Code Section

5079.  

The Director of Corrections shall provide facilities and licensed professional personnel for a psychiatric and diagnostic clinic and such branches thereof as may be required at one or more of the state prisons or institutions under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections. The director shall have full administrative authority and responsibility for operation of the clinics. All required mental health treatment or diagnostic services shall be provided under the supervision of a psychiatrist licensed to practice in this state, or a psychologist licensed to practice in this state and who holds a doctoral degree and has at least two years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders. All such clinics shall be under the direction of such a psychiatrist or psychologist. A psychiatrist shall be available to assume responsibility for all acts of diagnosis or treatment which may only be performed by a licensed physician and surgeon.

The work of the clinic shall include a scientific study of each prisoner, his or her career and life history, the cause of his or her criminal acts and recommendations for his or her care, training, and employment with a view to his or her reformation and to the protection of society. The recommendation shall be submitted to the Director of Corrections and shall not be effective until approved by the director. The Director of Corrections may modify or reject the recommendations as he or she sees fit.