Falsification of Medical Records in NYC Jails
New York City Department of Corrections staff have been accused of falsifying medical records, claiming that detainees refused to see doctors when, in fact, they were unaware of their scheduled appointments. This shocking revelation, brought to light in a recent legal filing, sheds light on the mistreatment of inmates within the city’s correctional facilities.
Forced Refusals and Missed Appointments
The legal document also alleges that staff members coerced detainees into signing “refusal forms” or deliberately caused them to miss appointments through lockdowns or searches. These missed appointments were later inaccurately recorded as refusals, painting a false picture of inmate compliance.
Implications of Falsified Records
The ramifications of these falsified records are severe, leading to delays in medical care, increased illness, and unnecessary suffering among the inmate population. The lawsuit highlights the growing trend of false refusals and the detrimental impact it has on the health and well-being of those incarcerated in NYC jails.
Moreover, the motion filed by Brooklyn Defenders, Legal Aid Society, and Milbank LLP seeks to hold the city accountable for these breaches in medical care provision. The contempt of court motion, if successful, could result in significant fines for the Department of Corrections, signaling the urgency of addressing these systemic issues.