As described in Policy Statement 8, Development of Intake Procedure, a thorough intake procedure requires an immediate physical health evaluation, as well as a more complete assessment within the first two weeks of a person's admission to a correctional facility. Prisoners who are found to need further treatment, based on that assessment, should have that treatment incorporated into their programming plan (Policy Statement 9). Given the high rate of illness and infection in corrections populations and the damage those issues cause to individual and public health, this policy statement recommends comprehensive treatment for all prisoners with health care needs. To make such treatment available-and to build a foundation for continued treatment-in the community (Policy Statement 20, Planning Continuity of Care), corrections administrators should seek ways to collaborate with community-based providers, including inreach, telemedicine, and appropriate information sharing.

Recommendations:

1.

The inmate population has significant and complex health needs.

A.

Engage community-based organizations to provide health care services for inmate populations prior to discharge.

B.

Use telemedicine to deliver effective and cost-efficient health services.

2.

Individuals who are incarcerated are legally entitled to receive some level of physical health care.

C.

Integrate prevention, education, and good health promotion into correctional health care services and partner with community-based organizations to supplement this information.

3.

The costs of providing health care to inmates are substantial. [1]  

4.

Tackling the health care needs of returning inmates may positively affect the public health of the communities to which they return.

D.

Maintain medical records so that they provide up-to-date information regarding a prisoner's condition and treatment, and ensure that a summary of the records follows the person as he or she transfers between providers.

E.

Promote comprehensive, integrated medical, mental health and substance abuse treatment services, both within correctional facilities and as a central component of corrections-community linkages.

F.

Ensure that even short-term inmates receive basic medical care and transition planning services.