February 20, 2014
| Members Present: | Members Absent: |
|---|---|
| Representative Andrew Falk | Representative Rick Hansen, Chair |
| Senator Mary Kiffmeyer | Representative Mary Liz Holberg |
| Senator James Metzen | Senator Warren Limmer |
In absence of the chair, Representative Falk called the Legislative Audit Commission Evaluation Subcommittee meeting to order at 11:07 a.m. The purpose of the meeting was to release the evaluation, Health Services in State Correctional Facilities.
Representative Falk introduced Jim Nobles, Legislative Auditor, who gave a brief summary of the evaluation. Mr. Nobles introduced Joel Alter, evaluation manager, to give more details. Mr. Alter said the overall conclusions of the evaluation are: 1) inmates have considerable access to health care; 2) in some areas, services have not been sufficiently coordinated and consistent, and policies have not always complied with professional standards; and 3) mechanisms for oversight, accountability, and quality improvement for Department of Corrections (DOC) health services have been limited. Mr. Alter said the evaluation recommends that DOC take steps to improve health services and their management, and provisions for external review of DOC health services should be strengthened.
Representative Falk invited the DOC representative to address the subcommittee. Tom Roy, Commissioner, said that the department appreciated the external review and the resulting recommendations. Mr. Roy said DOC believes many of the recommendations will improve the delivery of offender health care and they are committed to implementing them. He said that many of the concerns identified in the evaluation would be addressed by seeking and maintaining accreditation of DOC facilities by the American Correctional Association and the department would be working towards achieving this goal.
Mr. Nobles said that in the coming weeks, OLA would be releasing several reports: Agricultural Commodity Councils; Councils on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans, Black Minnesotans, Chicano/Latino People, and Indian Affairs; and MnDOT Selection of Pavement Surface for Road Rehabilitation. He said that two reports would be coming at a later date: DNR Forest Management and Managed Care Organizations’ Administrative Expenses. He also noted that the topic selection process would be starting soon as well.
With no further business, Representative Falk adjourned the meeting at 12:32 p.m.
Representative Andrew Falk
Shelly Watterud, Recording Secretary
