Commissioner's Directive

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Policy number and title:

COMMISSIONER'S DIRECTIVE 800 - HEALTH SERVICES

TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO CD 800 - INCLUSION OF GUIDELINES 800-1 - HUNGER STRIKE: MANAGING AN INMATE'S HEALTH

Why was the policy changed?

In order to further strengthen management practices, the Policy Review Task Force recommended that all CDs 10 years or older be reviewed to determine whether updates are required. A comprehensive review of CD 825, last promulgated on 1995-05-01, was therefore undertaken. A decision was made to delete CD 825 Hunger Strikes and replace it with guidelines to address the specific issues with respect to hunger strikes.

What is new / changed?

The Guidelines entitled Hunger Strike: Managing an Inmate's Health provide:

• descriptions of roles and responsibilities of all staff and health care professionals in the management of inmates who declare a hunger strike;
• clarification of the timeframes of reporting requirements by health services as well as the Institutional Head;
• clarification of the application of Do Not Resuscitate orders and Advance Directives to inmates engaging in a hunger strike.

How was it developed?

The new Guidelines were developed using the previous CD and in consultation with Legal Services and the Strategic Policy Division.

Accountability?

The Institutional Head and the Chief, Health Services, are responsible to ensure compliance with CD 800 with specific responsibilities reflected within Guidelines 800-1 Hunger Strike : Managing an Inmate's Health.

Who will be affected by the policy?

All institutional, Regional and National Headquarters staff and managers working directly with inmates or involved in the required reporting structure.

Contact:

• Joanne Barton
• Project Officer, Health Services Sector
• 613-947-6445
• Joanne.Barton@csc-scc.gc.ca