Logo courtesy of Placer County

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - May 19, the Placer County Board of Supervisors selected Correctional Healthcare Partners, Inc. to provide comprehensive inmate medical services at the county’s jail and juvenile detention facilities.

The board also authorized the county executive officer to sign an agreement with CHP totaling $131.28 million, which will run from July 1 through June 30, 2033, and includes an additional $100,000 for future amendments. The new inmate medical services contract provides expanded onsite medical, dental, behavioral health and specialty services for a base population of 1,000 adult inmates and juvenile wards. The action follows a competitive request-for-proposals process in which nine firms submitted proposals and CHP emerged as the top‑ranked provider.

Under the new agreement, CHP - a California‑based, physician‑owned correctional healthcare provider with experience in five counties - will increase on‑site staffing by 3.6 full‑time equivalent positions to augment physical and mental health care, dental services, care coordination and on‑site leadership. Expanded capabilities such as IV administration, suturing, seizure management, orthopedic care and monitoring of complex withdrawal cases are expected to reduce off‑site transports and associated costs.

The seven-year contract also includes upgrades to the county’s electronic health records system, providing real‑time dashboards for the Sheriff’s Office, Probation Department and county partners, as well as strengthened coordination with the Department of Health Care Services to ensure continuity of care upon reentry through the CalAIM Justice Involved Reentry Initiative.

“Ensuring access to timely, high‑quality healthcare for individuals in our custody is both a legal responsibility and an essential part of a safe, well‑functioning correctional system,” said District 2 Supervisor and Board Chair Shanti Landon. “Today’s unanimous approval reflects our commitment to improving outcomes, strengthening oversight and supporting a provider with deep experience in this specialized field.”

“This agreement brings meaningful improvements for staff, inmates and our overall system,” said Sheriff Wayne Woo. “More services delivered on‑site means fewer transports, better continuity of care and a stronger partnership between the provider and our local agencies.”

CHP will assume services on July 1, following a transition period with the current provider, California Forensic Medical Group, which will continue services through June 30. The county decided to go back out for proposals to ensure it was contracting with the most qualified firm for its service needs.

Operating since 2018 in both juvenile and adult incarceration facilities, CHP is the second largest provider in the state, with a strong track record of retaining accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. CHP has committed to an 18-month accreditation timeline for new jail facilities in Placer County.

CHP will host a meet and greet tomorrow with CFMG employees to review current operations and talk about job opportunities. The new contractor has indicated a desire to hire current CFMG staff, recognizing the unique nature of health care providers who are called to work with those who are incarcerated.