NCJ Number
110820
Date Published
1986
Length
78 pages
Annotation
A preliminary examination of the contract medical care provided to inmates in Arkansas correctional facilities found that Health Management Associates, Inc. (HMA) has consistently failed to provide the management, system, and medical services specified in the contract.
Abstract
In addition, the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC), with knowledge of significant contract shortfalls by HMA over 5 years, has not fulfilled an administrative responsibility to enforce the contract terms. The contract calls for 2.66 full-time equivalent positions, but only one to two positions have been provided. Onsite doctor hours are about 25 percent of what is needed and are less than half of the amount funded by the State. The medical program fails to meet many significant professional standards. In addition, HMA, with the knowledge of ADC, has not followed State licensure requirements. HMA's medical recordkeeping has also been lacking. The State's Board of Corrections should assume oversight and more aggressive contract enforcement over the medical contract and should take other steps to monitor and enforce contracts. Medical contracting is nonetheless worth developing in Arkansas. Attached correspondents and researcher resumes.