Opinion ID: 215090
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Disciplinary Scheme

Text: The Pennsylvania Administrative Code establishes a baseline policy for prisons to manage disciplinary infractions. See generally 37 Pa.Code § 93.10. As part of that policy, prisons must develop [w]ritten procedures which conform to established principles of law for inmate discipline that include, at minimum, [w]ritten notice of charges, a [h]earing before an impartial hearing examiner, an [o]pportunity for the inmate to tell his story and to present relevant evidence, [a]ssistance from an inmate or staff member at the hearing if the inmate is unable to collect and present evidence effectively, a [w]ritten statement of the decision and reasoning of the hearing body, based upon the preponderance of the evidence, and an [o]pportunit[y] to appeal the misconduct decision in accordance with procedures in the Department of Corrections Inmate Handbook.  Id. The Administrative Code also lists types of sanctions that may be imposed if an inmate is convicted of a disciplinary infraction. 37 Pa.Code § 93.10(a). Depending on the type of misconduct, those sanctions include [c]hange of cell assignment, including placement in the restricted housing unit or restrictive confinement in a general population cell . . . [,] [s]uspension of privileges for a specified period of time[,] and [c]hange, suspension or removal from job. Id. Additionally, an inmate found guilty of misconduct can be sanctioned for [p]ayment of the fair value of property lost or destroyed or for expenses incurred as a result of the misconduct. Id. One type of expenses that can be incur[ed] as a result of the misconduct is medical expenses. The Pennsylvania Administrative Code also establishes regulations for medical treatment of prisoners. See generally 37 Pa.Code § 93.12. While the Department of Corrections provides some prisoner medical services for free, other medical services incur a charge. The Administrative Code also provides that [t]he Department will charge a fee to an inmate for any of the following . . . (4) Medical service provided to another inmate as a result of assaultive conduct engaged in by an inmate to be charged the fee. 37 Pa.Code § 93.12(c). As a result, prisoners who are found guilty of assaults in which the victim needs medical treatment may be required to pay the cost of the treatment.