Lawsuit: Cost is big factor in deciding whether inmates get medication

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) A new lawsuit filed against several South Dakota Corrections officials claims some inmates at the state women's prison have had prescribed medications denied or delayed.

The court document says prescribed drugs for some women sentenced to prison often are thrown out by prison workers.

The suit claims that much of the criteria for whether a particular drug is provided to prisoners is based on its cost. The plaintiffs also say the prison's mental health services and screening system are inadequate.

The court filing says some women have drugs prescribed for them while they are in prison that some of the medications either were not given or were stopped based on decisions by unqualified prison workers.

Three inmates are listed by name as plaintiffs and eight others are not named.

Corrections officials refuse to discuss pending litigation.

(By AP Writer Dennis Gale) (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-24-07 0606CST | save this article / add to your favorites list