An inmate who is housed with your boyfriend in jail just called, telling you that your boyfriend has been rushed to the hospital. County jails don't usually notify family members when an inmate is furloughed out to a hospital, but another inmate might let you know what has happened. In most cases, hospitalized inmates are not allowed visitors, but you may have options. Call the jail administrator: County jails have a lot of flexibility in how they run things. As upsetting as the hospitalization news may be, it is important that you remain calm on this call. If the administrator believes you will cause a scene at the hospital, you are not going to be allowed to visit. Remember, the person who originally called you may be relying on third-hand information, and it might not be accurate. It is better to stay calm and business-like when trying to get a hospital visit authorized. Ask permission from the administrator to see your boyfriend at the hospital. The person you speak with may claim due to HIPAA laws, they cannot even verify that your boyfriend is there. At that point you will need to change your tactics and tell the administrator that you are headed to the hospital, and you would really appreciate it if they could get a message to the guards so they’ll be informed that you can see the inmate for a few minutes if he is indeed in the hospital. If the answer is no, hang up and call the sheriff's office. The sheriff can override the administrator’s decision. It isn't an easy thing to get done but in smaller counties it is possible to get an assistant sheriff or sheriff on the phone and plead your case in a calm, non-hysterical manner. Remember, the more people you convince that you won't be a problem, the better chance you have of being allowed to see him. Speak to a Ranking Officer: If it is after business hours or the administrator is not immediately available, call the jail and request to speak to the supervising officer. Once he or she is on the phone, request details about your boyfriend. Let them know what you have been told and ask the officer to call the guards and allow a visit. Promise you will only stay 10 minutes and thank him or her for understanding. If the supervising officer says no, wait until shift change and try it again. Final thoughts: In most cases, if you can get in for one visit and you keep your word about the 10 minute time limit, the guards won't have a problem letting you come back again. The most important thing is to speak in a calm, rationale manner. If all attempts to see your boyfriend at the jail are declined, ask if you can have a special visit in the jail once he gets back. Even if they said no to the hospital visit, they might say yes to this because he will be back in their secure facility. RELATED: Video: Inmate breaks out of hospital Inmates as patients in hospitals.