NCJ Number
179258
Journal
Policy and Practice Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: Fall 1998 Pages: 1-8
Date Published
1998
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article examines States' experiences with implementing managed health care systems within their criminal justice systems to provide drug treatment and mental health services, with emphasis on the issues of cost containment, quality of services and quality assessment, and accountability by managed care organizations to the State.
Abstract
The law requires States to treat inmates and, in some cases, those under community supervision. Some States have established correctional managed behavioral health care plans to contain the costs associated with treating drug abusers and mentally ill offenders. States have used capitated fee systems and other methods to control costs. Strategies used in Texas have included negotiating better prices for pharmaceuticals, obtaining reduced prices from physicians and consulting psychiatrists, direct involvement with State medical schools, sharing services among other State agencies and institutions, streamlining operational procedures, implementing utilization management systems, approving protocols for health care providers, and implementing mental health teleconsultations. Adequate performance and quality assessment standards are scarce, however. A crucial concern for State and correctional administrators is accountability. The experience of States currently using managed behavioral health care suggests the need for State officials to go slowly, properly and accurately manage a formulary for medications, include mental health professionals in the medical management team, use telemedicine mainly as a follow-up treatment for mental health services. Other recommended actions include joint planning and transition teamwork, written agreement about functional responsibilities, and constant communication. Lists of contact information