County ratifies Prime Care Medical termination, staff to issue RFP for jail health services

Carbon County commissioners acknowledged a letter from Prime Care Medical terminating the company’s partnership to provide medical services at the county correctional facility and voted to ratify receipt of that termination. County officials said ongoing problems with the vendor’s performance prompted the termination letter and that staff will solicit proposals for replacement providers.

During the solicitor’s report, Speaker 5 said Prime Care “did not provide an LPN as agreed since that began in January” and described multiple operational problems, including issues with the medically assisted treatment (MAT) program and philosophical differences over specific medications used in the program. Speaker 5 said those shortcomings left staff concerned about the vendor’s ability to deliver promised services.

The termination letter carried an effective date noted in the record (the clerk/readers cited May 27 in the letter). Commissioners moved to ratify the termination; the motion carried on roll call. County staff said the professional services nature of the contract does not always require a formal bid, but best practice is to prepare and issue a request for proposals (RFP). Staff indicated they would assemble an RFP to seek vendors that can provide both comprehensive medical coverage and MAT services and aimed to expedite the procurement within the coming weeks.

Commissioners discussed the liability and service gap implications of a provider not supplying contracted care. Speaker 1 emphasized the county must ensure continuity of care and said, “If you’re not getting the service, tell us that. If you can, then provide it.” County officials said they had inquiries in response to an RFP posted or contemplated and planned a brief advertisement window to receive proposals quickly.

No award or new contract was approved at this meeting; commissioners directed staff to proceed with an RFP and return with recommendations.