What is the medication for a detainee?

"Detainee" is Not a Medication but a Legal Status Term

"Detainee" is not a medication but rather refers to a person who has been arrested and legally charged with a crime and is held in a correctional facility before trial. 1

Definition and Context

• A detainee is specifically defined as "a person arrested and legally charged with a crime who is held in a correctional facility before trial" according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines 1
• This term is commonly used in correctional and law enforcement contexts to distinguish individuals at different stages of the legal process 1
• Other related terms include "arrestee" (person placed under arrest but not yet formally charged) and "inmate" (incarcerated person) 1

Healthcare Considerations for Detainees

• Detainees have specific healthcare needs that must be addressed while in custody:

  • Mental health screening is recommended for all confined youth and adults upon arrival at detention facilities 1
  • Tuberculosis screening is conducted at service processing centers, staging facilities, contract detention facilities, and local jails 1
  • Medication continuity is a critical concern for detainees with chronic conditions 1

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees with health conditions receive special consideration:

  • Those with confirmed or suspected TB disease receive treatment while in custody 1
  • ICE has policies to implement short-term medical holds for persons with suspected or confirmed TB disease until continuity of care can be arranged 1

Medication Management for Detainees

• For detainees requiring psychiatric medications:

  • Psychotropic medications should only be used as part of an individually developed comprehensive treatment plan 1
  • Common medications used for acute agitation include benzodiazepines, typical and atypical antipsychotics 1
  • Informed consent practices for treatment must follow jurisdiction-specific laws 1

• For detainees with substance use disorders:

  • Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) may be available in some facilities, including buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone 2
  • Availability varies significantly by facility size, location, and state Medicaid expansion status 2

Common Challenges in Detainee Healthcare

• Continuity of care is a major challenge:

  • Frequent transfers between facilities can disrupt treatment 1
  • Medicaid coverage is often suspended during detention, creating barriers to care 1
  • Discharge planning is critical but often inadequate 1

• Legal and ethical considerations:

  • Obtaining informed consent in correctional settings is complicated by the coercive environment 3
  • Forcible medication administration may be legally permissible in specific circumstances but involves complex legal standards 3, 4, 5

• Prevention and public health concerns:

  • Detention facilities present opportunities for screening and treatment of infectious diseases 1
  • Case management strategies begun in correctional facilities should continue after release 1