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NDOC says new ViaPath vendor, ARPA funds and recruiting will address staffing and kitchen infrastructure; EHR funding still pending
Summary
NDOC Director James Zarenda told the board ViaPath will take over inmate communications Jan. 6 and tablets are expected to be implemented in spring; he credited an All Star recruitment contract with dramatically lowering southern vacancy rates but said EHR funding remains unresolved and requires DHHS support.
Director James Zarenda told the Board of State Prison Commissioners on Dec. 19 that the Nevada Department of Corrections plans several operational changes intended to address staffing and service gaps raised during public comment.
Zarenda said the telecommunications vendor ViaPath will replace Securus on Jan. 6 and that initial telephone services will transfer without interruption; ViaPath’s tablet infrastructure and related IT work are expected to be implemented by April 1, subject to equipment delivery and public‑works scheduling. Zarenda said ViaPath has agreed to meet with the public, likely through Return Strong, to explain tablet functions and training.
On staffing, Zarenda said a contracting arrangement with All Star significantly improved hiring speed and screening; he said southern facilities recently reported zero vacancies for correctional officers for the first time, while Northern Nevada Correctional Center’s vacancy was below 8 percent and Lovelock and Ely remain higher but will be reduced by recent academy classes. Zarenda provided a current statewide vacancy figure of 17 percent and said continued hiring and upcoming academy classes should lower that rate.
On medical IT, Dr. Williams and Zarenda told the board there is a funding gap for the electronic health‑record (EHR) system; they said the department has narrowed potential vendors to two and is awaiting Health and Human Services to release resources. Zarenda asked the board and governor for help in securing interagency support to bring an integrated EHR and necessary device infrastructure online.
Zarenda said some kitchen equipment replacements are already underway using ARPA funds after an evaluation by a contractor called Cooks and that the department will prioritize repairs to pass sanitation requirements. Board members requested a timeline for completion and additional details at a future meeting.
