Office of Correctional Health Care

Accreditation: 
The purpose of accreditation is to promote improvement in the management of correctional agencies through the administration of voluntary accreditation program and the ongoing development and revision of relevant, useful standards. Invitations to participate in the accreditation process have been extended to all adult and juvenile agencies for which standards have been developed and published. ACA offers health services accreditation program and full accreditation programs for corrections field. ACA’s Health services accreditation goal is to improve the delivery of health care to offenders within the correctional environment using the concept and template for performance based standards, expected practices and outcome measures. The performance-based standards for correctional health care were conceived and developed by health care and security professionals. The objective of the health care standards is the hope that the revised standards, practices and outcome measures will enable administrators and practitioners to not only monitor health care activities but also measure over time the outcomes of their efforts. To learn more about stand-alone health care accreditation contact us at [email protected].


Certification:
The professional certification program for correctional health care professionals distinguishes the competence, character, and performance of individuals involved in correctional nursing, nurse manager and health services administration. This program values the continual growth of health professionals’ knowledge in enhancing the delivery of health services for the corrections population. Health care training to prepare for the certification examination are offered in several venues (training packets, on site in your jurisdiction, webinars). 


Professional Educational Programs:
ACA offers programs that address the learning needs and interests of the members of the correctional health care team. ACA has two major conferences per year offering exceptional educational programs and networking opportunities. Continuing education events are offered at both conference for the continuous growth of knowledge and the enhancement of the correctional field. ACA is dedicated to enhancing the correctional health care profession by providing exceptional learning opportunities through a variety of formats such as customized training on site in your jurisdiction; online; webinars; regional trainings; and trainings at the ACA headquarters in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. (We conduct annual training for the Coalition for Correctional Health Authorities and new health authority training).


Committees & Projects: 
Our treatment committees are composed of representatives from the corrections field.  These health leaders are involved in correctional health administration, the day-to-day provision of health services, academia, and public health professionals.  


Resources & Publications:
ACA award winning publications offers current evidence-based literature, peer-reviewed article and research of effective strategies on ways to improve the quality of care for the correctional population. ACA resources and publication cover a range of topic areas of health care within corrections. 


Technical Assistance:
ACA offers technical assistance and consultation to help health services programs in correctional facilities with concerns such as accreditation preparation, needs assessments, policies and procedures development and addressing critical issues through performance/quality improvement practices.