Risk Management for Jail Medical Programs

By: Bliss McKnight, Inc.®

Managing the Risk of Jail Medical Programs

Can save $$$

Can cost $$$ if you do not manage the risk

Working Together

Commissioners, Council, and Sheriff should work together towards providing required medical care for inmate

It’s a cooperative effort to benefit your County

Goal of a Jail Medical Program

Preserving and protecting the lives of those incarcerated in your County jail

Saving $$$ on the overall cost of healthcare

Reducing litigation costs

Keys to Risk Management

Written Protocols Training Documentation Communication Staff following the protocols

Contracted Healthcare

Reputation in the State What promises are being made on their

website? Make sure they do what they promise in

their contract! Carefully review the proposed contract

with the Sheriff and legal counsel

Medical Provider Contract Review Contracts

• Training of correctional staff

• Drafting of medical protocols for correctional staff (policies and procedures)

• Accessibility of contracted medical staff

• Management of healthcare costs for off-site services – Are there annual caps on the financial responsibilities of the contracted medical provider for outside healthcare services

• Management of healthcare supplies and pharmaceutical costs

Medical Provider Contract – Insurance Provisions

Evidence of insurance coverage – Certificate of Insurance• Medical Malpractice

• Liability

• Workers Compensation

Contract

Agreement to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless

Check with your Liability Insurance Provider

Contractual Liability may not be covered under the terms and conditions of your policy

Example: Breach of Contract

In-House Medical Care

Is your Physician, Nurse covered for Medical Malpractice, Liability, WC • Employee – Probably covered

• Non-employee – Probably not be covered

• Check with your insurance broker and/or provider for assistance in evaluating this exposure and if it is covered by the County’s insurance policy

In-House Medical Care

Medical recordkeeping Qualified Medical staff? Drafting of medical protocols Training of Correctional Officers in medical

protocols Medical staff contact information for non-

business hours Contracts with outside medical providers

• Dental, Psychological, etc.

Questions???

Bliss McKnight, Inc. ®