Improving correctional health care often begins with understanding what is working well, where gaps exist, and which changes will have the greatest impact on patient care and safety. NCCHC Resources recently partnered with a county correctional system to conduct an in-depth technical assessment of its medical and mental health services and develop a roadmap for continued improvement.
The assessment found a strong foundation on which to build. Health care and correctional leadership demonstrated a shared commitment to providing high-quality care, improving services where needed, and developing practices consistent with NCCHC accreditation standards. Regular communication among custody, medical, and mental health staff — including daily huddles and ongoing administrative meetings — also contributed to a positive culture of collaboration.
Taking a Comprehensive Look at Care
NCCHC Resources approached the project from multiple perspectives, combining clinical, mental health, correctional, and operational expertise. The assessment included a three-day site visit, staff interviews, facility observations, medical and mental health record reviews, chart reviews, and direct observation of medication administration and withdrawal assessments. Findings were evaluated against NCCHC Standards.
The team also evaluated staffing effectiveness, operational gaps that could affect care or contribute to adverse events, the medical records system, and opportunities to use key performance indicators to measure improvement. The assessment identified areas requiring attention as the facility works toward its goal of NCCHC accreditation.
Turning Findings Into Practical Recommendations
The assessment resulted in actionable recommendations addressing essential components of an effective correctional health system, including access to care, chronic disease management, behavioral health services, documentation, staff training, patient safety, and continuous quality improvement.
Priorities included improving information at intake about how to request health care; addressing backlogs in chronic care, dental care, physician appointments, and mental health services; ensuring policies accurately reflect practice; and strengthening documentation.
The assessment also recommended evaluating mental health staffing in response to high demand, protecting privacy during mental health encounters, strengthening documentation of safety checks, maintaining complete continuous quality improvement records, and reviewing medical training for correctional officers.
Just as importantly, the assessment highlighted services already making a difference. Approximately one-third of the jail population participates in medication-assisted treatment, supported by active engagement from a drug counselor. The facility’s mental health professionals serve a substantial portion of the population, providing compassionate, nonjudgmental care and intentional discharge planning to help prepare individuals for release.
Creating a Framework for Continued Improvement
A technical assessment is most valuable when its findings lead to sustained change. NCCHC Resources identified areas for ongoing monitoring and recommended developing auditing tools and key performance indicators for issues such as access to care, health care refusals, grievances, and documentation. Reviewing this information and trends regularly can help leadership measure progress, determine whether changes are working, and identify emerging concerns.
The work also supports the county’s goal of achieving NCCHC accreditation. The technical assessment provides a starting point by identifying areas requiring attention and helping leadership prioritize improvements as it builds the 12-month record of compliance required as part of the accreditation process.
For correctional systems facing increasing clinical complexity, workforce pressures, and heightened expectations for quality and accountability, an independent assessment can provide a clear picture of current performance and a practical path forward.
NCCHC Resources helps correctional systems turn assessment findings into actionable strategies for improvement. By combining correctional health expertise, objective evaluation, data-driven recommendations, and nationally recognized standards, these partnerships can help facilities strengthen patient care, reduce risk, improve operations, and establish a foundation for continuous improvement.
Contact us to see how we can support your jail