NCJ Number
195156
Date Published
2001
Length
594 pages
Annotation
Intended as a comprehensive reference book for jail and prison administrators and correctional health professionals, this book reviews the most recent literature and case law on correctional health care and summarizes the positions of national organizations and correctional health care experts on a variety of topics.
Abstract
The chapter following the introduction provides an historical overview of the status of health care in correctional institutions and the need for reform. Barriers to improving care are identified, along with early reform efforts, including those of the courts and professional associations. The third chapter frames the legal issues associated with the provision of care in prisons and the origin of inmates' constitutional right to health care. This is followed by a chapter that introduces ethical principles basic to health care providers, including confidentiality and informed consent; these principles are discussed in the context of the correctional setting. Various other health-care scenarios are posed to provide guidelines for ethical behavior in various contexts. The fifth chapter addresses the organizational structure of prison health services. The components of a model organizational structure are described; it includes a designated systemwide health services director with line authority over unit health staff. Other chapters discuss staffing concerns that require special consideration in a correctional setting; the components of a model health care delivery system; inmates' special health needs; the health needs of women offenders; and strategies to prevent disease, control infection, and promote health and safety in prisons and jails. Remaining chapters describe issues that administrators and architects should consider when planning correctional health facilities; focus on data management and documentation issues; discuss quality improvement; review cost considerations; and review the state of prison and jail health care. Chapter notes and references and appended sample forms, worksheets, checklists, policies, and standards from State and local departments of correction and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care are provided.