All inmate healthcare and sex offender treatment programming are provided by Wellpath, the contracted healthcare provider for the department.
Overview
Inmate healthcare is provided by Wellpath.
Healthcare provided to inmates in our prisons may include:
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Medical care
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Mental health care
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Dental care
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Sex offender treatment programs
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Additional services
It is important to note that not every facility offers the same level or type of healthcare services. If an inmate needs a certain service, we will house them at a facility that offers it.
In-patient and out-patient care
Inmates who need specialized health services may get out-patient care at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital.
Inmates who need in-patient care for an acute illness may go to Lemuel Shattuck Hospital or other hospitals in the area.
If an inmate has a less serious illness, but still needs to be secluded from other inmates, they may be put in a facility with an infirmary.
Doctors and nurses regularly distribute medication to inmates as prescribed.
If an inmate needs help with everyday self-care, we may house them in an Assisted Daily Living unit at one of our facilities.
Emergencies
We have emergency medical and mental health services available to all inmates as needed, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. An inmate can request emergency medical or mental health services through a staff member.
Mental health services
We provide have specialized units for inmates with mental health issues. Some of these include:
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Residential Treatment Unit
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Secure Treatment Program
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Behavior Management Unit
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Intensive Treatment Unit
Our mental health units provide a level of care more intensive than our general inmate mental health services, but less intensive than in-patient hospitals.
MassHealth for released inmates
Our department partners with MassHealth to provide health insurance to releasing inmates. This trailblazing program has been nationally recognized as a model for other states to replicate. This partnership allows community access upon release to:
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Medical services
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Mental health services
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Substance abuse treatment
Attorney Access to Medical Records
The Department of Correction (DOC) is taking the following measures during the pandemic to ensure that attorneys are able to timely obtain the medical records and sensitive medical information of their clients, who are inmates in DOC custody. These measures are for obtaining medical records of inmates housed in DOC facilities only; attorneys seeking to obtain the medical records of clients housed in jails and houses of correction must contact that facility or the respective Sheriff’s Office. Please use the below link to access a Guide for Attorneys Obtaining Medical Records of Inmate Clients.