and psychological neglect in the future. It was demanded that the care and nursing provided to detainees in Austrian correctional institutions who needed increased care due to their age or mental condition be guaranteed to the same extent as to patients in hospitals and nursing homes. The NPM’s requirements catalogue With reference to the NPM’s recommendation to implement the office of a medical superintendent into law (see NPM Report 2014, p. 91), it can be reported that the Federal Ministry of Justice has complied with this recommendation. The office of the medical superintendent, which plays an important role in ensuring the quality of the health care provided in detention, has now been incorporated into Section 13 of the Penitentiary System Act. Office of the medical superintendent: NPM’s recommendation implemented The office of the medical superintendent will monitor the provision of health care. It is integrated into the general directorate (for the penitentiary system and for the detention of mentally ill offenders). The office of the medical superintendent develops basic concepts for dealing with patients. These concepts are developed with respect to key issues and are to be implemented in all institutions after an appropriate test phase. Office of the medical superintendent For example, based on the NPM’s demand, the establishment of minimum standards in the area of hygiene has been advanced. On the positive side, it should be highlighted that appropriate minimum standards are beginning to be introduced in some areas and the necessary training measures have been taken with respect to the 2014 Hygiene Regulation and PROHYG 2.0. (Guidelines for the Organisation and Strategy for Hospital Hygiene). Minimum standards in the area of hygiene Participation in continuing educational sessions three times a year is now mandatory for infirmary employees. There will be additional training sessions as part of regular professional conferences for infirmaries and examining departments at correctional institutions. Moreover, hygiene managers have been utilised at the Stein, Wilhelmshöhe and Vienna-Josefstadt special medical facilities. In the future, such employees will be found in every correctional institution. Hygiene manager According to the Federal Ministry of Justice, an evaluation of all the correctional institutions with respect to the measures to be taken to ensure minimum standards of hygiene has not yet been completed. The NPM advocates that this be accelerated and that the implementation of these measures be ensured thereafter. In addition, the NPM will monitor the development of additional basic concepts with respect to key issues on an ongoing basis. The medical superintendent has been endowed with far-reaching authority. This includes visits to correctional institutions, which can be made as needed or routinely, without advance notice. Such visits will be made to about two correctional institutions per month and at least once a year. Likewise, the medical superintendent can visit correctional institutions to ensure adequate dental treatment and flawless hygienic conditions at treatment facilities. Medical visits to the correctional institutions 91

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