From left, Captain Gene Coppinger, Sergeant Tracy Case, Deputy Chief of Corrections Joe Fowler, Nurse Practitioner Andy Smith, Nurse Director Julia Brandt and Health Services Administer Jeff Williams
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office announces The Accreditation and Standards Committee of the National Commission on Correctional Health Care voted to accredit the Hamilton County Jail for its compliance with the NCCHC’s Standards for Health Services in Jails.
The NCCHC helps correctional facilities improve the health of their inmates and their communities, to which they return, increase the efficiency of their health services delivery, strengthen their organizational effectiveness, and reduce their risk of adverse patient outcomes and legal judgments. The Standards for Health Services in Jails set by the NCCHC are recommended requirements for the proper management of a correctional health services delivery system and cover the general areas; governance and administration, safety, personnel training, health care services and support, inmate care and treatment, health promotion, special needs and services, health records, and medical-legal issues. Achieving compliance with NCCHC standards is a demanding task and proves the dedication and professionalism of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Medical and Corrections Division staff, said officials.
“Receiving this certification is a testament to the level of professionalism and expertise of our medical and correctional staff," said Deputy Chief of Corrections Joe Fowler. "We have always felt we have good protocols, policies, and procedures. This is validation from an outside set of eyes, a national organization with this specialization, that we are doing the right things regarding the health and welfare of those in our custody. I am so proud of to be part of such a great team of professionals representing the Sheriff’s Office and Hamilton County, Tennessee."
“When inmates leave our correctional facility I want them to return to their community safe and healthy so they may continue to be productive citizens of Hamilton County," said Sheriff Jim Hammond. "The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Medical and Corrections Division staff has worked diligently to achieve the NCCHC accreditation. I am proud of their accomplishments and proud to announce this accreditation which shows we are a top tier agency. The NCCHC Accreditation is another way the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is working to keep our community safe by treating and improving the health of Hamilton County Jail inmates.”
The Hamilton County Jail contracts with Erlanger Health Systems to provide comprehensive health services to inmates in the Hamilton County Corrections Jail. Services provided include professional medical and nursing health care, with 24-hour nursing coverage; a preliminary screening of inmates upon arrival at the jail; comprehensive health evaluations and preventive care; emergency medical care; medication administration; ancillary services; special medical programs and diets; quality assurance program; and medical administrative support. Dental care is provided by a dentist who is on-site eight hours weekly. Mental health services are provided by Volunteer Behavioral Health Services.
The National Commission of Correctional Health Care is the third accreditation earned by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the other two being Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies and the Commission on Accreditation of the American Correctional Association.
Hamilton County Jail National Commission on Correctional Health Care Certificate of Accreditation