Prison board approves updated Medicated Assisted Treatment policy

The Bedford County Prison Board approved an update to Policy 300.20, Medicated Assisted Treatment, at its July 23, 2026 meeting. Sheriff Wayne Emerick moved the approval and District Attorney Ashlan Clark seconded; the minutes state "the motion was approved" but do not record a roll-call tally.

Warden Joe Eichenlaub told the board that "there were federal changes" prompting the update. Deputy Warden Lisa Conklin said the revisions "will make it a more treatment-based approach for care and reentry based," and Commissioner Deb Baughman said the change should "make it easier to apply for additional grants." Board discussion included a question from Commissioner Mike Stiles about whether the rules had changed; officials linked the updates to federal guidance and existing grant alignment.

The policy, as described in the minutes, updates guidelines for administering medication-assisted treatment to the inmate population at the Bedford County Correctional Facility. The board's record does not include a recorded vote tally (yes/no/abstain by name) in the minutes; the action is recorded as approved.