IDOC updates Execution SOP, Protocols

Oct. 15, 2024 -- The Idaho Department of Correction published an update of the procedures and protocols for conducting executions. While the SOP and protocols for an execution by lethal injection, which have been repeatedly upheld by the courts, remain substantially unchanged, modifications were made to reflect physical plant changes to F Block, the unit at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution housing the execution chamber, and the process for the condemned individual to request religious accommodation.   

On February 28, 2024, IDOC halted the scheduled execution of Thomas Eugene Creech after the medical team was unable to establish peripheral IV access.  IDOC’s policy at the time allowed for establishing a central line — an alternative method of establishing IV access when peripheral access can’t be established — but IDOC lacked the appropriate environment to conduct the procedure. 

Over the summer, F Block was renovated to create an execution preparation room to establish venous access, and the execution protocols were revised to reflect how the new space affects the protocols and sequence of procedures.

Under the new protocols, the condemned person will first be escorted to the execution preparation room where the medical team will determine if peripheral IV access can be established. If the medical team leader determines peripheral IV access is not attainable, a qualified physician will establish a central line. Central lines are commonly used in medical situations for the administration of IV fluids or medications when it is difficult to establish or maintain peripheral venous access.

Once IV access has been established, the condemned person will be escorted to the execution chamber. A live, closed-circuit video and audio feed will be available to state and condemned witnesses for the entirety of the time 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. He continued, “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.”

A summary of the revisions can be found on page one, and the full Execution Procedures SOP is available to the public and can be found on our website. 

IDOC remains in active litigation and will have no further comments.