N.J. Admin. Code § 10A:16-7.1

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 10A:16-7.1 - Notification of next of kin

(a) In the event of an inmate's critical illness or death, the inmate's next of kin shall be notified within 24 hours by the Administrator or designee of the correctional facility that maintains the classification and medical files of the inmate.

(b) "Next of kin" shall be interpreted to mean:

1. Spouse;

2. Domestic partner;

3. Partner in a civil union couple;

4. Mother;

5. Father;

6. Guardian;

7. Persons connected by birth, marriage or civil union; or

8. Other persons indicated on official records.

(c) Initial contact with the next of kin shall be by telephone. In cases where the next of kin cannot be reached by phone, the local law enforcement authority or New Jersey State Police shall be contacted and requested to advise the next of kin to contact the correctional facility immediately.

(d) A letter confirming the telephone conversation shall be forwarded to the next of kin, and a copy of the letter shall be placed in the inmate's classification file.

(e) In the event the inmate is removed from the critical list, the next of kin shall again be informed in accordance with this section.

(f) In the case of a death of an inmate, the Administrator or designee shall be responsible to ensure that the following individuals have immediately been notified:

1. The inmate's next of kin;

2. The Assistant Commissioner, Division of Operations;

3. The Director of Health Services; and

4. The county medical examiner's office.

(g) All reports shall be prepared in accordance with N.J.A.C. 10A:21-4.1, Written reports regarding the critical illness or death of an inmate.

N.J. Admin. Code § 10A:16-7.1

Amended by 49 N.J.R. 2800(a), effective 8/21/2017