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. ®