Tenn. Inmates sue over lack of Hepatitis C treatment
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee inmates infected with hepatitis C have filed a federal lawsuit against state prison officials, seeking treatment for all inmates who have the potentially deadly disease.
The American Civil Liberties Union and other advocates are alleging in U.S. District Court in Nashville that Tennessee Department of Correction officials are knowingly denying inmates care for their hepatitis C.
The Tennessean reports the lawsuit alleges the department is denying care because the best available medication is too expensive.
Tennessee Department of Correction spokeswoman Neysa Taylor said in an email the department “is currently unaware of the referenced court filing but is confident the department is providing adequate medical care as determined by medical protocol.”
The suit was brought by inmates Charles Graham and Russell L. Davis.
