Agency: Corrections

Line Item: Department Medical Services

Function

The Utah Department of Corrections' Division of Medical Services provides medical care for incarcerated inmates in secure facilities that are owned, operated or contracted by the state. Inmates are treated by UDC doctors, nurses, dentists and aides, as well as through contracts with private health care providers such as the University of Utah Medical Center. Some of the more specialized medical treatment provided to inmates is conducted through telemedicine and telepsychiatry services.

UDC is required by federal law to provide medical, dental and mental health care to those incarcerated by the state. The Division of Medical Services provides health care at the Draper prison. Medical services at other facilities are provided through contractual arrangements. Health care provided at the Gunnison prison is reflected in the Gunnison facility budget.

The Division provides mental health services and a comprehensive array of treatment alternatives to offenders who are mentally ill or suffering from emotional problems. Services include crisis intervention, acute care, residential, and outpatient services. The Bureau is accredited by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

During FY 2013 and after, the Department expects to use state funds to leverage federal medicaid funds to cover some medical expenses.

Statutory Authority

This program activity is governed by:

• UCA 62A-15-605.5 addresses mental health services;
• UCA 64-13-26 authorizes the use of private providers for services that the Department cannot provide directly;
• UCA 64-13-36 authorizes the testing of prisoners for AIDS and HIV infections;
• UCA 64-13-39 requires the Corrections Clinical Services to be accredited by the National Commission for Correctional Health Care.

Intent Language

Under Section 63J-1-603 of the Utah Code, the Legislature intends that appropriations provided for the Utah Department of Corrections -- Department Medical Services in Item 15 of Chapter 2 Laws of Utah 2011 not lapse at the close of Fiscal Year 2012.

Performance

The Department reports the following % of medical intakes completed within 24 hours of admission. The State is obligated to provide adequate health care to inmates - both dental and medical.

Funding Detail

For more detail about a particular source of finance or organizational unit, click a linked entry in the left column of the table(s) below.