EFTA00040957.pdf
dataset_9 pdf 171.9 KB • Feb 3, 2026 • 3 pages
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Washington, D.C. 20534
MEMORANDUM FOR , REGIONAL DIRECTOR
NORTHEAST REGION
FROM: M.D.
Medical Director
SUBJECT: Multi-Level Mortality Chart Review
Consultant's Comments
The Office of Quality Management, Health Services Division, conducts
reviews of all inmate deaths through the multi-level mortality review
process as part of the Bureau of Prisons' quality improvement
function. Following this review, a consultant, , M.D.,
provides her independent analysis of the medical records of the
inmates who have died during the year. She conducted a review on
September 19, 2019.
Five mortality cases were reviewed from your region. Four cases
demonstrated appropriate care. One case from your region had quality
of care or risk management issues identified. This case from your
region will require a corrective action response.
• EPSTEIN, Jeffrey, #76318-054 died on 8/10/2019 at MCC New York.
o Quality of care or risk management issues at MCC New York.
Please see the attachment for further information. If you have any
questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or have
your staff contact , Chief, Office of Quality Management,
Health Services Division, at (202)514-2136.
Attachments
cc: , D.O., RMD, NER
, RIQ/RIP&C, NER
, RHSA, NER
EFTA00040957
External Reviews Review Date: 9/19/2019
Northeast Region Regional Director:
Devens FMC
FLUKER Roy 40533-424 Male Age 64 DOD 6/18/2019
No Findings Expected Death? Yes Manner Natural Causes
Death Category Cardiac
Death Cause Congestive heart failure
PHILLIPS Charles 02952-000 Male Age 68 DOD 5/13/2019
No Findings Expected Death? Yes Manner Natural Causes
Death Category Cardiac
Death Cause Heart failure
Elkton FCI
GARLING Lee 41184-039 Male Age 78 DOD 5/6/2019
No Findings Expected Death? Yes Manner Natural Causes
Death Category Pulmonary
Death Cause Pneumonia, unspecified
Loretto FCI
HORNBAKER Anthony 38954-068 Male Age 60 DOD 6/28/2019
No Findings Expected Death? No Manner Natural Causes
Death Category Cardiac
Death Cause Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, so described
New York MCC
EPSTEIN Jeffrey 76318-054 Male Age 66 DOD 8/10/2019
No Findings Expected Death? No Manner Suicide
Death Category Hanging
Death Cause Intentional self-harm (suicide) by hanging, strangulation, and suffocation
Mr. Epstein was a 66-year-old male with a history of obstructive sleep apnea, hypertriglyceridemia, L4-L5
stenosis, and no past mental health history. On 7/23/2019, at 2:00 am, Mr. Epstein was placed on suicide watch
for 31hours and 5 minutes due to abrasion found on the lower anterior surface of his neck area. On 7/24/2019,
he was taken off suicide watch and was placed on psychological observation. On 7/30/2019, he was removed
from psychological observation and placed in the Special Housing Unit where he was housed with a cell mate.
On 8/8/2019, he was seen by Psychology Services and denied any suicidal ideation, intention or plan. On
8/10/2019, at 6:33 a.m., Special Housing Unit staff found Mr. Epstein unresponsive in his cell and attempted to
wake him. A medical emergency was called and CPR was initiated by Special Housing Unit staff. At 6:35 a.m.,
medical staff responded and continued CPR, the AED was applied, and EMS was called. The EMS arrived at 6:45
a.m. and ACLS protocol was initiated by the EMS. No pulse found, no shock was advised and the inmate was
prepared for transport to local hospital. He was pronounced dead at 7:36 am by the ER Physician.
EFTA00040958
Consultant Comments: There were quality of care issues identified in this case. However, these issues did not
contribute to directly Mr. Epstein's cause of death.
Review roles and responsibilities of staff responsible for inspecting, testing and maintenance of AED units at each
location at your institution. This is considered life support equipment requiring implementation of a process that
assures that the AED is available and accessible to all staff in the event of a life threatening emergency.
In addition, the Health Service staff should be added to the group/committee convene to conduct the
Psychological Reconstruction review for suicide. Adding the Health Services staff not only provides clarification
of medical response but more importantly strengthen the review to identify risk management issues and
corrective actions.
Recommendations: The Health Services leadership needs to develop a protocol and put procedure in place for
monitoring AEDs throughout the institution. The QI Staff should monitor this in the quarterly Governing Body
meeting. The institution, Regional and Central Office leadership will look into adding an appropriate Health
Service staff member to all Psychology Suicide Reconstruction cases. The Clinical Director, HSA and the Quality
Improvement staff need to develop a corrective action plan and provide necessary training to all staff involved to
disseminate these expectations. Please submit the corrective action plan along with training sign-in sheet to the
HSD/Quality Management-Vbop.gov mailbox and carbon-copying the respective Regional Director, RHSA, and
RIOP within 45 days of the Warden's receipt of this notification.
EFTA00040959
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