Health Services – Overview
Assistant Director: Kevin Bovenkamp
Health Services provides health care to adults in custody at each institution. State and federal laws ensure that adults in custody are entitled to health care during incarceration.
Healthcare services provided to adults in custody must be comparable to health care provided in the community. This means that all types and levels of health care must be delivered in a clinically appropriate manner by properly credentialed professionals in settings designed and equipped for the delivery of healthcare.
Health care services include medical, dental, psychiatric, and mental health services.
Recently, an investigation concluded into the Oregon Department of Corrections Health Services Division and key leadership positions. Deputy Director Heidi Steward will continue to lead the Health Services Division until a comprehensive review is completed by
Falcon Correctional and Community Services, Inc.
, a national consulting firm specializing in correctional healthcare.
DOC has also named Dr. Michael Seale as Interim Chief of Medicine. Dr. Seale brings 28 years of leadership experience in correctional medicine with a strong record of integrating medical, dental, and behavioral health services for acute and chronic conditions.
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
What is Electronic Health Records (EHR) and why is this project important? The Oregon Department of Corrections Health Services Division (DOC-HS) is embarking on a significant transition that will positively impact healthcare delivery to Oregon's adults in custody.
DOC-HS provides continuous healthcare services to adults in custody across 12 institutions throughout the state. Comprehensive services include medical, dental, behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, and pharmacy services. Some patients may also receive care through visits to external hospitals or consultations with outside providers.
DOC is transitioning from paper medical records to an electronic health record (EHR) system. This modernization is a vital step in ensuring patient care continues to improve. The interoperability of the EHR system will improve continuity of care by allowing providers—both internal and external—immediate access to patient records and critical health information.
DOC recently signed a contract with Fusion, a correctional EHR software provider, and the project is currently underway.
The Department of Corrections remains committed to providing quality patient care, and transitioning from paper charting to the EHR system is the first and vital step in achieving this goal.