NCJ Number
112609
Journal
American Jails Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1988) Pages: 24,27-28
Editor(s)
C A Fasano
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) offers an accreditation process that provides an affordable means to upgrade inmate health care to avoid expensive litigation and the consequent judgments and monetary damages.
Abstract
Accreditation fees to recover survey and review costs are based on a sliding scale and average from $1000 to $2,500. Capital expenditures or equipment purchases may be required, but such costs usually are minor. These costs often may be recovered or offset through the use of existing resources and revenues and the development of more efficient services. During the accreditation process, basic data on the applicant facility and its health services system are obtained. Facilities receive preliminary feedback of compliance with standards. Site surveys lasting 1 to 5 days and involving 2 to 8 surveyors then are conducted that include interviews with jail personnel, a tour of facility areas, a review of operative health service policies and procedures, and scrutiny of patient records and other health service documents. An informal exit conference often is held between the survey team and facility and health service administrators. Survey data then are compiled and analyzed, and a narrative report of findings is reviewed by the NCCHC accreditation committee. If the facility is in compliance with applicable standards, a 2-year award of accreditation is made. Significant noncompliance with standards results in a revisit to the facility and a second review by the committee. A copy of the survey report and findings and the committee's decision then is furnished to facility administrators.