Court decisions, legislation, accepted correctional and health care standards, as well as department policies and procedures, determine the standard of health care provided. Primary health care is provided by nurses, physicians, dentists and other staff at clinics located in each prison. Chronic disease management, health screening, acute care clinics and emergency care are provided on-site. Dental and optometric care are provided on-site as well. Health promotion, disease prevention and health education are key components of the department's overall health care plan.
Care is provided only by fully licensed qualified health care professionals.
Prisoners, such as the elderly and those with disabilities who have special needs, may be housed at Lakeland Correctional Facility. Units in this prison are specially designed and staffed to meet the needs of these prisoners. Inpatient units are available for prisoners needing 24-hour nursing care at Huron Valley Men's Facility and Marquette Branch Prison. In-patient care is provided at local hospitals for short term care and at Duane L. Waters Hospital, a department operated, fully secure hospital located in Jackson. This 84 bed hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission for Accrediting Health Care Organizations.