or less from the end of the investigation into the alleged violation, whichever applies.

Voluntary Confinement

An inmate can request to be placed in solitary confinement if they believe it is necessary for their personal safety. The Department can review this request and, if based on legitimate concerns for safety, allow the inmate to be placed in confinement.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment of prisoners is prohibited, as is inhumane treatment.

Female Inmates in Labor

The Department of Corrections may not use any restraints on a female inmate while they are in labor, delivery, or recuperating from childbirth unless they are deemed a substantial flight risk or an immediate threat of harm to staff, themselves, or others. If restraints must be used, they must be the least restrictive necessary.

Diet, Hygiene, and Housing

The Department of Corrections must provide inmates with sanitary and appropriate housing and a healthful diet. The prison will take dietary and religious preferences into account. The prison also supplies dental and medical services to inmates.

Inmates with HIV

The Nevada state prison, as part of your care, will test an inmate for human immunodeficiency virus. If an inmate tests positive for HIV, steps will be taken to ensure they receive the necessary treatment.

Education of Inmates

First, the following, noted educational programs are considered “acts of grace of the state.” This means inmates do not have a right to participate and can lose the ability to participate in these programs. Some Nevada prisons offer educational opportunities to their prisoners. Some of these opportunities include English as a second language, general education, rehabilitation, vocational education and training, and the chance to work toward your associate degree. Those that do offer these opportunities provide the textbook and various materials needed to complete the courses. However, these resources are the property of the prison.