[ad_1]
According to a recent audit report, Maryland’s state government failed to provide proper oversight of for-profit companies responsible for medical and mental health care in state correctional facilities. The audit found that individuals were not receiving timely medical exams, suicide risk screenings, or resolution of complaints, and there were not enough providers at the facilities. The private companies contracted to provide these services were rarely monitored by state officials.
The report focused on services provided by companies YesCare and Centurion of Maryland, which were paid over $1 billion in total over five years. YesCare, now known as Centurion, was criticized for its handling of complaints and is currently involved in a bankruptcy proceeding. State officials did not respond to requests for comment, but claimed they had made changes to oversight procedures and addressed concerns with new contracts.
Key findings of the audit highlighted failures in monitoring contractors, unresolved medical complaints, understaffing, flaws in contract structure, and questionable payouts to the contractors. The ACLU criticized the state for outsourcing correctional health care to profit-driven companies, pointing out that private companies prioritize profits over patient care. The audit raised concerns about the lack of accountability and oversight in the system.
Overall, the audit revealed significant shortcomings in the state’s oversight of medical and mental health care in correctional facilities, shedding light on the problematic relationship between the government and for-profit healthcare providers in Maryland.
Source
Photo credit www.thebaltimorebanner.com
