Perf-Based Stds, Adult Corr. Inst. 5th ed March 2021

Performance Standard 6A: Access to Services

Clinical Services 5-ACI-6A-03 (Ref. 4-4346)

There is a process for all offenders to initiate requests for health services on a daily basis. These requests are triaged daily by qualified health care pro- fessionals or health trained personnel. A priority system is used to schedule clinical services. Clinical services are available to offenders in a clinical setting at least five days a week and are performed by a health care practitioner or other qualified health care professional. Comment : A priority system addresses routine, urgent, and emergent complaints and conditions. Health care request forms must be readily available to all offend- ers. Clinical services include sick call, nursing assessments, and chronic care.

Protocols : Written policy and procedure. Sick call request form.

Process Indicators : Offender health records. Completed sick call request forms. Clinical provider schedules. Observation. Interviews.

Continuity of Care 5-ACI-6A-04 (Ref. 4-4347)

Continuity of care is required from admission to transfer or discharge from the facility, including referral to community-based providers, when indicated. Offender health care records should be reviewed by the facility’s qualified health care professional upon arrival from outside health care entities includ- ing those from inside the correctional system. Comment : When health care is transferred to providers in the community, appro- priate information should be shared with the new providers in accordance with consent requirements.

Protocols : Written policy and procedure. Referral transfer form.

Process Indicators : Completed referral transfer forms. Offender health records. Facility logs. Documentation of review of health care records by facility health care professional. Interviews.

Referrals 5-ACI-6A-05 (Ref. 4-4348)

Offenders who need health care beyond the resources available in the facility, as determined by the responsible health care practitioner, are transferred un- der appropriate security provisions to a facility where such care is available. There is a written list of referral sources to include emergency and routine care. The list is reviewed and updated annually. Comment : Treatment of an offender’s condition should not be limited by the resourc- es and services available within a facility. Health care staff should collaborate with security personnel in determining conditions of transportation and necessary security precautions when an offender needs to be transported to another facility or provider.

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