November 23, 2010

Massachusetts Inmates Sue Prison Over Rules for HIV Meds

Five HIV-positive Massachusetts inmates are suing the state prison system and its medical provider, alleging they were discouraged from taking their HIV medications because the system changed the rules on how those meds are dispensed, the Boston Globe reports. The suit claims the prison system removed HIV meds from the list of prescribed drugs inmates can keep in their cells, forcing them to go to a daily infirmary “med line.” The suit claims waiting in this line allows other inmates and corrections officers to identify who is HIV positive, exposes positive prisoners to other infections, delays dosage and has discouraged some inmates from picking up their pills altogether. Lawyers for the medical provider said the new rules are meant to give prisoners more contact with health care professionals and improve adherence to medical regulations.

To read the Globe article, click here. 

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