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Lawmakers press DOC on inmate medical contractor, Legionella tests and false positive drug results at SCI Phoenix
Summary
Committee members asked DOC leaders about Wellpath’s bankruptcy, medical care at SCI Phoenix, a cluster of Legionella tests and reports of false‑positive drug tests affecting parole; DOC said care was not jeopardized, the vendor renegotiated post‑bankruptcy terms and the department has remediation and testing protocols in place.
Lawmakers pressed the Department of Corrections about contracting and medical care after testimony about Wellpath’s bankruptcy and reported medical problems at SCI Phoenix, including concerns about Legionella tests and allegations of false‑positive drug screenings that have affected parole applicants.
Secretary Laurel Harry told the Appropriations Committee that Wellpath — identified in testimony as the DOC’s statewide medical vendor — filed for bankruptcy in November and that the company has renegotiated payment terms with subcontractors. She said the DOC’s review shows inmate care “has not been jeopardized” and that the vendor continues to be paid for services when invoices are posted correctly. Harry added that the current contract runs through fall 2025 and that a replacement RFP has already been posted.
Lawmakers raised active medical concerns at SCI Phoenix. Committee members noted reports that at least 62 men at Phoenix have complex medical needs and that multiple individuals tested positive for Legionella. Harry said there were three individuals who tested positive for Legionella and that internal testing inside the facility did not show positive results; a cooling tower sample outside the facility returned a positive result and the DOC hired a University of Pittsburgh expert to advise on disinfection and remediation. “We do regular disinfecting…disinfecting of showerheads and cooling towers and air handling units,” she said.
Separately, Representative Kinkade asked about reports of false‑positive drug tests and asked DOC to provide the committee with counts and status updates; the department responded that they would provide additional information. DOC counsel clarified in the hearing that the tests were not “false positives” per their internal review, but acknowledged the committee’s request for a detailed count and status report.
On procurement and oversight, DOC said it can put vendors “on notice,” place contractors on contract remediation plans (CRP) and, if necessary, move to terminate contracts; officials said they regularly escalate problems with vendors at the bureau and executive levels. DOC said contractual language and standard commonwealth procurement terms would apply to any replacement vendor and that the RFP process is ongoing and therefore not open for live comment at the hearing.
Ending: Committee members asked for follow‑up documentation, including counts of individuals affected by testing issues, the status of remediation at Phoenix and the DOC’s vendor oversight timeline; DOC agreed to provide the requested information.
