Sheriff: Madison Co. inmate health care change will benefit taxpayers
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MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — Inmates inside the Madison County Correctional Facility will soon see a change in their medical treatment. “We’ll provide the pharmacy, pass the pills to inmates, and then for any medical conditions they come in with, we’ll address those,” Dr. Johnny Bates said. “Any they develop while they’re in jail, we’ll address those as well.” At Monday’s commission meeting, Sheriff John Mehr introduced Quality Correctional Health Care, led by Dr. Bates. “It’s 24/7 coverage, and that’s what the requirements are going to be and are from TCI that does our inspections and certification of the jail,” Mehr said. Health care for inmates will now take place inside the criminal justice center, according to the sheriff. “Correctional officers at the jail will not be handing out medication. That will be done all by his staff,” Mehr said. “He’ll be serving all three facilities plus the juvenile detention center.” Since medical liability will no longer fall on the county, taxpayers will save on litigation costs. Bates said the goal is to provide inmates with care while being able to keep costs low. The county said they are unsure whether or not current medical staff will be hired to work with Bates. Quality Correctional Health Care will be under contract in August.
