Medical and Mental Health Care in County Jails

Private medical practices contract with county jails to provide medical care to inmates. When suicide watch is not included in the contract, it creates incentive for inmates to be placed on suicide watch. Where is the accountability for actions taken by medical staff? This project aims to make transparent the problems associated with these contracts. Who is responsible for ensuring adequate care? What agencies oversee the private medical care? What actions can be taken when the contracted medical companies do not meet the standards of national accrediting agencies?