Medical Release Form Authorization for Release of Health Care Record. 

 

Have the inmate fill out a Medical Release of Information Form.

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Without this form being filled out by the inmate and placed in his/her Medical Records, you, as a family member or friend will not be able converse with or receive information from any medical staff about the inmate’s medical issues. The inmate must keep one copy of the form, mail a copy to you and have the form placed in his/her medical records. On occasion an inmate is taken to an outside hospital that will not have a copy of this form. You may be asked to fax your copy before they will speak to you about the inmate’s medical condition.

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When an inmate has a medical issue, he/she should be seen by the local medical staff. If the inmate feels he/she is not getting adequate services, you the family/friends may need to get involved. An inmate who is denied adequate health care must complete a form 602. The family member can call the Chief Medical Officer of the prison at (661) -729-2000 ext 7841 . Lancaster prison has 5 days from the date of your original call to call back (Please make sure your log the date and time of your call and who you spoke with or if you left a voicemail).   If that does not get the help needed, the family member/friends can call the Ombudsman for that prison and explain the medical problem. The Ombudsman number for Lancaster prison is in Sacramento (916) 324-5458.

 

If, again, it is felt more medical intervention is needed and is not forthcoming, the designated family/friends can request intervention with the Federal Receiver. This step is only to be attempted if all other local attempts have not been addressed. The Federal Receivers number is (916) 691-3000 and/or (916) 691-1404. Once the initial complaint or request is made for information on your loved one, Lancaster prison has 5 days from the date of your original call to contact you back. If by the 5th day, you have not received a return call, then you can contact the Ombudsman number after that, then the Receivers number.

 

One of the most important things you, the family and friends, can do is keep an in-depth log of all contacts concerning the issue. This log includes the name, date you called, the medical rep that you spoke with, their position, what information they gave you (numbers, extensions, the status of the inmate, their title and any further dates to call back etc.) Often this is asked for as proof that the inmate has sought medical help.  

 

CDCR Healthcare hotline number (916)-691-1404 California Department of Corrections   

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