Inmates at new Utah Correctional Facility aren’t receiving their medications

SALT LAKE CITY — Inmates at the new Utah State Correctional Facility aren’t getting their necessary medications due to a new health records system that manages the medical data of all inmates. 

However, the new system is having an issue migrating health data from the old one. 

Brian Nelson, Executive Director of UDC, said around 1,500 inmates need prescribed medications. As of Wednesday, 8,000 prescriptions remain unfilled or under review, Nelson said in a press briefing.

He said this has left many prisoners unmedicated. 

The facilities pharmacy fills around 30,000 prescriptions per month, Nelson said. On a typical day, UDC can fill anywhere from 750-1,000 prescriptions. However, due to the failed records system, UDC filled 2,000 on Monday to catch up on prescriptions. 

A press release from the Utah Department of Corrections said that the new system launched on Aug. 1 and that, within days, an issue became apparent. Furthermore, UDC said they are unaware of the full scope of issues from the new system. 

The issue is being invested, the UDC said in a press release. 

“UDC’s Planning and Research Bureau, and the state Division of Technology Services are assisting the software developers in auditing data and digging into technical details,” said the UDC in a press release. 

Additionally, UDC has partnered with the University of Utah Medical Center’s Midvalley Pharmacy, Gunnison Family Pharmacy, and other pharmacies throughout the state to deliver medications faster. 

What to do if your loved one isn’t receiving the proper care

UDC says that incarcerated individuals can notify the officer in their housing section for medical emergencies. Also, it’s encouraged for those who have loved ones incarcerated to contact UDC with any concerns. 

Furthermore, individuals can fill out an inmate care request, ICR, and either hand it to medical staff within the appropriate section, or an ICR drop box is available. 

At this rate, Nelson anticipates a couple more days before somewhat of a normal health record system is reached.