Kim Sterling, Author at NCCHC Resources

Kim Sterling

Jail and Prison Standards

Preparing for the 2026 Jail and Prison Health Standards: How NCCHC Resources Can Help

The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) has released the 2026 edition of the Standards for Health Services in Jails and Prisons, the leading framework for quality improvement and accreditation in correctional health care. Building on the 2018 editions, the new Standards introduce important enhancements—including expanded interpretive guidance and detailed documentation requirements—to help facilities […]

Preparing for the 2026 Jail and Prison Health Standards: How NCCHC Resources Can Help Read More »

Healthcare Section Graphic 680x510 2

Jail Renovation: Planning for Medical and Mental Health Operations

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:

Jail Renovation: Planning for Medical and Mental Health Operations Read More »

jumpsuit man geting temp taken 680x510

Delivering Care Behind Bars: How Sick Call Reflects a System Under Pressure

By Nancy Pieraccini , MAT-C, CCHP-A In correctional facilities, access to health care often starts with a simple piece of paper—or an electronic message—known as a “sick slip” or “kite.” This formal request, submitted by an incarcerated individual, alerts health staff to a medical concern. Less formal but equally important are verbal requests made during

Delivering Care Behind Bars: How Sick Call Reflects a System Under Pressure Read More »

doc and sheriff looking at papers

10 Things Jail Commanders Care About More Than You Think: What Health Care Staff Should Know

We previously posted what custody should know about medical. Here’s the other side.  When you work in correctional health, it’s easy to focus on your own team’s goals—getting through sick call, meeting mental health needs, documenting properly. But for jail commanders or other custody leaders, the job is different. They’re responsible for everything—security, operations, and

10 Things Jail Commanders Care About More Than You Think: What Health Care Staff Should Know Read More »

social worker and leo

What Jail/Prison Medical and Mental Health Staff Need Custody to Understand – Top 10

Understanding the everyday details that help health professionals provide safe, ethical care behind the walls Correctional officers and custody staff are trained to maintain safety, order, and control. Medical and mental health professionals in correctional health care have a complementary mission: treating illness, reducing harm, ensuring safety, and protecting patient rights. Sometimes, what correctional health

What Jail/Prison Medical and Mental Health Staff Need Custody to Understand – Top 10 Read More »

Jail Guidelines for the Medical Treatment of SUD 2025

NCCHC Releases New Jail Guidelines for Medical Treatment of SUD

  NCCHC’s new resource, Jail Guidelines for the Medical Treatment of Substance Use Disorders 2025, provides the latest research and best practices for addressing the opioid crisis and ensuring that incarcerated individuals receive effective treatment. This free publication incorporates up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations for implementing and evaluating medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, along with insights into the

NCCHC Releases New Jail Guidelines for Medical Treatment of SUD Read More »

CIT Class 680x510

CIT Training in Delaware

NCCHC is pleased to partner with the Delaware Department of Corrections to offer crisis intervention training. Leaders and officers recognize the difference this important training can make in supporting safety, security, and treatment. Our crisis intervention training teaches your correctional staff, officers, and administrators to recognize mental health and psychiatric symptoms, calm disruptive behaviors, and

CIT Training in Delaware Read More »

MH pro and law enforcement

The Role of Health Services Monitoring: Insights from an NCCHC Resources Lead Consultant

By Ashley Brinkman, PhD, LPC, CCHP In today’s ever-changing health care landscape, delivering top-notch, efficient health services in correctional facilities demands a sharp eye and a dedicated approach. As a lead consultant on a health services monitoring contract with NCCHC Resources, I have the exciting opportunity to help clients navigate the path to meaningful improvements—whether

The Role of Health Services Monitoring: Insights from an NCCHC Resources Lead Consultant Read More »