National Commission on Correctional Health Care gives jail a 100% compliance rating

Sheriff Gabe Morgan is proud that the Newport News City Jail has earned accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), an independent organization that rates jails on the standard of health care provided to inmates in a correctional setting. Applying for NCCHC accreditation is voluntary and accreditation lasts for three years.

It’s the first time the Sheriff’s Office has pursued this designation. The facility was given a 100% compliance rating following an on-site survey in August 2015. An NCCHC team looked at whether rigorous standards on safety, personnel and training, health care services and support, patient care and treatment, health promotion, special needs and services, health records and legal issues were met.

Accreditation means inmates have access to a nationally-accredited health care program when they require medical care or medication. “We have a legal obligation to provide inmates with health care and we will continue to do so with innovation, excellence and efficiency on behalf of the taxpayers,” Sheriff Morgan added.

“Our nurses, mental health professionals and deputies are committed to providing quality health care in a clean, safe and healthy environment. We know the public expects no less of the men and women who are charged with inmate care and I’m proud of the work they do every day,” said Sheriff Morgan.

“The Newport News Sheriff’s Office/City Jail has demonstrated its commitment to meeting constitutional requirements for health care delivery for incarcerated individuals,” said Thomas Joseph, MPS, CAE, president of NCCHC.