Many correctional institutions across the country have surpassed their intended 50-year lifespans. In a recent article in Correctional News, NCCHC Resources Managing Director Fred Meyer, MA, CJM, CCHP, and Lead Consultant Nancy Booth, MSN, RN, CCHP-RN, explore the unique challenges of planning for health care needs during facility renovations or new construction.
Key Challenges Include:
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Budget Pressures and Funding Realities
Rising costs from inflation, material shortages, and potential tariffs are driving up construction expenses. Updating large facilities to meet modern codes and standards can require tens of millions of dollars. -
Designing for Compliance and Care
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility in all areas, including cells, hallways, doorways, bathrooms, and showers. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) impacts facility design by requiring private spaces for intake and other functions to ensure patient confidentiality. -
Specialized Needs
Contractors and builders must have experience working in secure environments to navigate the complexities of correctional health care settings. -
Technology, Efficiency, and Observation
There are many considerations in this area that did not exist with these facilities were first built. Reliable connectivity is critical for telemedicine and mobile medication carts. High-security architecture can interfere with signal strength, so technology planning is essential. Design considerations should include egress, sightlines for nursing staff, and input from health professionals. Housing units with built-in medical triage rooms can reduce movement and delays. Suicide-watch cells should be centrally located for optimal visibility.
Early Communication and Planning Are Critical
Finalizing designs and budgets without input from health care leaders and staff can result in inefficiencies, higher staffing costs, and risks to safety and patient care.
Engaging experienced health care professionals early in the process helps ensure compliance with national standards and legal requirements. NCCHC Resources can help guide your facility toward safer, more effective health care environments.
Schedule an appointment to discuss your construction or renovation challenges and questions.