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Board approves Correctional Healthcare Partners contract to overhaul jail medical services
Summary
Monterey County approved a contract with Correctional Healthcare Partners to replace the current jail medical provider—adding staffing, performance metrics tied to penalties, and a path to NCCHC accreditation intended to address ongoing Hernandez settlement requirements.
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted Nov. 19 to authorize a new jail medical contract with Correctional Healthcare Partners (CHP) aimed at addressing longstanding deficiencies cited in the Hernandez settlement.
Sheriff Tina Nieto told the board the proposed contract ties contractor payments to measurable performance standards, increases staffing levels and builds enforcement tools such as financial credits when staffing posts go unfilled. “This contract is one of the most significant steps the county can take to protect itself and demonstrate full compliance,” Nieto said, citing mandatory alignment with Hernandez court orders.
Chief Deputy Tim Lanquist described the competitive RFP process, the multidisciplinary evaluation team and the emphasis on services and compliance over cost. He said proposals uniformly demanded higher staffing levels than the existing contract; the county expects a roughly $8 million year‑over‑year increase in medical costs initially in order to staff to the levels vendors said were needed to meet the settlement and accreditation expectations.
Undersheriff and contract leads explained the contract requires correctional health metrics tied to National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) standards, with accreditation targeted within 30 months and escalating penalties if milestones are missed. The contract also contains a joint‑defense provision to coordinate privileged litigation materials and strengthen HIPAA and medical privacy protections.
CHP’s CEO described the company as clinician‑led and said prior contracts (including in San Diego) produced reductions in mortality and improved access to care. Supervisors asked about how the increased recurring contract costs would relate to Hernandez cost exposure and how hospital admissions and Medi‑Cal billing would be handled; staff explained providers are responsible for emergency admissions until in‑hospital Medi‑Cal reimbursement processes take effect.
After public comment and board questions, the supervisors voted by roll call to approve the contract and asked the county administrative office to return with options for additional oversight (including proposals for inspector‑general‑style monitoring dedicated to this contract).
What happens next: CHP will begin transition and staffing ramp‑up per contract terms, and the county will implement reporting and performance monitoring. The contract increases near‑term correctional health costs but is intended to reduce long‑term litigation risk and improve mandated compliance under Hernandez.
