NCJ Number
153576
Journal
American Jails Volume: 8 Issue: 6 Dated: (January/February 1995) Pages: 19,21,24-25
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This analysis of jail inmate contract health-care services over the past 20 years focuses on the genesis of such services, the current situation, liability issues, cost issues, accountability and responsiveness, custody management control, and the impact of privatization of corrections health care.
Abstract
This analysis is based on a review of the relevant literature and interviews with correctional health services professionals. The study found that the effectiveness of privatized health-care services for jail inmates depends on an evaluation and analysis of the system prior to opening bids, the identification of bid specifications and performance criteria, a well-drafted contract, communication, monitoring, and supervision. Contracting, however, is but one option for providing inmate health services; it is not the solution for every situation. Contracting for health-care services is not a panacea and will not rid a jurisdiction of liability exposure. A contractor disposed to exploit the contracting jurisdiction could do so if contract performance is not carefully supervised. The delivery of inmate health services must be a team effort that involves a partnership of health-services and custody management and staff. The competition involved in the privatization of health-care services has had an overall positive influence on inmate health services. 6 notes