SPOKANE — The Spokane County Jail has entered into a $2.6 million contract with an Alabama-based company that specializes in medical treatment for inmates as the jail has struggled with recruiting medical staff.
The Spokesman-Review reported the county commission approved the six-month contract this month with NaphCare Inc.
Detention Services Director John McGrath had proposed the agreement after three nurses at the jail quit their jobs. He says the deal also comes after additional nursing positions were authorized by commissioners in 2014 but never filled.
McGrath says the jail is operating at about half the authorized staffing levels, with 10 registered nurses and two licensed nurse practitioners.
The contract will add 13 employees and cover medical costs for each inmate up to $15,000.
