Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

54110.7 Employee Considerations

• In the event of a possible exposure to body fluids, the CDC Exposure Control Plan and any local institutional procedures regarding the exposure to human body fluids or blood should be followed. The health and welfare of the victim must be given priority. The medical evaluation of the employee should take precedence over collection of evidence, report writing, or other non-emergency issues or duties. The employee Post Trauma Program should be offered to the victim along with referrals to the Employee Assistance Program, as needed.

• The employee’s supervisor will be responsible for filling out and/or collecting the following documents:

  • State Compensation Insurance Fund Report of Occupational Injury or Illness.

  • Employees Claim for Workers Compensation Benefits.

  • Any local Institutional Report of Job-Related Injury/Illness as required.

• PCPenal Code 4501.1(c) establishes that the Chief Medical Officer (CMOChief Medical Officer), or their designee can order an inmate to receive an examination or test for hepatitis and/or tuberculosis on a voluntary or involuntary basis, if there is probable cause to believe the inmate has committed a crime under this Section and the test is medically necessary to protect the health of the officer or employee who was the victim of the violation. Following a potential exposure to a blood borne pathogen, an employee will immediately be told by the Warden, Administrative Officer of the Day, or Watch Commander if the medical staff have evidence indicating that the inmate has Human Immunodeficiency Virus or any other communicable disease, such as Hepatitis B or C.

• PCPenal Code 7510-7515 establishes procedures for the requirement that employees report possible exposure to body fluids from inmates or parolees; employees may request that the inmate or parolee be tested for the HIVHuman Immunodeficiency Virus virus. This request should be made in writing, in the form of a report of exposure, and submitted to the CMOChief Medical Officer within two days after the incident. The CMOChief Medical Officer may waive this filing period requirement if it is determined that good cause exists.

• If an employee’s garment has been contaminated with a potential blood borne pathogen and not retained for criminal prosecution, the employee will be provided an alternate garment to wear and afforded an opportunity to shower. Additionally, the contaminated garment will be cleaned at Department expense and returned to the employee within 30 calendar days of the incident. If a garment has been contaminated with a potential blood borne pathogen and retained as evidence for criminal prosecution, the employee will be reimbursed by the institution for the cost of the garment within 60 calendar days of the incident. CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 892, Employee Claim for Loss or Damage of Personal Property, should be used by the employee for reimbursement.