Delaware looks to improve prison health care
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
By: Mark Eichmann
meichmann@whyy.org
After years of controversy over the quality of health care for Delaware inmates, the state has is looking for a new health care provider. The Department of Correction issued a Request For Proposals calling on vendors to make a bid to offer health services. The deadline for submitting the proposals is February 26, 2010.
Health care issues have plagued Delaware's prison system for years, with a series of lawsuits and even federal investigations. DOC Commissioner Carl Danberg says the latest RFP will allow vendors to provide just a portion of prison health care service, rather than bid to provide all health care needs of inmates. "We expect this flexibility, and the increased competition it is expected to provide, will foster improved medical care and cost savings," says DOC Commissioner Carl Danberg.
St. Louis-based Correctional Medical Services has been providing health care for Delaware inmates since 2005. Danberg says the company's performance over the last three years has been "deficient" in areas.