(a) Inmates shall accept Inmate Housing Assignments (IHAs) as directed by staff. All inmates shall be assigned to double-cell housing, except as provided in section 3269(e), whether being housed in a Reception Center, General Population (GP), Sensitive Needs Yard (SNY), Non-Designated Programming Facility (NDPF), Restricted Housing Unit (RHU), or specialty housing unit. If staff determines an inmate is suitable for double-cell housing, based on the criteria as set forth in this section, the inmate shall accept the housing assignment or be subject to disciplinary action. IHAs shall be made based on available documentation and individual case factors. Although inmates may request a housing assignment, they are not entitled to single-cell housing, a housing location of choice, or a cellmate of their choice.

(b) Upon arrival at an institution, facility, or Reception Center, a designated screening authority shall screen an inmate for an appropriate housing assignment in a private setting. The screening authority reviewing and approving an inmate's housing assignment shall evaluate all factors to be considered when completing the Initial Housing Review (IHR), including but not limited to:

(c) Utilizing the department's electronic database, the Strategic Offender Management System (SOMS), the screening authority shall complete the IHR, and indicate whether the inmate is suitable for dorm or cell housing, with or without special restrictions. Restrictions are any case factor; including court ordered housing placement factors, which may limit the inmate's housing placement options. Staff shall ensure that the housing policies for special category inmates covered under court ordered housing remain in place during their housing assignment. The IHR includes the following SOMS input fields:

(d) Upon placement in a RHU, inmates shall be screened for an appropriate cell assignment using the same criteria as inmates being screened for housing in the general population.

(e) Single-cell status shall be considered for inmates who demonstrate a history of in-cell abuse, significant in-cell violence towards a cellmate, predatory behavior towards a cellmate, or who have been victimized in-cell by another inmate. Staff shall consider the inmate's pattern of behavior, not just an isolated incident. An act of mutual combat does not warrant single-cell status. Factors that must be considered when evaluating single-cell status include:

(f) If the screening authority determines that single-cell designation is appropriate, the inmate's case factors shall be reviewed by a classification committee for determination of appropriate housing and designation for an “S” suffix. A classification committee may consider whether an inmate with single-cell designation subsequently proves capable of being double-celled.

(g) In cases where single-cell status is recommended by clinical staff due to mental health, developmental or cognitive impairment, or medical concerns, a classification committee shall make the final determination of an inmate's cell assignment. The classification committee shall consider the clinical recommendations made by the evaluating clinician with assistance from the clinician who participates in the committee and review the inmate's case factors when determining the housing assignment. Single-cell status based on a clinical recommendation is usually a temporary short-term measure and shall be reviewed periodically, including at an inmate's annual review and more frequently at the inmate's or clinician's request.

(h) Transgender inmates and inmates having symptoms of gender dysphoria as identified and documented in SOMS by medical or mental health personnel within a CDCR institution shall be referred to a classification committee for a determination of appropriate housing at a designated institution, pursuant to Article 10 of Subchapter 4.

(i) If an inmate refuses a housing assignment, the inmate shall be subject to the disciplinary process. Refusal to accept a housing assignment shall result in the issuance of a RVR for Conduct, subsection 3005(c), Refusing to Accept Assigned Housing, for the Specific Act of Willfully Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing any Peace Officer in the performance of Duty (subsection 3323(f)(6)). Subsequent refusals shall result in additional disciplinary action.