Early conclusion of the DOJ settlement highlights progress in accessibility, vision care, and patient-centered healthcare across state correctional facilities.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–NaphCare, a leading correctional healthcare provider, commends the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) on the resolution between the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and ADCRR over Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The early conclusion of the DOJ settlement agreement reflects substantial progress in healthcare delivery, accessibility, and compliance with the ADA.
As ADCRR’s contracted correctional healthcare partner, NaphCare worked collaboratively with state leadership and facility teams to support the implementation of systemwide reforms aimed at improving timely access to care and identifying health needs earlier in the incarceration process.
NaphCare implemented proactive policies and procedures in ADCRR facilities statewide to identify vision disabilities sooner, equip clinical teams to initiate timely treatment, provide corrective lenses, and helped ensure proper accommodations for patients with vision impairment.
“NaphCare is proud to support ADCRR’s efforts by combining technology with targeted clinical services, including intake-based optometry, to identify needs early and ensure our patients receive timely, patient-centered care,” said Donna Dowling, NaphCare’s Chief Operations Officer for State Government.
One substantial way NaphCare improved eye care in the ADCRR prisons was by creating an onsite eye clinic with expanded optometry services and equipment at the Phoenix Intake Facility. NaphCare’s CEO, Brad McLane, explained, “The majority of patients entering the prison system are received into the Phoenix facility and, within a few days, are transferred to their assigned housing at one of the other prison complexes. By setting up an eye clinic in the Phoenix Intake Facility, we are able to meet most of our patients’ vision needs right at intake, ensuring they promptly receive screenings and eyeglasses.”
Additionally, NaphCare has:
– Implemented vision screenings on all patients upon intake into a prison facility with automatic optometry exams for those with abnormal results.
– Created new automations and features in the TechCare electronic health record (EHR) system to support reforms to care. NaphCare’s proprietary EHR system, TechCare enhances clinical documentation, care coordination, and continuity of services across all ADCRR facilities.
– Improved the process of providing eyeglasses and shortened turnaround times.
NaphCare has absorbed the costs of their innovative approach to prison-based eye care without additional compensation from the state of Arizona. McLane continued, “NaphCare is dedicated to meeting the needs of our patients and our partners. We are happy to see a positive conclusion to this settlement, not only for the ADCRR, but for the many patients we serve in Arizona.”
Since NaphCare began providing services for the ADCRR, the number of yearly completed vision encounters with medical staff has grown from 4,007 to over 22,000.
McLane concluded, “We remain committed to continuous quality improvements and to supporting correctional partners nationwide in delivering accessible, evidence-based healthcare services.”
About NaphCare
NaphCare partners with local, state and federal government agencies nationwide to provide innovative healthcare, technology and administrative solutions for complex problems within the correctional system. The company’s industry-leading approach to correctional healthcare includes designing and implementing evidence-based clinical programs to address the specific challenges of the corrections environment. Above all, NaphCare aims to make a positive impact in the communities they serve. NaphCare is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with a regional office in Las Vegas, Nevada. Additional information can be found on the company’s website: www.naphcare.com or www.techcareehr.com.
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