One conference to cover two of your most important concerns

20 points toward AJA certification programs

Up to 14 hours of CE for medical, nursing, and mental health

AJA has teamed up with the National Commission on Correctional Health Care to offer this two-day conference. The convenient virtual format lets you learn without leaving town. Log in from your home or office. Participate live on February 26-27 and watch additional sessions on demand through March 31. 

Discover the urgent challenges in both mental health
care and legal compliance in jails, and how each
area independently—and together—impacts the
quality, cost, and safety of correctional settings.

This conference is built for correctional professionals
who know that poor mental health services and legal
missteps are costly, leading to grievances, lawsuits, inefficiencies, and reputational damage.

De-escalation and Behavioral Insight

George is exhibiting signs of severe agitation, pacing, and talking to himself. An officer initially interprets his behavior as defiance and prepares to use physical restraint.
However, Officer Torres has been trained to recognize signs of a potential psychotic episode. He contacts a mental health professional, who confirms that George has  schizophrenia and is off his medication. Now, Officer Torres helps de-escalate the situation, avoiding an incident.

Aggression Linked to Mental Illness

Officer Nguyen encounters Al, who exhibits aggressive outbursts and refuses to follow directives. Officer Nguyen attributes Al’s behavior to a bad attitude and considers using disciplinary measures.
However, Officer Nguyen learns that Al has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and may be experiencing a manic episode. He contacts mental health, who arranges a medication adjustment for Al. The aggression subsides and there is no escalation.

Legal Requirements for Mental Health Screening
and Assessment

Officer Martinez encounters Stanley, who shows signs of severe distress upon intake. Officer Martinez views Stanley’s behavior as disruptive and does not request a psychological assessment.
Later, Stanley attempts self-harm, leading to an investigation that reveals the facility failed to screen him for mental health concerns. Knowledge of the legal  requirements for mental health screening would have guided Officer Martinez to request an evaluation, preventing harm to Stanley and liability for the facility

Medical-Legal Documentation and Avoiding Liability

Officer Lee responds to a complaint from Mike, who claims to have received inadequate care for a severe back injury. Officer Lee dismisses the complaint as minor and fails to document Mike’s request for medical evaluation.
Later, Mike files a lawsuit alleging neglect and lack of access to medical care. Since Officer Lee did not document the complaint, the facility cannot show that Mike’s medical concerns were acknowledged and addressed.