Calif. Prison Health Care Provider Agrees To Reforms in Settlement
On Tuesday, prison health care provider Corizon Health agreed to reform its hiring and staff training at California prisons, Reuters reports. The plan is part of a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Background
In 2011, a lawsuit was filed against Corizon -- which operates in 27 states -- after an Alameda County inmate died while incarcerated.
The inmate's family alleged that Corizon failed to properly diagnose and treat the inmate's alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Corizon said that the inmate did not notify the nurse about his alcohol withdrawal history (Levin, Reuters, 2/10).
Harrison died two days after being beaten and Tased by 10 Santa Rita Jail deputies.
Details of Settlement
As part of the settlement, Corizon and Alameda County agreed to pay $8.3 million to Harrison's family.
In addition, Corizon agreed to:
- Provide health care training to its correctional officers every two years (Fraley, Contra Costa Times, 2/10); and
- Stop using licensed vocational nurses in place of registered nurses (Reuters, 2/10).
According to the Contra Costa Times, RNs have more training than LVNs and are licensed to develop treatment plans for patients.
The reforms will apply to Corizon's contracts at prisons in:
- Fresno;
- Santa Barbara; and
- Tulare.
Federal Judge Jon Tiger will monitor Corizon's compliance with the reforms for at least four years (Contra Costa Times, 2/10).
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