33-103.002: Inmate Grievances - Terminology and Definitions
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule is to amend Chapter 33-103, F.A.C., for clarity and to simplify the grievance process for inmates and Department employees.
SUMMARY: Rule 33-103.002, F.A.C., is amended to clarify the reviewing authority for grievances, appeals, and specifically direct grievances.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 944.09 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 944.09 FS., 45 C.F.R. Part 160, 164.
IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN FAW.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Perri King Dale, Office of the General Counsel, Department of Corrections, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500
THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:
33-103.002 Inmate Grievances – Terminology and Definitions
The following terms, as defined, shall be standard usage throughout the department:
(1) No change.
(2) Bureau of Inmate Grievance Appeals: The bureau authorized by the Ssecretary to receive, review, investigate, evaluate, and respond to grievance appeals and direct grievances as defined in subsection (8). The Bureau of Inmate Grievance Appeals is located in the Office of Research, Planning and Support Services and is managed by the Chief of Inmate Grievance Appeals.
(3) through (7) No change.
(8) Grievance Appeal, Direct Grievances, or Central Office Review: This is a statement of complaint filed with the Secretary of the Department of Corrections through the use of the Request for Administrative Remedy or Appeal, Form DC1-303. Appeals and direct grievances are addressed in Rule 33-103.007, F.A.C.
(9) through (14) No change.
(15) Reviewing Authority: Staff who are authorized to sign grievances or appeals as the final authority for review, e.g., warden, assistant warden, deputy warden, or the Secretary’s representative.
(a) Informal Grievance:
1. Staff member who is responsible for the issue grieved.
(b) Formal Grievance Level:
1. Major Institutions – warden or assistant warden;
2.(b) Private Correctional Facilities – warden, deputy warden, or, when determined by staff in the Bureau of Inmate Grievance Appeals that further review is required, the warden, deputy warden, or the Executive Director of the Privatization Commission;
3.(c) Road Prisons, Vocational Centers, Work Camps, Community Correctional Centers, and Contract Community Facilities – warden or assistant warden of the supervising institution.
(c)(d) No change.
(d)(e) Direct Grievances:
1. A direct grievance which is to be reviewed by the warden: The warden is authorized to designate the assistant warden or deputy warden (deputy warden applicable to private facilities only) to grant and implement relief as approved by the warden, except as to grievances involving discipline, grievances alleging violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act, grievances challenging placement in close management and subsequent reviews, grievances of an emergency nature, grievances of reprisal or grievances of a sensitive nature.
2. A direct grievance which is to be reviewed by the Bureau of Inmate Grievance Appeals: the Bureau Chief, or those staff designated by the Secretary to serve as his representative.
(16) No change.
Specific Authority 944.09 FS. Law Implemented 944.09 FS. History– New 10-12-89, Amended 1-15-92, 12-22-92, 4-10-95, 12-7-97, Formerly 33-29.002, Amended 10-11-00, 1-2-03, 9-16-03, 2-9-05, __________.