Findings of a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Washington, discovered that prison health care services in many states have prioritized mental health screenings and long-term medical care for inmates.
Read MoreCHARLESTON, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health recently announced a partnership to provide incarcerated patients access to health care via telehealth services. The services will be available in four South Carolina institutions including Kirkland Reception and Evaluation in Columbia, Evans Correctional Institution in Bennettsville, Turbeville Correctional Institution in Turbeville and Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville.
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In recent years, the line between correctional facilities and mental health facilities has blurred. Jails and prisons are now some of the largest de facto mental health providers in the country, and many county jails in dense metro areas are seeing more inmates in need of mental health services.
REPRESA, Calif. — Oversight of Folsom State Prison’s (FSP) medical services is once again in the hands of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), according to a July 14 statement by the CDCR. The move marked an important step in the state’s the long-term transition back to full control of inmate medical care. However, more than 30 California correctional facilities remain under federal control.
Read MorePORTAGE, Wis. — The Wisconsin State Building Commission earlier this month approved $6.47 million for the construction of a new and improved health care facility at the Columbia Correctional Institution (CCI) in Portage. Construction on the upgraded Health Services Unit (HSU) will likely begin in March 2016, wrapping up in August 2017.
Read MoreRICHMOND, Va. — Corizon Health of Brentwood, Tenn. will terminate its contract with the Virginia Department of Corrections effective Sept. 30. The correctional health care provider entered into its contract with the state in May 2013, and announced that contract’s termination in June 2014. The company has also filed a motion to halt a lawsuit brought by the Charlottesville Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC), alleging it failed to provide constitutionally adequate medical care.
Read MoreSAN FRANCISCO — The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against an inmate who sued the state for damages for denial of health care. Though the 11-judge court was divided, the majority defended their position on the grounds that the state has failed to provide enough funding for both medical staff and supplies.
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AUGUSTA, Maine — Concerns over prison health care have prompted Maine legislators to approve an Office of Program Evaluation & Government Accountability (OPEGA) review of the state’s prison health system.
BOISE, Idaho — According to a report released Oct. 29, states can lower prison health care costs by expanding Medicaid funding under the Affordable Care Act. The report also highlighted outsourcing and other measures for health care cost reductions.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A judge in Florida blocked efforts by the state’s Department of Corrections to privatize the delivery of health care in its prisons in an early December ruling. Although the judge’s decision did not rule out ever aspect of the plan, it dealt a significant blow to the proposal. Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper ruled that health care services could not be privatized in any of the regions north of Palm Beach County because the state legislature hasn’t provided specific funds for outsourcing in those regions.
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