Inmate Access to the Grievance Process

(1) All inmates shall have equal access to the grievance process. Whenever necessary, provisions shall be made to ensure access for the impaired or disabled, illiterate, and/or those with language barriers. Appropriate provisions, including, but not limited to, the use of a staff interpreter shall be made for those inmates who do not adequately read, speak, or understand English. Inmates may utilize the telephone interpreter service in accordance with 103 DOC 488: Telephonic Interpreter Service, available at each inmate library and on the Department's website at http://www.mass.gov/doc/policy. Inmates shall not be utilized as translators. Use of an interpreter or any other provisions shall be documented in the applicable IMS Grievance screen. Whenever an extension of a time frame is necessary to secure the services and accommodations of 103 CMR 491.00, it shall be granted in accordance with 103 CMR 491.17. (2) Inmates shall have unimpeded access to grievance and appeal forms. Forms shall be readily available to all inmates, regardless of housing unit. Inmates may obtain a grievance or appeal form from locations and staff designated by the superintendent. The superintendent shall ensure that grievance and appeal forms are available in all general population housing units. Inmates housed elsewhere shall be provided forms upon request. Additionally, inmates on a mental health watch shall be provided forms upon request, provided there is no contraindication pursuant to the mental health watch order. Under no circumstances shall a grievance or appeal form be withheld from an inmate.