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 inmate-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 inmate 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 inmate obtain services under the American’s with Disabilities Act?

If an inmate feels he/she meets the criteria for services under the American’s with Disabilities Act they may submit a CDCR 1824, Reasonable Accommodation Request. All 1824’s will be reviewed by the institutions Reasonable Accommodation Panel within five working days of receipt and an appropriate response will be provided to the inmate.

How do I obtain an inmate’s medical information?

Inmates medical information is confidential and protected by various laws including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Inmates may authorize you to access their medical information by completing a CDCR 7385, Authorization for Release of Information form. Without approval from the inmate you will not be provided with any information relating to his/her medical status or condition(s).

How does an inmate obtain an Authorization for Release of Information Form?

Inmates may obtain an Authorization for Release of Information Form at any health care clinic at his/her 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 Lines at each institution enable 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.

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 CPHCSCCUWEB@cdcr.ca.gov.