Purrier v. Department of Corrections

Paruresis, colloquially known by phrases such as “shy bladder syndrome,” is a medical condition involving “the inability to urinate in public restrooms or in close proximity to other people, or the fear of being unable to do so.”1 Akin to an anxiety disorder, it can have adverse impacts on people who are “unable to pass standard tests designed to detect illegal drugs, and are denied permission to take alternative tests that do not involve urination.”2 Stephen Purrier, an inmate in the custody of the Department of Corrections, was initially disciplined for failure to provide a urine sample.3…