NCJ Number
133191
Date Published
1987
Length
78 pages
Annotation
Recommendations of the Correctional Medical Authority are presented regarding improvement of delivery of health care services to inmates in the Florida Department of Corrections.
Abstract
The Correctional Medical Authority (CMA) finds that the lack of professionally trained and experienced health care administrators together with the absence of utilization and contract management has led to an inefficient and costly method of delivery of health care services. In addition, lines of authority relating to policy and budget formulation and implementation, employee evaluation, hiring, and firing are unclear, confusing, and sometimes contradictory. Major issues addressed are the privatization of health care services in the Department of Corrections, future role and mission of the Lake Butler Reception and Medical Center Hospital, the configuration of the health care delivery systems, AIDS in Florida's prison system, and the role of the CMA. Recommendations deal with financial and performance audits, implementation of standards for medical and nursing care, implementation of a formal utilization management system, comprehensive plan for delivery of health and mental health services to inmates, quality assurance program, use of contract health care providers, and development of comprehensive AIDS policy and procedures.