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Numerous prisoners in Texas have reported that prison administrators force them to do work that aggravates existing medical conditions; that administrators deny them access to medical personnel, often as a form of punishment; and that administrators discipline them for refusing to work while ill. Federal and state courts have previously ruled that these practices violate the Eighth Amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishment.(John Boston and Daniel E. Manville, Prisoners' Self Help Litigation Manual, New York: Oceana Publications, 1996, p. 133)
We the undersigned demand:
# That prisoners citing concerns about medically inappropriate work assignments or work-related injury receive time off from work without penalty until medical personnel can evaluate them;
# That prisoners diagnosed with work-limiting medical conditions receive appropriate medical treatment;
# That such prisoners be excused from work without penalty until satisfactory medical exam;
# And that prisoners with existing medical conditions be permanently excused from any work that aggravates their medical condition, or is dangerous to a person with their medical history.
Preventive medical care is a cornerstone of any civilized society. It lengthens the working lives of all people and makes them better equipped to contribute to society.
NAME CITY, STATE DATE
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