The Oregon Department of Corrections has implemented significant changes to the panels that determine whether prisoners receive specialty medical care, according to Dr. Michael Seale, the agency’s chief medical officer. This overhaul comes after previous leadership was criticized for poor decision-making and supervision of medical staff. Seale, who took over the position last year, addressed the Oregon Senate Judiciary Committee to discuss the changes and challenges facing the health services division. One of the major changes includes reducing delays and improving access to medical care by changing the role of the therapeutic level of care committees. Under the previous system, these committees had the authority to approve off-site referrals for non-emergency surgeries, specialist visits, and medical imaging. Now, medical providers can make referrals for preventative care, such as screenings or lab work, without committee approval. Seale emphasized the importance of timely access to care and stated that he is available for consultation on urgent cases to prevent delays. Additionally, a Chicago-based consultant, Falcon Correctional and Community Services, is conducting a review of the state’s prison health system and is expected to provide recommendations this summer. The changes to the medical care system within the Oregon Department of Corrections aim to improve the quality of care for the state’s prisoners and address the issues that have been previously highlighted by reports and investigations.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
