Health Care Assistance
How can the Office of the Ombudsman help me with Medical Issues?
We can assist with medical concerns; however, due to patient privacy laws the Office of the Ombudsman cannot divulge or discuss specific health treatment an incarcerated person-patient is receiving; rather, this Office can assist concerned family members by listening to their concerns and referring them to the appropriate health care staff at an institution.
How can an individual grieve their health care treatment?
If an incarcerated person is not in agreement with the health care treatment they are receiving, they may file a health care grievance utilizing the CDCR 602 HC, Health Care Grievance form. These forms are available in all housing units.
How does an incarcerated person obtain services under the Americans with Disabilities Act?
If an incarcerated person feels he/she/they meets the criteria for services under the Americans with Disabilities Act they may submit a CDCR 1824, Reasonable Accommodation Request. All CDCR 602-1/1824, Grievance/Reasonable Accommodation Requests will be reviewed by the institutions Reasonable Accommodation Panel within five working days of receipt and an appropriate response will be provided to the incarcerated person.
- Additional information regarding the Personal Health Care Inquiry process is available at https://cchcs.ca.gov/contact/
How do I obtain an incarcerated person’s medical information?
Incarcerated persons medical information is confidential and protected by various laws including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Incarcerated persons may authorize you to access their medical information by completing a CDCR 7385, Authorization for Release of Information form. Without approval from the incarcerated person you will not be provided with any information relating to his/her/their medical status or condition(s).
How does an incarcerated person obtain an Authorization for Release of Information Form?
Incarcerated persons may obtain an Authorization for Release of Information Form at any health care clinic at his/her/their institution.
How do I contact an institution’s Patient Health Care Inquiry Line?
For a complete telephone list, refer to CCHCS Contact Us, Patient Health Care Inquiry.
What is the Patient Health Care Inquiry Line?
The Patient Health Care Inquiry Line at each institution enables authorized individuals to inquire about urgent changes in a patient’s health care condition or status for patients currently under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Calls not related to urgent changes in a patient’s health care condition or status will not be returned. Patient Health Care Inquiry
How do I report patient-specific health care or treatment concerns?
All non-urgent Patient Health Care Inquiries requesting patient-specific health care or treatment concerns shall be submitted in writing to: Health Care Correspondence and Appeals Branch, California Correctional Health Care Services, P.O. Box 588500, Elk Grove, CA 95758 or by email to m_CCHCSPHCI@cdcr.ca.gov.