Governor Minner Directs DPH Director to Implement Quarterly Surveys of Inmate Medical Files

Governor Minner Directs DPH Director to Implement Quarterly Surveys of Inmate Medical Files

Governor Ruth Ann Minner has directed Division of Public Health Director Dr. Jaime "Gus" Rivera to implement quarterly surveys of randomly selected inmate medical files from Delaware prisons to identify any cases or procedures that may be below standard.

"These survey reviews can provide the basis for an ongoing dialog between the state's chief medical expert and the Department's medical provider with the long-term goal of improving the health services delivery system within the institutions," Gov. Minner said in a memorandum today to Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Vincent Meconi.

Gov. Minner also noted in her memo ongoing efforts by Department of Correction Commissioner Stan Taylor to improve health care services to the state's inmate population, including his recent hire of a health services administrator to oversee the day-do-day operations of the DOC's medical contractor, and his current efforts to identify a single contact to ensure that timely and accurate information on inmate treatment is offered to spouses and family members (as permitted by law).

"The quarterly surveys by Dr. Rivera will add yet another layer of review to our inmate health care services," Gov. Minner said. "We are committed to providing quality health care for our inmates and want to do all we can to follow through on that commitment."

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