Regular Agenda Item 4.A.
Regular BOS Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 12/16/2025
- Submitted For:
- Sarah White
- Submitted By:
- Olivia Todd, Deputy Finance Director
- Department:
- Sheriff's Office
Fiscal Year:
2026
Budgeted?:
Yes
Contract Dates
Begin & End:
Begin & End:
Two Years From Award
Grant?:
No
Matching
Requirement?:
Requirement?:
No
Fund?:
Renewal
Information
Request/Subject
Authorization to Advertise Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 08172025 - Healthcare for In-Custody Adults.
Background Information
Prior to February 2025, jail nursing was fully staffed. After losing an employee due to health issues, the Gila County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) had not received any applications for open nursing positions. The GCSO sought a contract to provide interim, temporary nursing staff to remain compliant with legal requirements regarding the standard of care for inmates at the Globe Detention Facility. Effective February 21, 2025, Gila County entered into a Master Services Agreement with Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc. for the provision of these temporary nursing services.
Evaluation
The GCSO continues to experience staffing issues for jail nursing and, as of September 2, 2025, has not received any applications for open nursing positions. While there is a current medical provider and several nurses who work at the facility, the issues of insufficient coverage and lack of qualified applicants persist. The GCSO is in need of medical personnel to work in the Globe Detention Facility; specifically, one (1) physician and two to four (2-4) nursing staff will be needed.
The responsibility for the provision of healthcare services to people confined to jail commences with the commitment of the person to the custody of the jail and ends with their release from custody. The current program requirements include, but are not limited to: adults in custody medical screening; admission evaluation; triage; sick call; care of medically-fragile adults in custody; pharmacy services; psychiatric screening; suicide risk assessments; mental health services; medical clearances for intra- and inter-agency transfers; work clearances; the continuing care of identified health problems; detoxification; MOUD (Medications for Opioid Use Disorder); involuntary medications; offsite services such as visits to specialists, diagnostic offices, hospitals, or other community providers; discharge planning; and emergency services.
The responsibility for the provision of healthcare services to people confined to jail commences with the commitment of the person to the custody of the jail and ends with their release from custody. The current program requirements include, but are not limited to: adults in custody medical screening; admission evaluation; triage; sick call; care of medically-fragile adults in custody; pharmacy services; psychiatric screening; suicide risk assessments; mental health services; medical clearances for intra- and inter-agency transfers; work clearances; the continuing care of identified health problems; detoxification; MOUD (Medications for Opioid Use Disorder); involuntary medications; offsite services such as visits to specialists, diagnostic offices, hospitals, or other community providers; discharge planning; and emergency services.
Conclusion
With the issuance of RFP No. 08172025 - Healthcare for In-Custody Adults, the GCSO will request to receive proposals from qualified healthcare providers to ensure the jail has sufficient coverage for medical needs at all times. The successful healthcare provider will provide medical, dental, and mental health staffing and services that meet or exceed the 2018 National Commission on Correctional Health Care standards, including the Correctional Mental Health Care and MOUD standards. The successful proposer will be expected to remain current with all standards, including all updates throughout the life of the contract.
Recommendation
The GCSO staff recommends that the Board of Supervisors authorize the advertisement of RFP No. 08172025 - Healthcare for In-Custody Adults.
Suggested Motion
Information/Discussion/Action to authorize the advertisement of Request for Proposals No. 08172025 - Healthcare for In-Custody Adults. (Sarah White)