DEPARTMENT: Central Operations Administration
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
title
Discussion Of Inmate Healthcare Management In County Jail
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Provide an overview and analysis of inmate healthcare delivery within the jail.
SUMMARY
Counties are responsible for providing healthcare to inmates housed in local jails. Inmates often present with complex needs, including existing physical and mental health conditions, as well as substance use disorders. These factors create a high-risk population for which Dakota County must ensure appropriate healthcare services during custody.
The County currently contracts with a third-party healthcare provider to deliver all healthcare services in the jail. That contract will expire at the end of 2026. Prior to the use of a third-party healthcare provider, the County operated the jail under a model of a contracted medical director with Dakota County employing nurses and other staff providing healthcare services in the jail. That model ended when the County’s medical director retired, and a replacement could not be retained.
County staff have analyzed the risks and benefits of the various means of delivering healthcare in the jail. Staff will provide an overview and suggested course of action for consideration by the committee on inmate healthcare delivery within the jail.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only; no action requested.
end
EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
No fiscal impact. Depending on direction, there may potentially be fiscal impacts in the future.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested.
end
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Jenny Groskopf
Author: Jenny Groskopf