Evaluation
Not addressed in policy
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with a Gender Dysphoria, the prisoner must meet DSM criteria. If a prisoner is believed to be, or self-reports that s/he is, Gender Dysphoric the medical provider shall ensure that the prisoner receives a complete medical history and physical examination. This includes a detailed genital or pelvic examination by a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner and a comprehensive evaluation by a GDCRC designated primary care physician, psychiatrist or a fully licensed clinical psychologist or a primary care physician, psychiatrist or fully licensed psychologist supervised by a GDCRC designated primary care physician, psychiatrist or fully licensed psychologist. Specific historical details, including hormone use/prescriptions, surgical sex reassignment or cosmetic surgical procedures, shall be included. Documents supporting any claims of prior diagnosis, treatment, and cross-gender living and working shall always be sought. The prisoner’s own views with respect to his or her own safety shall be given serious consideration.
Medicalization
Hormonal treatment of a prisoner with Gender Dysphoria may be undertaken if:
1. The prisoner has the capacity to make a fully informed decision and to consent to treatment;
2. The prisoner is at least 18 years of age;
3. Any other significant medical or mental health concern(s) exist and are reasonably well controlled; and
4. The GDCRC deems hormonal treatment is medically necessary for the treatment of the prisoner; or
5. Other circumstances as approved by the GDCRC. Prior to beginning hormonal treatment, the prisoner shall be advised of the potential side effects and dangers of the treatment.
The treatment shall begin only after the prisoner provides written informed consent to receive the treatment. Only hormones recommended by the GDRC and approved by theCMO/CPO shall be used in the treatment. Surgical procedures for initiation, advancement, or maintenance of sex reassignment shall be considered on a case by case basis.
Requirements for Transfer to Women’s Facility
Offenders may make a housing request to be reviewed by the Gender Dysphoria Review Committee (GDRC). Housing assignments shall be considered on a case-by-case basis utilizing the below “Individual Risk Assessment of Housing Placement,” including considering whether a placement would compromise the offender’s health and safety and whether the placement would present any management or security problems. *Diagnosis of GD not required.
Limits based on type of crime committed?
History of sexually abusive behaviors and history of violent behaviors are consideration factors for GDRC Housing Assignment but no specific limitations are mentioned regarding criminal history.
Re-Evaluation required?
Not addressed in policy
Pronoun requirements?
Staff must communicate professionally with all prisoners, including those Gender Dysphoric and other gender non-conforming prisoners. All prisoners can be addressed by their last name, without reference to gender specific identifiers and by substituting a gender neutral term such as “prisoner.”
Merging of “transgender” and intersex categories?
No
