Idaho Prison Revises Lethal Injection Execution Policy

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) —The Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) has released an update regarding the procedures for carrying out executions. While the core procedures remain relatively unchanged, there have been modifications to F Block, the unit housing the execution chamber in the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. The F Block will now be able to accommodate an individuals’ request for religious accommodation.

In February of 2024, IDOC paused the execution of Thomas Eugene Creech because the medical team was not able to properly place a peripheral IV, which is an IV placed into a small vein. IDOC’s policy allowed an alternative method of placing a central IV – inserted into a larger vein – when the peripheral cannot be established. Central lines are used more when a peripheral IV cannot be secured.

An appropriate environment was not available at the time, renovations were made over the summer. The main change was creating an execution preparation room, allowing medical professionals to establish a peripheral IV. If access cannot be established, a qualified physician will proceed with inserting a central line.

Once IV access has been successfully established, the condemned individual would then be escorted to the execution chamber.

“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.”

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