Judge: Prison Health in Crisis

The federal judge with oversight over California’s prison health care system indicated Monday that he is unhappy with the state government’s response to his order to turn over $250 million to the health care program, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Earlier this month, District Judge Thelton Henderson had ordered state officials to tell him how they would provide the $250 million.

In all, the receiver appointed by Henderson to run the system has asked for $8 billion in capital funds to bring the prison health system up to constitutional muster.

Most of that money would be raised through bond issues, but at the moment Henderson is seeking $250 million in money that had already been appropriated by the Legislature for prison health expenses, the receiver said.

Henderson said he is prepared to sign an order requiring the state to come up with the $250 million by Nov. 5 or face a contempt of court hearing a week later, according to the report.

“Despite the progress that has been made, the health care system remains in a state of crisis,” judge said.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM BOND BUYER