Second Chances Resource Library

Washington State provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with serious medical conditions or terminal illnesses under its Extraordinary Medical Placement program. In addition, the Governor has the authority to grant Extraordinary Release to incarcerated individuals with serious health problems. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting

Virginia provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals who are terminally ill through Conditional Release Based on Terminal Illness and Executive Medical Clemency, and to eligible individuals who are age 60 or older through Geriatric Conditional Release. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Vermont provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with serious or terminal medical conditions through Medical Parole and Medical Furlough. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Utah releases eligible incarcerated individuals who have a medical condition or who are older through its Compassionate Release program. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of this program, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Texas provides compassionate release to incarcerated individuals with qualifying medical conditions, terminal illnesses, and advanced age through Medically Recommended Intensive Supervision and Emergency Medical Reprieve. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Tennessee provides compassionate release to eligible individuals with serious medical conditions or terminal illnesses through Medical Furlough and Executive Clemency, and to those age 70 and older through new Geriatric Parole provisions included in the state parole law. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

South Dakota provides compassionate release through its Compassionate Parole law to eligible incarcerated individuals who are (1) age 65 or older with terminal illnesses and (2) age 70 or older who have served a specified portion of their sentences. In addition, eligible individuals with certain medical conditions may also be released through an Extension of Confinement. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

South Carolina state law provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals through Medical Parole for Terminally Ill, Geriatric, or Permanently Disabled Inmates. South Carolina’s Board of Paroles and Pardons (Board) policy references two additional forms of compassionate release but provides little information on them: Parole for Medical Reasons, also covering individuals who are terminally ill, and Special Parole of Veterans for Psychiatric Treatment. In limited  circumstances, the Director of the Department of Corrections (Department) may also grant a Medical Furlough/Extension of Confinement to incarcerated individuals who are terminally ill or who need medical treatment not provided in prison. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Rhode Island provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with serious medical conditions through Medical Parole. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of this program, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Pennsylvania provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with serious and terminal medical conditions under its Deferment of Sentence law, which permits release to a hospital, long-term care nursing facility, or hospice care. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of this program, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.