When a prisoner is transferred to a local hospital, what legislation allows the prison nurse to receive treatment records?

The correct answer identifies the procedure under which a prison nurse can receive treatment records for a prisoner transferred to a local hospital without needing patient authorization. In this context, the legislation typically allows for necessary information to be shared between healthcare providers for the continuity of care and the safety of the individual involved.

When a prisoner transitions from a correctional facility to a healthcare setting, certain legislative frameworks, such as those pertaining to public health and safety, often facilitate the exchange of medical information. This is predicated on the need for the prison nurse to be informed about the health status and needs of the prisoner to provide appropriate care. Such frameworks recognize that patient authorization may not be necessary in situations where it involves the care and treatment of an individual under legal custody, ensuring that healthcare providers can adequately manage the patient’s ongoing medical needs without unnecessary delays.

This transfer of information is critical for maintaining continuity of care and ensuring that any urgent health needs are met without additional barriers, which is especially vital in a correctional setting where timely medical attention can significantly impact a prisoner's health.

The other options either imply a need for patient authorization that falls outside the legislative provisions or involve communication methods that may not align with protocol for handling sensitive health information within correctional healthcare contexts.