Primary Care Physician

MD/DO - Primary Care Physician - Corrections

Folsom State Prison is located in Represa California and is one of the oldest correctional facilities in the state. Originally opened in the 1880's as one of the first maximum-security institutions, today the facility houses minimum and medium-security inmates. Until recently, Folsom only housed male offenders, now it has begun housing women in a separate stand-alone facility. People may recognize this prison as the subject of a Johnny Cash song entitled "Folsom Prison Blues". This facility has also housed some of the most infamous inmates including, Suge Knight, Rick James, and Charles Manson. This facility is responsible for manufacturing the vast majority of California License plates. This institution has also been an on site filming location for several movies. Folsom Prison has a rich history and dates back to the late 1800's, it was also the first correctional facility ever to have electricity.

Physician's Role in Correctional Medicine

Physicians have a complicated role in correctional health care. It is "primary care" at a high and extensive level. Physicians in corrections have a captive audience of patients, literally and figuratively, that need a wide variety of medical care. Incarcerated individuals enter and stay in your practice with every possible medical condition. Many of these patients may have had little or no prior medical, dental or mental health care, other than emergency room visits. The correctional physician must be prepared for this population. Many of these patients may have current or past substance abuse issues. Many of these patients may have poor coping skills and even a mind-set to defy authority. It goes without saying that the correctional doctor has a tremendous role in the provision of medical care. However, that role often goes far beyond seeing patients and giving care. Not only must the correctional physician manage health care, they may also have a significant administrative role in direct health care, in the system of health care, and in health care policy, procedures, and standards. A physician working in corrections must be aware of and balance interests of good solid medical practice, medical board requirements, court findings, the safety and security of the facility, the individuals in the facility, and the community, all while working in an environment not specifically created for the purpose of health care. A physician may have to take on multiple roles beyond direct one-on-one patient care while working in a correctional facility. Although many of these roles have similar practice experiences outside of corrections they can become co-occurring roles for a physician in corrections.

Requirements (Duties Include But Are Not Limited To)

• Under the direction of the Institution/Facility CEO/CME or designee, the Temporary/Relief Primary Care Physician shall provide services as permitted within the scope of practice for Primary Care Physician services in accordance with Institution/Facility policies and procedures. Care delivery for Primary Care Telemedicine is remote via teleconferencing equipment and basic computer competency would be necessary.
• Obligation is to assist CDCR/CCHCS in its exercise of its duty to provide and manage medical healthcare services for the patient/youth of the State of California; Primary Care Physicians shall provide high quality services, consistent with the terms and conditions under this Agreement and consistent with established and commonly accepted standards and principles of medical practice.
• Primary Care Physicians shall adhere to the CDCR/CCHCS medical staff by-laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, and comply with universal infection control precautions.

Qualifications

• Must be a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) and be Board Certified.
• Minimum of twelve (12) continuous months of experience within the last thirty-six (36) months performing services similar in scope to those defined herein, in a public or private institution.
• Must be licensed to practice medicine in the State of California as defined in the Medical Practice Act, Chapter 5, commencing with Section 2000 of the Business and Professions Code and possess a valid Physician license as issued by the Medical Board/Osteopathic Board of California.
• Must have and maintain Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Must have and maintain current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Certification.
• Specialty Services - In addition to the above requirements, Physicians who are providing care in a specialized area such as emergency medicine, surgery, etc., shall also have at least two (2) years of experience within the last three (3) years providing patient care within that setting and possess any required certificates.