Florida Department of Corrections
Michael D. Crews, Secretary

Goal 2-2: To provide effective basic health care treatment to inmates that reduces the potential spread of disease by unhealthy inmates inside the institution and those inmates scheduled for release.

 

Key indicators in assessing progress toward Goal 2-2:

(Baselines indicated in parentheses)

1. Number and percentage of health care grievance appeals that are upheld. (FY 96/96:58 (1.6%))
2. Number and percentage of inmates classified as SIII / IV/ V (FY 96/97: 5,354) (7.5%)
3. Average number of inpatient community hospital days per inmate (FY 96/97: 123.2)
4. Annual inmate visits per physicians and clinical associates per month at medical non-emergency clinics (with number of medical providers shown)(FY 96/97: 5.1)
5. Dental Productivity units per dental provider day(with number of dentists shown)(FY 96/97: 24.5)
6. Number of suicides per 1,000 inmates compared to the national average for correctional facilities or institutions (FY 96/97:Within DC-0.06; National average- N/A)
7. Costs of, and annual percentage change in, the three most expensive illnesses treated in prisons (HIV/AIDS, Cardiac Illnesses, Cancer). (96/97: HIV/AIDS: $10,774,183; Cardiac Illnesses: $1,448,178; Cancer: $2,908,803; percentages of change pending.)
8. Average daily cost of inmate health care (96/97: $9.19)
9. Average daily costs of DC contracted hospital stays compared to statewide costs. (96/97: DOC: $1,830, Statewide: $2,650)
10. Annual percentage increase in expenditure rate per inmate. (95/96: 6.9%)

---

Health Services

Historically, many inmates coming into the department's care and custody have undiagnosed and/or untreated physical and mental illnesses. Proper diagnosis and treatment of these conditions may prevent further escalation of health care costs, and minimize public health risks to the inmate population and department staff. Further, early intervention and treatment will reduce risk to the community upon release of these individuals. Mental illness which is not properly diagnosed and treated may contribute to the inmate's poor institutional adjustment, increase risks to staff, and lead to further problems in the community after release.

The department also provides after-care planning to assist the inmate upon return to the community. Mental Health after-care planning typically includes information about community treatment resources available, and the scheduling of a first appointment with an appropriate community provider.

Wellness Education Program

The Wellness Education Program (WEP) is designed to teach inmates to take responsibility for their own health and personal well-being. The fundamental purpose of the program is to help inmates implement positive lifestyle habits such as exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management. Wellness contributes to the overall safety and health of the inmate at work and supports the safe operation of the correctional institution. It is designed to reduce health care costs during and after incarceration.

Objective 2-2.1

By June 30, 1999 reduce the total number of health services FTE's by 5% from the baseline number of 2744 on June 30, 1997, while maintaining a constitutional level of health care.

Strategies:

1. Assess the health care needs of all inmates received into custody, to identify physical and mental health needs, provide appropriate health care interventions, and promote good health practices. Lead Org. Unit: Health Services.
2. Provide treatment opportunities for inmates diagnosed with sexual disorders. Lead Org. Unit: Health Services (Mental Health)
3. Provide treatment opportunities for inmates with mental illness and other behavioral problems. Lead Org. Unit: Health Services (Mental Health)
4. Promote participation by inmates in wellness education programs. Lead Org. Unit: Education and Job Training; Other Org. Units: Regions; Institutions
5. Provide health education opportunities for inmates to encourage their responsibility for personal health. Lead Org. Unit: Health Services; Other Org. Unit: Education Services
6. Develop and implement, in the major institutions, a prototype system to electronically record inmate medical, mental health and dental records. Lead Org. Units: Health Services, Executive Services
7. Implement a new pharmacy system based on LAN technology in the reception centers and major institutions. Lead Org. Units: Regions, Regional Health Services