Jail medical provider proposes major staffing change; Hall County to explore alternatives

The Hall County corrections director told the board that Advanced Correctional Healthcare (ACH), the county’s current jail medical contractor, proposed a staffing change that would replace LPN coverage with RNs and seek additional billing for coverage gaps. The county estimated the change would increase the medical contract by roughly 53% in the coming year.

“Moving all of our LPNs over to RNs and billing for coverage would add about $204,000 just for the RN wage difference,” the corrections director said in the report to the board. He told commissioners ACH’s proposed approach would push next year’s medical budget from about $760,000 toward $1.1 million if accepted.

The director said ACH also proposed billing for short‑notice coverage (nurse call‑ins and holiday coverage) and that discussions with ACH have not resolved those terms. He said ACH gave notice it may terminate the contract if the parties cannot reach agreement.

Commissioners instructed staff to research alternatives, including soliciting other vendors and evaluating the feasibility and liability implications of hiring county employees for medical and mental‑health roles. “We need to look around before we just swallow this,” one commissioner said.

The board did approve two related items during the meeting: a 5% contract amendment to Summit Food Services for inmate meals (CPI‑based increase the county expects to absorb within the budget) and a short‑term (60‑day) temporary agreement with Sozo Family Services to provide mental‑health clinicians while the county evaluates longer‑term options.

The corrections director said ACH will continue to provide services during the transition period while the county evaluates alternatives. Staff will return with cost comparisons and options for the board to consider.