Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Progress Report: Inmate Health Care Consolidation Progressing; Privatization Requires Agency Vigilance

Report 04-61, August 2004

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Report Summary

  • The Department of Corrections has initiated two cost containment measures recommended by OPPAGA: health care consolidation and privatization.
  • The department now groups inmates by health care needs and operates eight specialized medical programs, including units for end-of-life, special care HIV, and diabetic self-care. Consolidation allows the department to more efficiently target resources and offer appropriate training to staff.
  • The department reports that the privatization of health care in Region IV avoided costs of $4.6 million for Fiscal Year 2002-03. However, the quality of care provided by the vendor is problematic. The department should continue careful monitoring and contract enforcement so that the state does not become embroiled in another costly federal lawsuit.
  • Transfer of inmates who become suicidal or have mental health crises from Region I to crisis stabilization units in other regions cost approximately $300,000 last year. The department should analyze the cost-effectiveness of its crisis stabilization unit locations and adjust or add to them as warranted.

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Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
criminal justice, probation, inmate health care, privatized health care, health care consolidation, inmate idleness, prison planning, prison construction, fleet maintenance, correctional officer training, inmate education, victims, inmate education, drug abuse, substance abuse, vocational education, rehabilitative programs, inmate transition, restitution, community corrections, absconders, juvenile justice, crime, corrections, diversion, high risk youth, The Florida Network, Outward Bound, PACE, Prevention, sexually violent predators, sex offenders, treatment, ryce act, martin, liberty, mentally ill, desoto, monitoring, evaluation, high risk youth, recidivism, grant monitoring, contract monitoring