Health Care Reform in the Criminal Justice System

The WSMA support the development and implementation of a rigorous statewide set of standards for the delivery of health care within the criminal justice system. (Res C-7, A-19)

The WSMA support increased access to preventative and emergent health care, substance abuse services, and mental health services throughout the criminal justice system. (Res C-7, A-19)

The WSMA support improving standards of appropriate screening and testing of illness and disease upon admission to a correctional facility. (Res C-7, A-19)

The WSMA support increased funding for health care staffing in prisons in order to promote greater frequency and efficacy of patient care interactions with incarcerated individuals. (Res C-7, A-19)

The WSMA promote more effective case management practices of soon-to-be-released inmates, including those that utilize current health care policy to provide maximum benefits to the inmate, and stronger partnerships between the criminal justice system, public health agencies, and community-based organizations. (Res C-7, A-19)

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Abbreviations for House of Delegates report origination:

EC – Executive Committee; BT – Board of Trustees; CPA – Council on Professional Affairs; JC – Judicial Council; CHS – Community and Health Services