§15A-5-9. Ability to refuse offenders.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, the commissioner, or any employee or agent of the division, having authority to accept offenders in a jail is not required to accept those offenders if an offender appears to be in need of medical attention of a degree necessitating treatment by a physician. If an offender is refused pursuant to the provisions of this section, he or she may not be accepted for detention until a written clearance is received from a licensed physician reflecting that the offender has been examined and if necessary treated, and which states that it is the physician’s medical opinion that the offender can be safely housed in a jail.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the division, the commissioner, or any employee or agent of the division, may accept an offender into custody who appears to be in need of medical attention of a degree necessitating treatment by a licensed medical professional, who refuses a medical examination or medical treatment to a licensed medical professional, and is immune from civil or criminal liability for accepting the person into custody.