Rockdale County approves multi‑year inmate‑health contract and shifts to RN staffing

Rockdale County commissioners approved a multi‑year contract with NAP (also referenced as NAV) Care for inmate medical services and a budget amendment to cover shortfalls at the Jan. 13 meeting.

Major Tate of the sheriff’s office told commissioners the contract reflects an operational change by the vendor: RNs will be assigned to booking and the medical unit, replacing prior LPN staffing in some roles. Tate said the change was intended to improve proactive care and detection of health needs. "Prior, we were utilizing LPNs," he said; "the change over to the RNs is expected to help us catch some... it's more so on the proactive side of things."

The item in the agenda listed multiple annual amounts: an initial 11‑month figure of $3,797,736.58 and subsequent yearly amounts identified in the presentation for 2027–2030 (the clerk read those amounts into the record). The sheriff’s office and supporters described broader benefits tied to discharge planning and reduced recidivism: commissioners noted a discharge‑planner role and case management that aims to keep people out of jail after release.

Major Tate also said that since NavCare had been the facility’s medical vendor, "it's 5 years now and we have had no MA death," a claim made in the record during discussion about the vendor’s performance. Commissioners praised the vendor’s work and approved the contract and related budget amendment; staff described the action as budgeted and required as part of county procurement.

The record shows the board approved the contract as part of the consent agenda; a subsequent budget amendment was noted (an amount of $516,900 was identified on the agenda to cover shortfalls, including costs tied to this contract and the Axon contract increases).