COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
THE JOHN A. WILSON BUILDING
1350 AVENUE, Nw
WASHINGTON, o.c. 20004

 

DAVID GROS so Committee Member
CouncilmemberAt-Large Finance and Revenue

Chair, Committee on Education Health and Human Services

March 9, 2015

The Honorable Muriel Bowser

Executive Office ofthe Mayor

1350 Avenue, NW, Suite 306
Washington, DC. 20004

Re: D.C. Jail Healthcare Delivery Contract
Mayor Bowser:

I am writing to express serious concerns I have with the contracting process for healthcare
services at the Department of Corrections (D.C. Jail) facilities. As you know, last year the Gray
administration conducted-inn RFP process to contract with a vendor to supply healthcare
services at the DC. Jail. That contract was awarded to Corizon, a Tennessee based for-profit
company, and the contract submission to the DC. Council was withdrawn before we could
Vote on it. It was recently brought to my attention that you are considering resubmitting this
contract to the DC. Council. If this is your plan then I strongly urge you to reconsider and
instead reopen the RFP process for this contract.

I have consistently heard from experts in this field that contracting with Corizon represents a
step backward in the progress we have made in delivering quality healthcare to DC. Jail
inmates. Many groups have contacted my office over the past year opposing this contract
including: Washington Lawyers? Committee for Civil Rights, Gay and Lesbian Activists
Alliance, Children's Defense.? Fund,?American Civil Liberties Union, Human Rights Defense
Center, University Legal Services and the DC. FOP Corrections Union.

In addition, there is clear evidence of Corizon's ineffectual delivery of healthcare in jails and
prisons throughout the country. Over the past five years there have been at least 660 lawsuits
filed against Corizon with half of the cases remaining open and a quarter of the closed cases
ending with a confidential settlement. Lawsuits and government audits have alleged serious
deficiencies in Corizon?s practices in Minnesota, Virginia, Florida, New York, Idaho, Kentucky,
Maryland, California, Maine, and Arizona. Maine, Maryland, 
Tennessee and Minnesota have already ended their contracts with Corizon and in other states,
like Virginia, Corizon left the state rather than reform their practices leaving the state with
enormous liabilities for poorly delivered healthcare services at Virginia prisons.

According to a story in the New York Times on January 22, 2015, the New York State
Commission of Correction found there was gross incompetence by Corizon medical personnel
and correction officers at Rikers Island that led to the death of a mentally ill inmate. The
Commission is asking the US. Justice Department to launch a federal investigation into
possible civil rights violations at the prison where Corizon is the healthcare contractor. Just last
week, members of the New York City Council publicly challenged Corizon and questioned
whether it was time to end the Corizon contract. Interestingly, when I met with the company's
representatives last year, their leadership highlighted Corizon?s contract with the New York
City Department of Correction system as an exemplar ofthe company?s work.

In a press release last year regarding the contract award here in DC, Corizon quoted the
Alameda County Sheriff?Coroner, Gregory Ahern, as stating, ?With Corizon staff handling our
inmate medical care program, my staff and I are able to run a smooth and efficient operation at
both jails." That statement is hard to believe given that on February 9, 2015 Corizon settled
the largest wrongful death suit in California history,- agreeing to pay $8.3 million and change its
staffing practices after being sued by the family of an inmate who died in an Alameda County
jail.

Corizon's poor performance has not only been demonstrated in other jurisdictions, but right
here at home. PHS Correctional Healthcare, which in 2011 merged with another company to
create Corizon, had the contract at the DC. Jail prior to being forced out due to numerous
lawsuits for ineffective care. We should learn from past mistakes when it comes to contracting
with for-profit correctional health entities. In the long run, this contract will not only cost the
city more but it will prove to be more costly for our inmates, who rely on these critical
healthcare services.

Again, I strongly urge you to reconsider and instead restart the RFP process for this contract. I
look forward to working with you and your team to ensure that inmates at the DC. Jail are
provided the best possible healthcare. If you have any questions or concerns please contact
me. You can also contact my Legislative Assistant, Darby Hickey, at (202) 724-8015 or at
dhickev?dcc0uncil.us.

Sincerely,

David Grosso
Council ofthe District of Columbia
Chairperson, Committee on Education

CC: All Councilmembers
Thomas N. Faust, Director ofthe Department of Corrections
Kevin Donahue, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice
Maia Estes, Director of the Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs