Medication management is one of the most complex and risk-sensitive workflows in healthcare, particularly in correctional and juvenile settings. High patient turnover, frequent transitions of care, and strict regulatory oversight create an environment where fragmented systems and manual handoffs can quickly lead to errors, delays, and compliance challenges.

To address these realities, agencies are increasingly adopting closed-loop medication management, a model that digitally connects every step of the medication lifecycle across clinical and pharmacy operations.  

What Closed-Loop Medication Management Looks Like in Practice

Closed-loop medication management ensures that medication orders, dispensing, administration, and documentation are all electronically linked, continuously updated, and fully auditable.  

In a closed-loop environment:  

• Providers enter medication orders directly into the EHR 
• Orders flow seamlessly to the pharmacy system for clinical review and dispensing 
• Dispensing updates return to the EHR  
• Medication Administration Records remain current and accurate at the point of care 
• Every action is tracked across systems without manual reconciliation 

The outcome is a single, continuous medication workflow rather than a series of disconnected steps.  

Why Integration Matters More Than Ever

Many healthcare organizations assume that any interface between an EHR and pharmacy system is sufficient. In reality, the depth of integration determines the effectiveness of the closed loop.  

Loosely coupled systems—often relying on batch files or delayed synchronization—introduce gaps in visibility and increase the likelihood of medication discrepancies. These gaps are especially problematic in environments with rapid intake, transfer, and release cycles. 

True closed-loop medication management requires:  

• Near real-time, bi-directional data exchange 
• Shared patient and medication context across systems 
• Workflow-level integration rather than simple data transfer 

When pharmacy and clinical teams operate from aligned, continuously updated information, coordination improves and risk decreases 

The Impact on Correctional and Juvenile Healthcare

Correctional and juvenile healthcare settings place unique demands on medication workflows:  

• Complex medication regimens across diverse populations 
• Limited clinical and pharmacy staffing 
• Frequent movement of patients between facilities 
• Heightened audit and compliance requirements 

In these environments, closed-loop medication management delivers tangible benefits: 

• Reduced medication errors and missed doses 
• Faster medication turnaround during intake and transitions 
• Improved continuity of care 
• Stronger regulatory compliance and audit readiness 

These results are not the result of a single system, but of how well systems work together.  

Moving from “Integrated” to Truly Connected

As agencies evaluate EHR and pharmacy platforms, the conversation is shifting from whether systems integrate to how tightly they integrate. 

Closed-loop medication management depends on: 

• Seamless clinical-pharmacy collaboration 
• Real-time visibility across the medication lifecycle 
• A unified source of truth for medication data 

Organizations that prioritize deep, workflow-driven integration are better positioned to improve safety, efficiency, and outcomes—without adding operational complexity.

The Bottom Line

Closed-loop medication management is no longer a future goal—it’s a necessity for healthcare environments where accuracy, accountability, and speed matter most.  

By choosing platforms designed to operate as a connected system, agencies can close the gaps that lead to errors and inefficiencies—delivering safer, more reliable medication management at scale.  

Close the Loop in Your Organization

Safer medication management doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when clinical and pharmacy systems are designed to work as one.

If you’re ready to eliminate gaps, reduce risk, and improve coordination across your facilities, we’re ready to help.

Submit an inquiry to explore how an integrated EHR and pharmacy platform can support your mission.

Other Articles You Might Like

The post Closing the Loop: Why Integrated EHR and Pharmacy Systems Are Essential to Safe Medication Management appeared first on Fusion.

The release of the NCCHC 2026 Standards for Health Services reflects the continued maturation of regulatory expectations in correctional healthcare. While the updates build on existing principles, they reinforce a clear directive: healthcare organizations must operate within frameworks that support consistent, accountable, and well-documented care delivery at all times.

The 2026 standards place greater emphasis on operational alignment, documentation integrity, and system level accountability. Compliance is no longer defined by written policy alone, but by the ability to sustain compliant practices across clinical, administrative, and pharmacy operations. For many organizations, this highlights the growing gaps between regulatory requirements and the capabilities of legacy or disconnected systems.

As NCCHC standards continue to influence how care is delivered, managed, and evaluated, organizations are increasingly examining whether their health IT infrastructure is equipped to support compliance not just today, but as regulatory expectations continue to evolve.

A Shift from Policy to Proof

One of the most notable themes in the 2026 NCCHC standards is the emphasis on demonstrable compliance. Policies and procedures still matter, but surveyors are increasingly focused on whether organizations can show, clearly and consistently, that care is being delivered as intended.

This has implications across several domains, including:

• Clinical documentation and timelines
• Medication management and continuity of care
• Intake, screening, and ongoing assesments
• Coordination betwee custody, healthcare, and external partners
• Quality improvement and performance monitoring

In practice, this means organizations need systems that support standardized workflows without sacrificing flexibility, especially as populations, staffing models, and care needs evolve.

Technology as a Compliance Enabler, Not a Burden

The 2026 standards do not mandate specific technologies, but they do raise expectations around traceability, accessibility of records, and the ability to respond to audits and reviews with confidence.

Modern health information systems can play a critical role by:

• Centralizing clinical, pharmacy, and financial data
• Supporting role-based access and secure information sharing
• Enabling configurable forms aligned to NCCHC standards
• Providing reporting tools that support continuous quality improvement
• Reducing reliance on manual processes that introduce risk and inconsistency

When systems are purpose-built for regulated environments, compliance becomes a byproduct of good operations rather than an ongoing scramble.

Looking Beyond Corrections Alone

While NCCHC standards are specific to correctional healthcare, the operational challenges they address are familiar across many regulated and movement-restricted care environments. Behavioral health programs, community-based services, higher education health services, and other institutitional settings face similar pressures around documentation, accountability, and coordination.  

Organizations that take a long-term view of technology investment are increasingly looking for platforms that can scale across programs, populations, and regulatory frameworks, rather than solving for a single use case at a time.  

Preparing for 2026 and Beyond

As agencies and providers assess their readiness for the updated NCCHC standards, the most successful organizations will focus on three questions: 

1. Do our systems support consistent, auditable workflows across the continuum of care? 

2. Can we easily adapt documentation and processes as standards evolve? 

3. Does our technology help deliver care? 

The answers to these questoins will not only shape outcomes, but also operational efficiency, staff satisfaction, and patient outcomes in the years ahead.  

Fusion Health works with organizations operating in complex, highly regulated environments to deliver configurable, scalable health IT solutions designed for real-world care delivery. If you have questions about the 2026 standards or would like to discuss how your organization supports compliance through technology and workflow design, our team is available to help.

Submit an inquiry to connect with Fusion Health and continue the conversation.

Other Articles You Might Like

The post NCCHC 2026 Standards: Why Health IT Readiness Matters Now appeared first on Fusion.

As 2025 comes to a close, correctional healthcare leaders are taking stock of a year shaped by rising acuity, staffing pressure, and increased regulatory scrutiny. Industry reporting, including Correctional News’ 2025 correctional trends review, made one thing clear: healthcare delivery in secure environments depends on technology that is built for accountability, continuity, and real-world constraints.

Accountability Must Be Built Into the System

Oversight and compliance continued to intensify in 2025. Documentation accuracy, audit readiness, and medication traceability and no longer secondary concerns. They are part of daily clinical operations.

Correctional healthcare teams increasingly rely on EHR and pharmacy systems that support security, role-based access, reporting, and regulatory requirements by design. Systems that treat accountability as an add-on struggle under real operational pressure.

Specialized Health Technology Performs Better

Correctional healthcare is not a simplified care environment. It is multidisciplinary, security-driven, and operationally constrained. This year highlighted the limits of generalized health IT platforms that are not designed for intake workflows, behavioral health coordination, or custody-driven realities.

Purpose-built EHR and pharmacy technology reduces friction for clinical teams and supports safer, more consistent care. Specialization matters when care is complex and failure is not an option.

Pharmacy Operations Remain Central to Risk & Compliance

Medication management remained a focal point in 2025. Facilities serving high-need populations must manage prescribing, dispensing, and administration with precision while maintaining compliance with evolving regulations.

Integrated pharmacy management systems support safer medication practices, clearer documentation, and better coordination of care. In correctional settings, pharmacy technology is inseparable from overall quality and risk management.

Continuity of Care Is a Persistent Challenge

Transitions between housing units, facilities, and community settings remain high-risk moments for care disruption. This year reinforced the importance of health technology that maintains accurate, accessible clinical records across transitions.

EHR systems that support continuity of care help reduce treatment gaps and adverse events, particularly for patients with chronic or behavioral health needs.

Technology Partnerships Extend Beyond Go-Live

Agencies increasingly need healthcare technology partners to stay engaged beyond implementation. Systems must evolve as regulations change and operational realities surface.

Long-term partnership, ongoing support, and client driven improvement are becoming essential components of successful correctional healthcare technology.

Looking Ahead

The lessons of 2025 are clear for correctional healthcare organizations planning ahead:

• Accountability must be built into EHR and pharmacy systems
• Specialized technology better supports complex, regulated environments
• Continuity of care depends on reliable, integrated health records

Fusion Health builds EHR and pharmacy technology for correctional healthcare and other highly regulated care environments. We partner closely with our clients to deliver systems that remain reliable as conditions, regulations, and needs change.

Correctional Health is public health.

Want to read more? Check out our other blog articles.

Other Articles You Might Like

The post Lessons from 2025: Health Technology for Correctional Care appeared first on Fusion.

Let’s dive into some of the most recent and timely issues demanding our attention.

The Push for EHR Interoperability and Data Exchange

The promise of a truly connected healthcare ecosystem hinges on seamless data exchange between different EHR systems. While progress has been made, recent discussions continue to highlight the challenges and the ongoing need for improved interoperability standards in the health technology realm. New initiatives and regulations are frequently being introduced, aiming to break down data silos and empower both providers and patients with a holistic view of health information. Keeping abreast of these evolving standards and ensuring our solutions can effectively integrate with diverse systems remains a critical focus.

Addressing EHR Usability and Clinician Burnout via Health Technology

The initial enthusiasm surrounding EHRs has, in some cases, been tempered by concerns about usability and the potential contribution to clinician burnout. Recent studies and discussions are emphasizing the need for intuitive interfaces, streamlined workflows, and reduced administrative burden associated with EHR use. The industry is seeing a ton of focus on user-centered design principles and the integration of AI-powered tools to enhance efficiency and help some of the pressures faced by healthcare professionals.

The Rise of Closed-Loop Medication Management in Health Tech

The concept of closed-loop medication management, particularly for conditions like diabetes, is rapidly moving from theoretical possibility to practical application. Recent advancements in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pump technology, coupled with sophisticated algorithms, are paving the way for automated insulin delivery systems. This not only improves glycemic control but also reduces the cognitive burden on patients. We’re closely watching these developments and considering how our software solutions can integrate with and support these innovative approaches.

Navigating Data Privacy and Security in an Evolving Threat Landscape

Health data is becoming more and more digital and connected. With it, the call to protect patient privacy and ensure data security grows stronger. Recent high-profile breaches and the increasing complexity of cyber threats show the ongoing need for powerful security measures, compliance with evolving regulations like HIPAA, and proactive strategies to safeguard sensitive information.

This is, and will remain, a non-negotiable priority for all stakeholders in health technology.

The Correction and Refinement of AI/ML in Health Technology

While artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) hold huge potential to revolutionize healthcare, recent discussions have also highlighted the importance of careful validation, addressing biases in algorithms, and ensuring responsible implementation. The focus is shifting towards practical applications of AI that augment human capabilities, improve diagnostic accuracy, and personalize treatment pathways, while also acknowledging the need for ongoing evaluation and refinement.

Looking Ahead

These are just a few of the dynamic forces shaping the health technology landscape right now. For companies like Fusion Health, our commitment to providing cutting-edge software solutions means actively engaging with these trends, anticipating future needs, and continuously innovating to empower movement-restricted communities with the best possible tools for managing their health. The journey is ongoing, and the path forward is paved with both challenges and exciting opportunities.

Want to read more? Check out our other blog articles.

Other Articles You Might Like

The post Navigating the Now: Key Trends Shaping Health Technology in 2025 appeared first on Fusion.

The FDA’s DSCSA enforcement is actively underway, with all trading partners expected to be working towards full electronic traceability. The cost of noncompliance far outweighs the investment in a robust solution, and pharmacies that have not yet begun should immediately prioritize implementing DSCSA solutions to lower their risk of enforcement action and ensure continued access to medications. While the core requirements for package-level tracing became effective in November 2024, the FDA has provided extended compliance deadlines for dispensers who have already initiated their systems and processes.

A Refresher on the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA)

At its core, the goal of the DSCSA is for pharmacies to establish an electronic, interoperable system to trace prescription drugs at the package level. The most substantial challenge for pharmacies in achieving full DSCSA compliance revolves around transitioning to accept and securely store transaction information (TI) and transaction statements (TS) in an electronic, interoperable format, predominantly using the GS1 Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) standard.

The clock has been ticking towards greater DSCSA enforcement. While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established a stabilization period for enhanced drug distribution security requirements that concluded on November 27, 2024, it’s crucial for dispensers to understand the latest guidance. The FDA’s extended compliance deadlines for trading partners, including dispensers, are intended for those who have initiated systems and processes for package-level traceability. Those deadlines are as follows:

• Dispensers with 26 or more full-time employees (licensed pharmacists or qualified pharmacy technicians): May be exempt from certain requirements until November 27, 2025, provided they have initiated their electronic DSCSA data connections and processes.
• Dispensers with 25 or fewer full-time licensed pharmacist/tech employees as of Nov 27, 2024): May be exempt until November 27, 2026, under the same condition of having initiated necessary systems.

Remember, though, that these exemptions are not a pass to delay action. They underscore the FDA’s expectation that all trading partners are actively working towards full, interoperable, electronic tracing. The November 2024 date remains a significant milestone by which systems should have been initiated. If you haven’t gotten started on this initiative yet, you are unfortunately under the eight ball and will need to move quickly to procure a solution and ensure compliance with the DSCSA.

While initially seeming like an added burden, proper DSCSA systems can streamline receiving processes, improve inventory management, and provide clearer audit trails, which is ultimately a good thing in terms of operational efficiency. For dispensers, understanding and implementing DSCSA requirements is a fundamental aspect of patient care and operational integrity—and with key DSCSA compliance deadlines approaching, now is a great time to solidify your compliance strategy.

The Road to Compliance: Understanding Key Requirements for Dispensers

DSCSA compliance is multifaceted, touching nearly every aspect of how pharmacies receive and dispense medications. Its importance cannot be overstated: The core objective of DSCSA is to protect patients from counterfeit, stolen, contaminated, or otherwise harmful drugs. By enabling robust track and trace capabilities, pharmacies play a vital role in preventing these dangerous products from reaching patients while demonstrating a commitment to the highest standards of safety and care—bolstering trust among patients, prescribers, and trading partners.

Dispensers are at the critical final point in the supply chain before medications reach patients. Key responsibilities under DSCSA include:

• Receiving data electronically. This means adopting systems to accept and store transaction information (TI) and transaction statements (TS) in a secure, electronic, and interoperable format, primarily the GS1 Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) standard.
• Product verification. The systems you implement must be able to verify the product identifier (including the NDC, serial number, lot number, and expiration date) on prescription drug packages.
• Suspect and illegitimate product handling. Your pharmacy will need to implement processes and standard operating procedures to identify, quarantine, investigate, and report suspect or illegitimate products to the FDA and trading partners.
• Record-keeping. You’ll need to maintain DSCSA-required documentation (TI, TS) for at least six years.

DSCSA’s rules are undeniably complicated. Achieving compliance means pharmacies will need to navigate complex technical integrations, significant workflow changes, extensive data management, and careful resource allocation. But it all boils down to this: Fusion360 will do all the work for you.

Fusion360: Your Turnkey Track and Trace DSCSA Solution

Fusion understands the unique pressures faced by pharmacies. Our Fusion360 DSCSA track-and-trace platform is a powerful, turnkey track and trace solution specifically designed to simplify DSCSA compliance for dispensers.

Fusion360 empowers your pharmacy to meet DSCSA mandates with confidence by:

• Streamlining EPCIS data exchange. Receive, process, and manage electronic TI and TS from your suppliers.
• Offering a “turnkey” experience. Fusion360 is designed for ease of use and speedy implementation, minimizing disruption to your existing operations and helping you meet the “initiated systems” requirement for compliance extensions.
• Simplifying product verification. Integrated tools to efficiently verify product identifiers, ensuring the authenticity of medications.
• Automating record-keeping. Securely store all DSCSA-required data for the mandated six-year period, ensuring you are audit-ready.
• Facilitating suspect product management. Robust workflows to help identify, quarantine, investigate, and report potentially suspect or illegitimate products in line with FDA guidance.

Don’t Wait: Secure Fusion360 and Ensure DSCSA Compliance

The DSCSA landscape continues to evolve, but the objective remains clear: a safer, more secure pharmaceutical supply chain. While extensions provide some breathing room for dispensers who are actively implementing solutions, the expectation for proactive compliance is not going anywhere.

Waiting until the last minute to address DSCSA requirements introduces unnecessary risk to your patients and your business. Take control of your DSCSA compliance today with Fusion360.

TAKE ACTION NOW

The post DSCSA Compliance Deadline: Is Your Pharmacy Ready? appeared first on Fusion.

To help you navigate and comply with DSCSA compliance requirements, Fusion has developed Fusion360, a highly affordable, all-in-one software solution designed to simplify track-and-trace processes and ensure seamless compliance.

We’re hosting webinars on two dates, June 12 and June 26, so you can see if Fusion360 is right for you. Please use the registration links below to pick the date that’s best for you!

The post 2025 Fusion Webinars: DSCSA Compliance & Fusion360 appeared first on Fusion.

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of DSCSA Compliance

At its heart, the DSCSA aims to establish a secure, electronic, and interoperable system for identifying and tracing prescription drugs throughout the U.S. supply chain. This involves the fundamental ability to track and trace prescription drugs at the individual package level, ensuring a clear and unbroken chain of custody.

Equally important is the verification of Authorized Trading Partners (ATPs), confirming the legitimacy of everyone involved in the supply chain. Pharmacies must also implement systems capable of electronically exchanging transaction information, transaction history, and transaction statements. The application of unique serial numbers to drug packages, known as serialization, provides an additional layer of security and traceability. Furthermore, the ability to rapidly verify the legitimacy of drug products is essential, as is the establishment of clear procedures for quarantining and notifying relevant parties about suspected illegitimate products.

Challenges Faced by Pharmacies in DSCSA Compliance

Pharmacies face a multitude of challenges in meeting DSCSA requirements. The sheer volume of data related to product tracing and serialization presents a significant hurdle, demanding robust data management systems. Ensuring seamless data exchange with diverse trading partners and internal systems, or interoperability, is another critical challenge. The financial and logistical implications of investing in and implementing appropriate technology solutions cannot be underestimated.

Pharmacists must also stay vigilant in tracking and adapting to the constantly evolving DSCSA regulations and deadlines. Establishing efficient processes for verifying the legitimacy of drug products is crucial, as is the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to government inquiries and investigations.

Key Considerations for Effective DSCSA Compliance

To successfully navigate the complexities of DSCSA compliance, pharmacists should prioritize the implementation of comprehensive data management systems capable of efficiently handling DSCSA-related information. Building and maintaining strong relationships with authorized trading partners is essential. Robust verification processes must be established to ensure product legitimacy. Regular audits and assessments should be conducted to identify and address any compliance gaps. Continuous training for staff on DSCSA requirements and procedures is vital. Finally, pharmacies must remain proactive in monitoring regulatory updates and changes to DSCSA mandates.

The Importance of Proactive Compliance

Proactive DSCSA compliance is paramount for protecting patient safety, maintaining regulatory compliance, and ensuring business continuity. By thoroughly understanding the core requirements and addressing the inherent challenges, pharmacists can effectively navigate the evolving landscape of DSCSA and contribute to a more secure pharmaceutical supply chain.

With deadlines looming and mandates becoming increasingly stringent, pharmacies are actively seeking reliable DSCSA compliance solutions like Fusion360, to streamline their operations.

Fusion360 stands out as a comprehensive, intelligent track and trace (iTNT) solution designed to address the full spectrum of DSCSA requirements, providing a seamless, efficient, and future-proof approach to DSCSA compliance.

Download a Fusion360 product brochure.

Wondering if Fusion360 is right for you? Join software and subject matter experts for a live webinar on March 25 or April 10. Get details and register here.

The post DSCSA Compliance Explained for Pharmacy Professionals appeared first on Fusion.

Fortunately, there’s a proven path to enhancing correctional healthcare: accreditation. Organizations like the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) offer accreditation programs that set standards for quality care and provide a framework for continuous improvement.

The NBER Study: A Closer Look at Correctional Health Accreditation

This groundbreaking study, conducted across 44 jails in the US, provides compelling evidence for the benefits of correctional healthcare accreditation. The researchers randomly assigned jails to either receive support and financial assistance in obtaining NCCHC accreditation or to continue with their existing healthcare practices.

The results were striking. Jails that pursued accreditation saw significant improvements in the coordination of healthcare services, leading to better patient care and a notable reduction in mortality rates among inmates. Furthermore, the study found a suggestive link between accreditation and lower recidivism rates, indicating that improved healthcare may play a role in reducing re-offending.

Why Does Correctional Health Accreditation Matter?

Accreditation, such as that offered by the NCCHC, serves as a powerful tool for enhancing correctional healthcare in several ways:

• Establishes Standards: Accreditation provides a clear set of standards that define quality care within correctional settings. These standards cover a wide range of areas, from clinical practices and medication management to infection control and mental health services.
• Promotes Accountability: The accreditation process involves rigorous evaluation by external experts, ensuring that facilities meet established benchmarks. This fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Enhances Coordination: Accreditation encourages better communication and collaboration among healthcare staff, leading to more efficient and effective care delivery. This is particularly important in correctional settings, where care is often fragmented.
• Improves Outcomes: By adhering to evidence-based practices and promoting quality improvement, accreditation contributes to better health outcomes for incarcerated individuals. This includes reduced mortality rates, improved management of chronic conditions, and better access to mental health services.
• Reduces Recidivism: While more research is needed, the NBER study suggests a promising link between accreditation and lower recidivism rates. By addressing health needs and providing support services, accreditation may help individuals successfully reintegrate into society upon release.

The Role of Technology in Achieving Correctional Health Accreditation

Technology plays a crucial role in supporting accreditation efforts and optimizing healthcare delivery within correctional facilities. Electronic health records (EHRs), for example, offer a powerful tool for streamlining documentation, improving care coordination, and enhancing data management.

A robust EHR system, like the one offered by Fusion, can help correctional facilities:

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive patient records.
• Track key performance indicators related to accreditation standards.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among healthcare providers.
• Improve medication management and reduce errors.
• Support data analysis and quality improvement initiatives.

By leveraging technology effectively, correctional facilities can streamline their operations, enhance the quality of care, and achieve their accreditation goals.

The post Does Accreditation Lead to Better Outcomes and Reduced Recidivism in Correctional Healthcare? appeared first on Fusion.

This blog post takes a deep dive into Cameron’s arguments in his recent article “Artificial Intelligence in Corrections: Balancing Security and Ethics” (Corrections Today, Fall 2024) and provides Fusion Health’s perspective on how to responsibly leverage AI in correctional settings.

Point: AI’s Potential Benefits in Correctional Facilities

Cameron argues that AI can significantly benefit correctional facilities in several ways, such as security. AI-powered surveillance systems can analyze vast amounts of data from video feeds, inmate communications, and other methods in real time to identify potential security threats like planned escapes, gang activity, or contraband smuggling. This proactive approach could prevent incidents before they occur, enhancing staff and inmate security.

Then there’s increased efficiency. AI can streamline jail, prison, or detention center operations by automating tasks like scheduling, inmate medication management, and even preliminary risk assessments. This can help alleviate the burden on officers, allowing them to focus on direct supervision, inmate interaction, and maintaining safety and security. This is especially valuable in the current landscape of correctional facilities, which are often plagued by staffing shortages.

It could even potentially help with recidivism. AI can be leveraged to examine inmate data and identify individuals who might benefit from specific correctional healthcare programs or interventions, including those struggling with substance abuse, behavioral health conditions, and other chronic illnesses that require ongoing management and treatment. This much-more-personalized approach could lead to more effective rehabilitation and reduce recidivism rates.

Counterpoint: AI’s Potential Pitfalls, Ethical and Otherwise

However, Cameron also cautions against the potential downsides of AI in corrections, emphasizing the need for responsible implementation. For example, you likely know that AI algorithms are “trained” on data. If the data that an AI is being trained on unknowingly reflects existing biases in the criminal justice system, the AI system—which doesn’t know any better—will perpetuate those biases, potentially leading to unfair treatment and disproportionate treatment among certain groups.

Here’s a real-world example. Some risk assessment tools used in corrections leverage historical crime data to predict the likelihood of an individual reoffending. However, if the data used to train these tools reflects existing biases in policing and arrests (such as possible over-policing of certain neighborhoods or racial profiling), the tool may predict a higher risk of reoffending for individuals from those groups—even if they aren’t actually more likely to commit crimes. This can lead to harsher sentences or stricter bail conditions for these individuals, perpetuating the existing biases in the system.

This problem is compounded because the decision-making processes of complex AI algorithms can be opaque and hard to understand, making it difficult for users to see why the AI made a specific decision or why an AI bias would exist. This lack of transparency can hinder accountability and make it challenging to address errors or AI biases.

Furthermore, Cameron argues that AI-powered surveillance systems raise serious privacy concerns for both inmates and staff. Inmates may feel like they are under even more constant surveillance, with their activities tracked and analyzed, leading to potential dehumanization for these individuals. This feeling could even extend to correctional staff—if workers feel like they are being constantly monitored, it could cause them to feel uneasy and suspicious, potentially impacting the ability to build positive relationships with inmates.

Fusion’s Take on AI in Corrections: Proceed with Caution

Our take? Fusion Health largely agrees with Cameron’s assessment of AI’s potential in corrections and believe it offers exciting possibilities for enhancing safety, efficiency, and rehabilitation efforts. However, we believe it’s crucial to proactively address any potential ethical concerns to ensure AI is used responsibly and equitably.

Here are some key considerations from our team:

• It is very important to ensure data used to train AI algorithms is accurate, representative, and free from biases. Corrections teams should regularly monitor and audit AI systems to identify and rectify any potential discriminatory outcomes.
• AI should be seen as a tool to assist correctional staff, not replace them. Human oversight is crucial to ensure that AI-driven decisions are fair and aligned with ethical guidelines.
• Correctional facilities should aim for transparency in their use of ethical AI. Inmates and staff should have a clear understanding of how AI systems are being used and how they impact their lives.
• Strict protocols should be in place to protect the privacy of inmates and staff. Data collection and usage should be limited to legitimate security and operational purposes, with clear guidelines on data retention and access.

Citation: Cameron, R. Artificial Intelligence in Corrections: Balancing Security and Ethics. Corrections Today, Fall 2024.

Other Fusion Articles

The post AI in Corrections: The Future of Care or Cause for Concern? appeared first on Fusion.

What is the Medicaid Reentry Section 1115 Demonstration Opportunity?

This program, authorized by Section 1115 of the Social Security Act, allows states to obtain Medicaid re-entry waivers to provide Medicaid benefits to eligible individuals up to 90 days before their release from incarceration. Though varying from state to state, eligible individuals generally include adults and/or juveniles currently in a prison, jail, penitentiary, or detention center.

As of December 2024, 11 states are approved to participate in the Medicaid Reentry Section 1115 Demonstration Opportunity, while 13 states are under review. For states that want to apply to participate in this program, the CMS has issued guidance for designing demonstration projects that need to be submitted as part of the application process.

This pre-release Medicaid coverage opens doors to essential correctional healthcare services, including:

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT). For individuals with substance use disorders, states must provide access to all types of MAT, along with counseling support, to aid in recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.
• Medication continuity. Patients must receive a 30-day supply of all necessary prescription medications upon release. This helps ensure uninterrupted treatment.
• Transitional care planning: Connecting individuals with community-based providers and resources to support their successful reintegration.

By bridging the gap between correctional facilities and community health services, the Medicaid 1115b Re-entry Initiative aims to improve health outcomes, reduce the likelihood of individuals returning to incarceration, and ultimately foster healthier communities.

The Vital Role of EHRs, PMS, and Other Health IT

Fusion’s view is that health IT is essential for the successful implementation of the Section 1115 Re-entry Demonstrations. Here’s how correctional healthcare technology can support this initiative:

• Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Comprehensive EHRs facilitate the secure documentation of patient information, tracking of health conditions, and seamless care coordination between correctional facilities and community providers. Furthermore, EHRs with integrated billing functionalities can streamline the claims process for Medicaid reimbursement under the 1115b program, ensuring timely and accurate payments for correctional healthcare services rendered.
• Pharmacy Management Systems: These systems streamline medication refills, track potential drug interactions, and ensure medication adherence post-release, minimizing the risk of relapse or complications.
• Specialized Behavioral Health IT Solutions: Specialized software can help identify and address mental health and substance use disorders, providing crucial support during the vulnerable re-entry period.

By leveraging these health IT solutions, we can optimize care delivery, improve data sharing between stakeholders, and enhance communication among providers, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and a smoother transition back into society.

Benefits for Jails, Prisons, and Other Corrections Departments

The Medicaid Reentry Section 1115 Demonstration Opportunity offers numerous advantages for corrections facilities who choose to participate. These include:

• Improved health outcomes: Addressing health concerns pre-release reduces the risk of complications and hospital readmissions post-release, leading to better overall health for individuals re-entering the community.
• Reduced recidivism rates: Access to healthcare can help address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior, such as substance use disorders or mental health conditions, leading to lower recidivism rates.
• Enhanced care coordination: Health IT solutions facilitate seamless transitions between correctional facilities and community providers, ensuring continuity of care and reducing the burden on both systems.

How HealthIT Vendors Can Support Re-Entry

As a leading health service IT vendor for correctional facilities, we are committed to supporting the Medicaid 1115b Re-entry Initiative by:

• Providing comprehensive EHR solutions: Our electronic health record solution, FusionEHR, was designed from the ground up to meet the unique needs of corrections facilities, with robust security features and specialized modules for managing health conditions prevalent in this population.
• Offering integrated pharmacy management systems: Our systems streamline medication management, reducing errors and improving adherence, which is critical for individuals transitioning back into the community.
• Developing innovative behavioral health IT solutions: We provide tools for screening, assessment, and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, helping to address these critical needs during re-entry.

We believe that the Medicaid Reentry Section 1115 Demonstration Opportunity represents a significant advancement in our efforts to improve the health and well-being of individuals leaving incarceration. By collaborating with corrections and and community providers, we can leverage health IT to create a more seamless and effective re-entry process, ultimately benefiting both individuals and society as a whole.

Other EHR Articles You Might Like

The post Improving Care Transitions with the Medicaid Reentry Section 1115 Demonstration Opportunity appeared first on Fusion.