CPSBC’s new practice standard, Treating Incarcerated Patients in Isolation, sets expectations for registrants working in correctional settings to minimize the health impacts associated with solitary confinement.
The practice standard is based on the United Nations Mandela Rules, which outline principles for the dignified treatment of incarcerated people, focusing on prohibitions on the use of isolation. Research and patient cases show that isolation can be detrimental to health, causing and exacerbating symptoms of mental illness.
This standard also reflects CPSBC’s commitment to addressing Indigenous-specific racism in health care. Indigenous Peoples are significantly overrepresented in Canada’s correctional system due to historical and systemic injustices. Once incarcerated, they are more likely to experience isolation and its associated harm, compounding the effects of colonialism and discrimination. This standard acknowledges these inequities and underscores the need for culturally safe, trauma-informed care that mitigates further harm, supporting the health and dignity of Indigenous patients within correctional facilities.
To develop the new standard, CPSBC worked in close collaboration with Prisoners’ Legal Services, and engaged with several registrants who work in federal and provincial corrections through one-on-one interviews and a facilitated discussion group. CPSBC was also guided by an Indigenous lawyer, reflecting a commitment to meaningful engagement, culturally safe care, and advancing reconciliation through the development of standards.
CPSBC recognizes that registrants must often work within the constraints of the correctional health system, which may limit their ability to influence decisions around prisoner placement. In such cases, registrants are expected to offer their professional advice and clearly document that this advice has been provided—even if it is not followed. This approach supports transparency, accountability, and the prioritization of patient well-being within the limits of institutional systems.
A key goal of CPSBC is to develop practice standards that are practical, relevant, and achievable within the current health-care environment. Standards are intentionally dynamic and can be updated based on changing external factors and ongoing dialogue with key partners in the system, including registrants and other subject matter experts.
Any questions about the practice standards can be directed to communications@cpsbc.ca.