Support for Correctional Physicians/PAs

NCCHC is the leading authority on correctional health care and is dedicated to improving health care in jails, prisons, and juvenile detention centers. NCCHC publishes correctional health care standards and provides facility accreditation. As a physician or physician associate (PA) in a correctional setting, your role is critical in delivering care that meets both clinical best practices and constitutional mandates.

Our Mission

NCCHC’s mission is to improve the quality and consistency of health care in correctional facilities. We do this through:

Development of nationally recognized correctional health care standards
Accreditation
Professional certification
Education
Consulting and technical assistance services

ncchc sTANDARDS

The Foundation of Correctional Health Care

NCCHC’s comprehensive correctional health care standards ensure evidence-based, constitutionally acceptable medical care. The five standards manuals include:

These standards shape facility policies, procedures, and workflows, helping to reduce legal risk and improve patient outcomes.

ACCREDITATION

Why NCCHC Accreditation Matters

Facilities can voluntarily seek NCCHC accreditation, which involves an objective third-party review of facility processes, measuring compliance with NCCHC Standards. Accreditation is available for health services in jails, prisons, and juvenile facilities; correctional mental health programs; and opioid treatment programs in corrections.

Benefits of accreditation include:

Promoting safe, high-quality correctional health care
Reducing legal liability
Supporting operational improvements
Validating compliance with national benchmarks

A randomized study of 44 U.S. jails by Harvard researchers found that NCCHC-accredited facilities had lower mortality and reduced recidivism rates.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

Demonstrate Your Commitment and Expertise

Doctors and other correctional health professionals can earn the Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) credential to demonstrate expertise and commitment.

Physicians (MD/DO), NPs, and PAs, after achieving the CCHP, can earn specialty certification as a clinical provider (CCHP-CP).

All CCHPs can also qualify for advanced certification (CCHP-A). Nursing and mental health specialty certification is available as well.

Certification demonstrates leadership, reinforces the importance of correctional health as a specialty, and can elevate your career.

eDUCATION & RESOURCES

NCCHC offers CME credits for physicians and PAs through ACCME with:

National conferences on correctional health care and mental health care
Webinars throughout the year

View the calendar of upcoming events.

Publications:

Explore author opportunities and stay updated on the latest in correctional medicine. Visit the NCCHC Publications Library to learn more.

consulting/technical assistance

NCCHC Resources offers a variety of services and technical assistance for correctional health care systems throughout the country.

Services include:

Health system assessments
Suicide prevention planning
Opioid treatment program development
RFP and contract support
Facility monitoring

cAREER cENTER

Your hub for career development in correctional health care, the NCCHC Foundation Career Center offers:

Nationwide job listings
Employer spotlights
Career resources and tools
Certified career coaching

Looking for more general career information? Check out our Careers in Correctional Health Care page, including a video highlighting the benefits of a career in correctional medicine.

NCCHC is your partner in training, credentialing, and quality improvement

Physicians and PAs are leaders in delivering care that meets ethical, legal, and medical standards
Correctional health is public health — what happens inside affects your community
Your work can prevent adverse outcomes and save lives

Not sure where to get started? Follow the links above or set up a time to talk.