Placer County awards $131 million inmate medical contract to Correctional Healthcare Partners

Placer County on Tuesday approved a seven‑year agreement with Correctional Healthcare Partners, Inc. (CHP) to provide comprehensive inmate medical services to county jail facilities, with a contract ceiling of $131,285,980 for the July 1, 2026–June 30, 2033 term.

Amanda Flow of the County Executive Office told supervisors that RFP 20631 drew nine proposals and that CHP ranked highest after interviews. The contract includes baseline services for inmate medical, dental and behavioral‑health care; an increase to allow for new housing units; upgrades to the county’s electronic medical records for real‑time dashboards; and expanded on‑site clinical capabilities such as IV administration and seizure management intended to reduce off‑site medical trips.

Flow said the contract budget is included in the sheriff’s office operating plan and noted the county is seeking $100,000 in amendment authority for contract management needs. CHP representatives said they plan meet‑and‑greets with current contractor staff and expressed a willingness to retain employees; a union representative asked the board to secure guarantees for staff retention and raised concern that no firm commitment had been presented.

CHP’s executive vice president, Shannon Matthews, and other company representatives said they will conduct site assessments and work with staff to add FTEs if needed to maintain quality of care. County staff reaffirmed that the award was the result of a competitive process and that transition planning with the outgoing contractor is scheduled.

Supervisor Gustafson moved approval; Supervisor Jones seconded. The board approved the contract by voice vote with no opposition.