Healthcare Services

The RIDOC has an on-site comprehensive medical program in each facility provided by internists and generalists under the clinical supervision of the Medical Programs Director.

The Health Care Services Unit incorporates medical and mental health, dental and health education. This unit provides medical and clinical services to the incarcerated offender population, both sentenced and awaiting trial in all facilities of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC). Health Care Services are provided in every facility daily. Sick calls and medical clinics operate in all facilities, and infirmary care is provided in select facilities.

There is an on-call practitioner at all times. Acute medical/surgical intervention is accomplished through utilization of community hospitals, primarily the Lifespan and Care New England systems. Specialty medical services include HIV care through physicians from Miriam Hospital and cardiology and orthopedic care provided on-site by specialists in the field. The RIDOC's Health Care Services also partners with Brown University Medical School in providing clinical experience for medical students and residents in the area of correctional medicine and communicable diseases.

Additional Links:

• National Commission on Correctional Healthcare (NCCHC)
• Rhode Island Health Center Association
• The Center for Health & Justice Transformation (CHJT)

Laboratory

Diagnostic laboratory services are provided to the RIDOC's Health Services by the RI Department of Health State Laboratory and East Side Clinical Labs. Routine and emergency specimen reports are generated for the DOC medical staff. Only diagnostic testing is done – results are for clinical use only.

Dietary

Phone: (401) 462-2878

Fax: (401) 462-2879

Dietary services are provided by a registered dietician (B.S. L.D.N.) who collaborates with Health Services and Food Services. Medical diets are prescribed by physicians and notice is sent to the dietician to implement the diet. The diet is provided by Food Services under the direction of the dietician. Additional prescribed dietary supplements may be administered by the nursing staff as well.

If you have questions or concerns related to the healthcare services and/or the care of an individual incarcerated in one of RIDOC's correctional facilities, please email: doc.medical@doc.ri.gov