2015 Health Services fact sheet [June 2016]

GEORGIA
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
INMATE SERVICES DIVISION

2015 HEALTH SERVICES FACT SHEET



Homer Bryson

Dr. L.C. "Buster" Evans



Commissioner

Assistant Commissioner

The Health Services is a unit within the Inmate Services Division. The unit is responsible for providing the required constitutional level of health care in the most efficient, cost-effective, and humane manner possible, while protecting the public health interests of the citizens of Georgia through the partnership with Georgia Correctional Healthcare.

General Practice
Physicians provide healthcare services 24/7 to offenders & incarcerated probationers at all state facilities. They include only services that are medically necessary, according to GDC guidelines and:
Require immediate/urgent care Cannot be reasonably delayed without the risk of further
complication, serious deterioration, significant pain or discomfort To treat a chronic or non-life threatening condition Improve functioning to a level that facilities performance of daily living activities within the correctional environment Utilization Management coordinates medical services 24/7 Provide medical reprieve submissions to the Board of Pardons & Paroles Develop/maintain clinical policies and procedures
ANNUAL PREVENTIVE CARE Administration of flu shots, tuberculosis skin tests, and other immunizations Physicals are conducted

PRENATAL CARE Tests and evaluations by physicians, physician assistants or nurses Counseling by licensed health care personnel Routine prenatal care, including medical examinations, advice on appropriate levels of activity and safety precautions, nutritional guidance and counseling. Offenders have weekly visits with on-site obstetricians, or more frequently, if deemed necessary. Determination of placement of infant after delivery High-risk pregnancies monitored at the Helms Facility or Augusta State Medical Prison (ASMP) in accordance with accepted community practices. For deliveries, offenders are transported to an area hospital via Emergency Medical Services and a Correctional Officer.
Long-term care
GDC provides palliative care to terminally ill offenders/probationers through a structured, patient-centered program to address their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. Medical reprieves are considered for terminal illnesses.

Women's Health Services
Address health care needs of female offenders with regard to health maintenance, pregnancy, prenatal care and contraceptive needs prior to release.

PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAM Augusta State Medical Prison (ASMP)
Structured inpatient and outpatient program Team consists of a physician, nurse coordinator, social
worker, mental health counselor, member of the Clergy, pharmacist, activity therapist, dietician, inmate volunteers and Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment

Services are available to all State Prisons, Probation Detention and Transitional Centers housing female offenders.
DIAGNOSTIC, HEALTH MAINTENANCE & CHRONIC CARE
Routine & diagnostic testing Health history screening regarding menstrual cycle, preg-
nancies & gynecological conditions Pelvic exam, pap smear, breast exam, serum pregnancy test
and STD testing for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Routine medical tests and monitoring for females with
chronic illnesses

Dental Health
Offender are offered oral care by a licensed dentist & hygienist, with a full range of dental services offered at the resident facility or referral for oral surgery specialty services when indicated.
CLASSIFICATION LEVELS Level I: Diversion and Transitional Centers
Facilities without in-house dental care Provide access to routine dental service on a fee-for-service
basis through a private dental practice.

The Georgia Department of Corrections creates a safer Georgia by effectively managing offenders and providing opportunities for positive change.

Level II: Probation Detention Centers (PDC), Probation Boot Camps and Inmate Boot Camps.
Facilities without in-house dental care Provide dental screening by trained health care staff &
access to emergency dental care by a dentist at either a neighboring GDC facility or a local community dentist under a mutually agreed contract with the GDC.
Level III: All State and Private Prisons other than ones listed under Levels IV and V.
Provide routine dental care, in addition to screening and emergency care.
Level IV: Intake facilities. Provide routine dental care as well as diagnostic and emergency services to incoming offenders.
Level V: Augusta State Medical Prison (ASMP) is the only Level V facility.
Provide specialized dental/oral maxillofacial surgery services and to provide routine care to resident population.
DENTAL SERVICES Comprehensive Diagnostic Services Treatment Plan Operative Procedures: Fillings. Procedures requiring castings or involving laboratory fees are not available. Periodontal Services: routine prophylaxis, scaling and root planning, closed flap curettage. Extractions Removable Prosthodontics: complete dentures and acrylic partial dentures. Referral to Level V facility for specialized Oral Maxillofacial Surgery services as deemed necessary.

Telemedicine
A tool for delivery of specialty consultation services to offenders/probationers. GDC uses the GA Statewide Academic & Medical System network.
Remote sites including ASMP, Georgia Diagnostic & Classification Prison, Georgia, Dooly, Calhoun, Hancock, Macon, Phillips, Ware & Wilcox State Prisons.
ASMP, the HUB site, where the primary or consultant medical providers via electronic equipment will interact with medical staff and the offender/probationer at the remote site.
Mental Health
The delivery system is part of a holistic approach to the assessment, treatment and management of mental illness and behavioral problems.
Professional staff evaluate, treat and stabilize mentally ill offenders 24/7
Conduct mental health screens, comprehensive evaluations and psychological testing
Medical-Legal interventions (Involuntary hospitalization, restraints, involuntary medication)
Crisis stabilization 24/7 Integration of mental health and substance abuse treat-
ment
LOCATIONS State Prisons, PDC, and Behavioral Stabilization Facilities.
SERVICES Mental health administrators, support staff, psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, nurses and activity therapists provide the following services: psychopharmacological treatments, individual and group therapy, supportive counseling, psychoeducational services and milieu therapy.

June 2016