2026 ACA Winter Conference Long Beach CA_Program Book

SUNDAY, FEB. 8

10–11:30 A.M.

resources the correctional nurse can utilize to make informed decisions when confronted with ethical issues in prisons and jails. Specific ethical issues that can arise in a jail or prison setting will also be discussed. Discussions of Rules 217.11 and 217.12 of the Texas NPA will also be discussed. Learning Objectives: • Identify ethical principles that particularly affect correctional nurses. • State three of the 10 American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics provisions. • Discuss how nurse managers can promote resources relating to professionalism and ethical dilemmas. Moderator: Chris Black-Edwards , RN, BSN, CHSA, CCN/M, CCHP, Deputy Director, Health Services Division, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville, Texas Speakers: Chris Black-Edwards , RN, BSN, CHSA, CCN/M, CCHP, Deputy Director, Health Services Division, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville, Texas; Arlita Jefferson , DNP, MSN-Ed., MPH, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, CCN/M, CCHP, Nursing Program Manager, CMC Nursing Education, UTMB at Galveston Correctional Managed Care, Galveston, Texas Fentanyl Response Program: Improving Lives and Elevating Change [CE|CME|CERP] Room 102 B Primary Community of Focus: Adult Corrections Overview: The Fentanyl Response Program is a mandatory intensive substance use disorder program providing structure, education, programming and peer support to inmates who test positive for fentanyl, while incarcerated. The program consists of four phases with an established 16-week curriculum. The mission is to reduce the likelihood of overdose and other negative impacts due to continued fentanyl use. This program provides evidence-based treatment in a secure setting, supporting inmates’ social, emotional and criminogenic needs. To achieve these goals, access to outside influence is limited. Participants are

Ready to Work: Pathways from Incarceration to Employment Room 101 B TRACK: Reentry

Overview: This workshop will highlight best practices of Virginia Department of Corrections Workforce Development Specialists (WDS) to encourage gainful employment of justice impacted individuals. By promoting job readiness training, meaningful partnerships with employers/resource agencies and establishing strategic brand marketing, the Virginia Department of Corrections has been able to connect individuals with access to employment pre/post release. Participants will learn about the Ready to Work program and other events the WDS Team host inside facilities. Participants will hear how strategic employer engagement and referral can increase second chance hiring. Participants will gain understanding of the Virginia Department of Corrections facility Job Portal Software and the benefits of brand marketing to increase engagement. Speakers: Helen Merriwether , Workforce Development Specialist, Virginia Department of Corrections, Richmond, Virginia; Scott Trice , Workforce Development Specialist, Virginia Department of Corrections, Richmond, Virginia; Megan Wade , Workforce Development Senior — Eastern Region, Virginia Department of Corrections, Richmond, Virginia What Would You Do? Ethical Considerations for the Correctional Nurse [CE] Room 102 A Primary Community of Focus: Prisons & Jails Overview: Many ethical issues arise for nurses working in jails and prisons. Managers must be aware of, and familiar with, the different resources that guide nurses’ decision-making when confronted with an ethical dilemma. It is then a manager’s duty to direct their staff to these resources for direction. Not knowing is not an excuse. This workshop will discuss

WORKSHOPS

Sunday, Feb. 8 ▼ 10–11:30 a.m.

ACA 2026 Winter Conference | Long Beach, CA — 121