Video Visit Limits and Privacy at SCI Pine Grove: How Many Visits, Recording, and What to Say
Video visits make staying connected easier, but you'll get more out of them if you plan around the monthly limits and know what privacy you do (and don't) have. Here's how PA DOC scheduling works for SCI Pine Grove, plus what recording means for the things you choose to talk about.
SCI Pine Grove caps how many visits someone in general population can receive each month. The limits: up to 6 video visits and up to 4 in-person visits per month. You can schedule in advance, but not beyond 60 days out.
- ✓ General population: up to 6 video visits per month
- ✓ General population: up to 4 in-person visits per month
Two timing rules to plan around. Visits (video and in-person) can't be scheduled more than 60 days in advance, so you won't be able to lock in dates months ahead. They also must be scheduled at least 3 days in advance, which means last-minute requests usually won't go through.
Even when you're within the monthly limits and the scheduling window, actual availability can depend on operations, staffing, housing status, and open time slots. If something feels off (a sudden lack of appointments, a change notice, or a canceled visit), double-check your visit status before you build your day around it.
The big privacy rule is simple: all video visits with non-attorneys are audio/video recorded and subject to review. Think of a regular video visit as a conversation that could be played back later. Keep it focused on family updates, support, and everyday topics.
Attorney visits are different: Video visits with attorneys are not audio/video recorded.
Privacy-practical-tips
- ✓ Do not talk about legal strategy, case details, or anything you would only want discussed in confidence (non-attorney video visits are recorded and reviewable).
- ✓ Do not ask your loved one to repeat things they have told a lawyer, or try to “practice” what to say in court, on a recorded visit.
- ✓ If the goal is a confidential legal conversation, use an attorney video visit instead (attorney video visits are not recorded).
- Schedule legal conversations as an attorney visit so the discussion is handled through the non-recorded attorney channel.
- Confirm the visit type before you talk about anything sensitive because non-attorney video visits are recorded, while attorney video visits are not.
- Keep regular video visits “family-safe” and save legal advice, strategy, and other confidential topics for attorney communication.
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