Audit  Audit of the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC)

Finding 1

During the audit period, Sick Call Request Forms (SCRFs) were not processed or triaged within 24 hours (72 on weekends) and/or were not completely filled out by nurses and/or physicians, and inmates were not always seen by a qualified healthcare professional within seven days after they submitted SCRFs.

Recommendation

DOC should ensure that there are internal controls and monitoring in place to ensure compliance with DOC policies and procedures.

Finding 2

DOC did not always maintain documentation to support the following: that Individual Reentry Plans were reviewed with the inmates, signed by the inmates, and provided to the inmates before release; that physical and mental health appointments for post-release services were scheduled with external medical providers when necessary; and that DOC obtained signed Authorizations for Release of Medical Records from inmates.

Recommendations

1. DOC should ensure that its staff is properly trained in reentry service standards and provide job aids for all aspects of the reentry process.
2. DOC should evaluate whether it would be useful to have employees work solely in reentry rather than doing multiple jobs, thereby ensuring that these employees can focus on reentry and the applicable standards and timelines.