NCJ Number
109082
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 50 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1988) Pages: 16-18
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Managing a correctional facility in accordance with constitutional standards requires administrators to place a high value on adequate health care services.
Abstract
This requires the provision of responsive and contemporary medical, dental, and mental health services. The health authority in any facility with over 500 inmates should be a physician. Dental services should be provided within the framework of overall health services. Dental records should be included in medical records, and services should be provided onsite. Mental health services also should be a component of the health services division. Such services should be inhouse, and based on a medical model that includes complete history, examination, testing, diagnosis, treatment, and followup. Again, these services should be provided under the aegis of the health services division. Critical to quality health services is professional nursing care with well-defined nursing policies and procedures. Finally, dispensing, distributing, and administration of medication require the supervision of a pharmacist who reports directly to the physician health authority. An organized, professional health service system also requires adequate funding and the recruitment of a professional staff. It is in all these areas that physician leadership is crucial.