BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Correction has updated its procedures and protocols for conducting executions in the state.
The department said changes were made to reflect changes made to the unit that houses the execution chamber, along with the process for the condemned individual to request religious accommodations.
The department said the F Block, the unit that houses the execution chamber, was renovated over the summer to make an execution preparation room.
The department said the condemned person will now first be escorted to the execution preparation room, where the medical team will determine if peripheral IV access can be established or not. Earlier this year, the department had to halt Thomas Creech's execution because the medical team was unable to establish peripheral IV access.
If the medical team cannot gain peripheral IV access, the department said a qualified physician will establish a central line, which is typically used when IV fluids or medications are administered or when it's difficult to establish or maintain peripheral IV access.
The department said once the IV access is established, the person who is condemned will be taken to the execution chamber, and a live- closed-circuit video and audio feed will be available during the time when the condemned person is in the execution preparation room.
“Our previous protocols proved effective at protecting the integrity of the process and ensuring adherence with 8th amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishment,” said IDOC Director Josh Tewalt.“These changes enhance the State’s ability to carry out an execution by lethal injection by ensuring we have the infrastructure in place to establish IV access.”