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SD 3909

Bristol County Women’s Center Complete Inspection Package 5-12-26

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

The inspection found multiple health and safety deficiencies at the Dartmouth/North Dartmouth Bristol County Women’s Center, requiring a Plan of Correction within 10 business days.

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Bill Summary · SD 3909

Summary of SD 3909 (Session 194th) — Massachusetts

Note: The material provided appears to be an inspection report and plan of correction from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) rather than a traditional legislative bill text. The following summary distills the substantive content as it relates to the Bristol County Women’s Center (Dartmouth/North Dartmouth) and outlines the main purpose, key deficiencies identified, required actions, and potential impact. If there is an official bill text with statutory language, please provide it for a precise legislative summary.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary purpose is to document a formal facility inspection of the Dartmouth/ Bristol County Women’s Center (Dartmouth Women’s Center) conducted under 105 CMR 451.000: Minimum Health and Sanitation Standards and Inspection Procedures for Correctional Facilities.
  • The report identifies health and safety deficiencies, outlines required corrective actions (Plan of Correction), and communicates departmental findings to the Sheriff and facility administration.
  • The overarching aim is to ensure inmate health, safety, and sanitary conditions in correctional facilities by enforcing compliance with state health regulations.

Key Provisions and Changes (as identified in the inspection and Plan of Correction)

  • Regulatory framework: Inspections were conducted under 105 CMR 451.000 and related sections (Minimum Health and Sanitation Standards; Inspection Procedures for Correctional Facilities). The report also references related standards for medical records, medical waste management, and food safety.
  • Deficiencies found (Summary):
    • Total deficiencies cited: 20 (8 new under Required Standards .100/.200; 7 repeat deficiencies under Required Standards; 5 repeat deficiencies under Recommended Standards .300).
    • Notable areas with new required-standard deficiencies include:
    • Ceiling paint damage in multiple bathrooms (Staff Break Room Male Bathroom; A Wing; B Wing; C Wing; D Wing).
    • Food service area cleanliness issues (dirty surfaces, walk-in refrigerator interior).
    • Plumbing issues (hot water control leaking at handwash sink in Trauma Room).
    • Wall/door frame deterioration and wall damage in various wings.
    • Dusty ceiling vents in showers and bathrooms; general maintenance concerns.
    • Notable repeat deficiencies under Recommended Standards (.300 series) include:
    • Inadequate floor space in cells (A Wing, B Wing, C Wing, D Wing) with double-bunking.
    • Interior maintenance issues in C Wing Day Room (floor paint damage).
  • Areas compliant: 20 areas were found compliant during the inspection (details not enumerated in the summary).
  • Plan of Correction (POC) requirements:
    • Facility must submit a Plan of Correction within 10 working days of receipt.
    • The POC must include specific corrective steps, a timetable for larger projects, a target completion date, interim health/safety measures, and a signed certification by the Superintendent/Administrator.
  • Observations and recommendations:
    • Inmate population at the time of inspection was 50.
    • The document points readers to relevant regulatory resources for additional standards (medical records, medical waste, food GMPs) and notes that other observations may be reported if they threaten health or safety.

Who Would be Affected

  • Dartmouth/North Dartmouth Bristol County Women’s Center staff and administration (including the Sheriff, Superintendent, and facility EHSO).
  • Incarcerated individuals (inmates) residing at the Dartmouth Women’s Center, as well as facility employees, who could be affected by improvements and interim safety measures.
  • Public health authorities and DPH EHRS inspectors who oversee compliance with 105 CMR 451.000 and related standards.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Inspection date: March 11, 2026.
  • Inspection findings communicated in an official report dated March 23, 2026.
  • Plan of Correction due: within 10 working days of receipt of the notice (as stipulated in 105 CMR 451.404).
  • The DPH EHRS reviewed the submitted POC and issued a formal reply dated April 17, 2026, acknowledging that the plan appropriately addresses deficiencies with an exception regarding overcrowding concerns.
  • The response notes ongoing concern about overcrowded conditions, indicating an outstanding issue alongside the approved POC.

Observations and Next Steps

  • Facility should implement corrective actions per the approved Plan of Correction, address new deficiencies, and mitigate overcrowding concerns.
  • The Department will monitor progress and may require additional updates or inspections to verify compliance.
  • Overcrowding remains a point of concern for EHRS, requiring attention beyond immediate repair actions.

If you can provide the formal legislative text of SD 3909 or clarify whether this is a legislative bill or a regulatory/agency inspection document being referenced as a “bill,” I can tailor the summary to reflect statutory language and legislative provisions more precisely.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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