Press Releases

Jefferson City Correctional Center Earns National Accreditation for Healthcare Program

Jefferson City, MO - January 08, 2010

The correctional healthcare program at the Jefferson City Correctional Center (JCCC) has received accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) – a standard-setting body dedicated to improving healthcare in the nation’s prisons and jails.

The NCCHC accreditation of JCCC demonstrates the quality of the facility’s healthcare program. The Missouri Department of Corrections (MDOC) and Correctional Medical Services, Inc. (CMS) have worked together to ensure the new facility continuously meets the rigorous standards required for accreditation. JCCC was moved to a new facility in 2004.

“This accreditation is recognition of the hard work done by our staff and the Department of Corrections,” said Ralf Salke, CMS Vice President of Operations in Missouri. “We are pleased the healthcare program was accredited on our first attempt at the new JCCC.” 

The NCCHC accreditation process involves an extensive review of facility governance and administration, offender care and treatment, health promotion and disease prevention, medical records and other important elements of the overall healthcare program. Today, healthcare programs at 20 Missouri Department of Corrections facilities are accredited by NCCHC. 

JCCC replaced the old Missouri State Penitentiary. That facility, which originally opened in 1836, could not meet modern codes due to the old construction designs. For this reason, accreditation was not possible. In 2004, JCCC was moved to its present location in a brand new facility. Plans were immediately put into place and the accreditation process began.

CMS has been providing quality healthcare services to offenders in Missouri Department of Corrections facilities since 1992.

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About Correctional Medical Services, Inc (CMS)

Correctional Medical Services, Inc (CMS) is a nationwide leader in the provision of correctional healthcare services, offering a comprehensive suite of medical, dental, pharmacy and mental health services for the incarcerated population. CMS currently maintains a presence in 18 states and manages medical services for 10 statewide systems. More than 6,000 employees and independent contractors work with CMS nationwide. For more information, visit the CMS Web site at www.cmsstl.com.