Evaluation
Gender Dysphoria will be evaluated by a comprehensive team. The Gender Dysphoria Treatment Committee is responsible for overseeing the treatment of each inmate who presents with such a mental health condition. The committee is comprised of the department’s medical director, behavioral administrator, and chaired by the Chief of Psychiatry, special physician consultant, and behavioral health administrator. Those who present with GD will be evaluated in face to face therapy and counseling by a Qualified Mental Health Professional.
Diagnosis
The diganosis of GD will be established by a Qualified Mental Health professional, who can be providers with Master’s or Doctoral degrees in psychology, social work, or a related field, as well as psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatric nurses and others who by virtue of their education, credentials, and experience are permitted by law to evaluate and care for the mental health needs of patients. A QMHP is responsible for case management, direct treatment services and the overall mental health care of patients assigned to his or her caseload. Training specific to diagnosis and treatment for Gender Dysphoria will be provided to QMHPs who treat patients with Gender Dysphoria as necessary.
Medicalization
Upon admission to NDCS, any patient for whom cross-gender hormonal therapy is currently, lawfully prescribed as part of an established regimen for Gender Dysphoria shall have this cross-gender hormonal therapy continued from the time of admission unless a contractual medical services provider determines that such treatment is clinically contraindicated. Cross gender hormonal therapy as described above shall be continued within the Department. Appropriate treatment plan will be developed by the Primary Care Physician and QMHP through consultation with the Gender Dysphoria Clinical Supervision Group, reviewed and approved by the Gender Dysphoria Treatment Committee. All newly admitted patients with Gender Dysphoria receiving hormone therapy for the management of Gender Dysphoria shall be evaluated by the medical Primary Care Provider on site. The PCP shall then consult with the Medical Director and if needed, refer to an identified contractual Specialty Physician Consultant for assessment and continuity of therapy. After a determination regarding hormone therapy is made, the PCP then either writes a medical order or documents the rationale for alternative treatment.
Requirements for Transfer to Women’s Facility
A patient who is committed to the NDCS shall be placed in an institution according to the patient’s biological gender presentation and appearance. This shall include the patient’s intact, external genitalia and secondary sex characteristics. Institutional Psychologist Supervisor may provide clinical input as to their clinical recommendations related to housing of a patient diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria at their respective facility. Consideration of these clinical recommendations should be given by the NDCS when making determinations regarding such issues; however, final determination regarding housing placement is the responsibility of the NDCS and the facility Wardens.
Limits based on type of crime committed?
Prisoners will remain in the correctional facility that matches their biological sex (gender).
Re-Evaluation required?
Re-Evaluation is not necessary for this Prison policy as it is stated that prisoners will remain in the sex-segrated correction facility that matches their biological sex (gender).
Pronoun requirements?
None
Merging of “transgender” and intersex categories?
None
