PAINTSVILLE — Following an investigation by the federal government, Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, in Paintsville, has agreed to end policies that prevented inmates from obtaining prescriptions as part of a medication-assisted drug treatment program.
Medication-assisted treatment programs allow addicts to discontinue use of drugs such as heroin and prescription opioids by easing the physical symptoms of withdrawal with medications such as methadone, Suboxone or Vivitrol.
The U.S. Department of Justice began its investigation following a complaint by a doctor who was treating an inmate for opioid use disorder.
Big Sandy continues to deny it withheld treatment to that inmate or any others, but the settlement agreement signed by the government and the jail notes that investigators “substantiated allegations that Big Sandy effectively bans medications for [opioid use disorder],” in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
As part of the agreement, Big Sandy will change its policies to clarify that the jail will not change any inmate’s use of a particular medication, will not use rewards or punishments to discourage use of any particular medication, and will not deny health services in connection with drug rehabilitation. If the government determines Big Sandy has violated the settlement, the jail will have 21 days to rectify the violation, or else the government can pursue a remedy through a lawsuit in federal court.
“Eastern Kentucky has long been on the front lines of the opioid epidemic and our office remains committed to a comprehensive approach to fighting this public health crisis, including enforcement of the ADA’s requirements safeguarding treatment,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV. “Considering the impact this crisis has had on our area, treatment must be a critical tool in our efforts to fight back. Access to medications that treat opioid use disorder saves lives, and we are pleased we were able to reach a settlement with the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center to better ensure access to this important treatment for the people in its custody.”
The settlement agreement will last for three years.
