In institutional settings, hospice and palliative care can be provided; which statement reflects this?

• A. They cannot be provided
• B. They must be outside facility
• C. They are only for non-custody patients
• D. They can be provided in prisons

Answer: (D)

End-of-life care isn’t limited by where a person is or their custodial status. Hospice and palliative care focus on relief of suffering, comfort, and quality of life, and they can be provided in prisons just as they can in hospitals, hospices, or community settings. Incarcerated individuals with life-limiting illnesses have the right to appropriate medical care, including pain and symptom management, psychosocial and spiritual support, and care planning. Programs in correctional facilities can be in-house or involve partnerships with external hospice providers, and they address practical needs like secure medication administration and continuity of care, including transfers to community-based hospice if appropriate. So, the statement that these services can be provided in prisons accurately reflects how end-of-life care is delivered across different settings.