The state Department of Correction is about to be directly responsible for providing health care for prison inmates in Connecticut, ending a long-time contract with UConn.
Commissioner Scott Semple said he still can’t release full details of why the change is taking place, but it follows several incidents including one in which a pregnant inmate gave birth in her prison cell.
State auditors have requested to see a consultants’ report that gives details of care provided under the UConn contract. But Semple told Connecticut Public Radio’s Where We Live that’s not possible because some of the cases in question are in litigation.
“I’m following the advice of counsel," he said. "I know that there’s a pending attorney general decision on this, and we’ll see where that goes.”
But Semple told the show the quality of care is only one factor - he also wants to make it cheaper.
“What you’re going to see is a much more leaner management organizational structure, and more emphasis on nursing staff and prescribers,” he said.
The change takes place July 1.
