Final_RFP_500_2600000380_1_SO_FORM.PDF

Document ID: RFP 500 2600000380 Page: 1

Commonwealth of Kentucky

SOLICITATION

Modification: No Version #:

TITLE: Comprehensive Medical Servcies

Date Issued:

05/08/2026 Record Date:

04/29/2026

Solicitation Closes Date:

07/17/2026 Time:

14:00

Solicitation No:

RFP 500 2600000380

Online Bidding Prohibited: Yes

For Information Call:

GALEN BENASSI

502-573-4308

Bid Receiving Location:

Department Of Corrections Galen Benassi 275 E. Main St. Hsb G-39

Frankfort KY 40602-2400

Vendor Customer Number:

Vendor Name:

Phone Number:

Fax Number:

Email Address:

Ordering

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Contact Name:

Contact Email:

Contact Phone Number:

Payment

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Contact Name:

Contact Email:

Contact Phone Number:

Ownership Type

__ Sole Proprietorship __ Partnership __ Corporation __ Other_________________________

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED AGENT IS REQUIRED UNLESS RESPONSE

IS SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY. FAILURE TO SIGN SHALL RENDER

THE BID INVALID.

Signature X_________________________________________ FEIN#____________________ Date____________

All offers subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

Document ID: RFP 500 2600000380 Page: 2

Line Items

Commodity Group: Default

Line CL Description Quantity UOM Unit Cost Line Total or Contract Amnt

1 Comprehensive Medical

Comm Code Comm Description Manufacturer Model # Manuf Part #

94874 Professional Medical Services (Including Physicians, Pharmac

Extended Description Medical Services

Shipping Information Department of Corrections - Central Office Administrative Services P.O. Box 2400 275 East Main Street Room G-37 Frankfort KY 40602-2400

Billing Information Administrative Services - Central Office

P.O. Box 2400 275 East Main Street Room G-37 Frankfort KY 40602-2400

Document ID: RFP 500 2600000380 Page: 3

Submission Checklist

The following items will be required to be submitted with bid:

Item

Revised February 2026

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

The vendor MUST include the following with the proposal submission.

If the items highlighted below are not submitted with the proposal submission, the Commonwealth MUST deem the proposal non-responsive and SHALL NOT consider for award.

All other items MUST be submitted prior to award.

_____ SIGNED AND COMPLETED SOLICITATION –Section(s) 8.00 and 8.10 of this RFP

(not required if submitting electronically)

_____ *PROPOSED SOLUTION (TECHNICAL) UNDER SEALED COVER AND BY

CLOSING DATE --Section(s) 8.00 and 8.10 of this RFP

_____ *PROPOSED SOLUTION (COST) UNDER SEALED COVER AND BY CLOSING

DATE -- Section(s) 8.00 and 8.10 of this RFP

_____ TRANSMITTAL LETTER – Section 8.20 of this RFP

_____ PROOF OF REGISTRATION WITH SECRETARY OF STATE BY A FOREIGN

ENTITY -- Section 8.00 of the Personal Service Contract Terms and Conditions of this

RFP

_____ REQUIRED AFFIDAVIT(S) – Section 8.20 of this RFP

*The Commonwealth defines SEALED as “a closure that must be broken to be opened and that thus reveals tampering” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, https://www.merriam-webster.com/ dictionary/seal

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

FOR

PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet / Department of Corrections Medical Services

RFP 500 2600000380

This document constitutes a Request for Proposals for a Personal Service Contract from qualified individuals and organizations to furnish those services as described herein for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Corrections (the “Commonwealth” or “DOC”).

Offerors are advised that any personal service contract resulting from this RFP must comply with all applicable provisions of KRS 45A and KRS 12.210 prior to becoming effective.

A contract, based on this RFP, may or may not be awarded. Any contract award from this RFP is invalid until properly approved and executed by the Finance and Administration Cabinet and filed with the Legislative Research Commission, Government Contract Review Committee.

Definitions

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2600000380 Final Comprehensive Medical Servcies Total Pages: 42 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seal https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seal

For the purpose of this RFP, the following terms may be used interchangeably:

- Proposer, Offeror, Contractor, Provider, or Vendor

- Commonwealth Buyer, Buyer, Purchaser, or Contract Officer

- RFP, Solicitation, or Procurement

- Bid, Proposal, or Offer

- Inmate, Offender, Prisoner, Incarcerated Individual, Adult, Person Adjudicated, or

Person Confined to a Correctional Institution

- Health Care Services or Medical Services

- Commonwealth of Kentucky, Commonwealth, State, State of Kentucky, Agency, Division, or DOC

- Fiscal Year will be defined as the Commonwealth fiscal year: July 1 through June 30

- Biennium will be defined as the Commonwealth biennium: July 1 of each even numbered year through June 30 of the next even numbered year

- Requirements that include the words “Shall”, “Will”, or “Must” indicate a mandatory requirement

The following terminology may be utilized throughout this RFP:

- “ACA” refers to the American Correctional Association. The ACA is a trade association and one of the accrediting bodies for the corrections industry. The ACA sets standards for adult correctional detention facilities along with their operations and health care standards.

- “Commonwealth” means the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

- “DOC” means the Commonwealth’s Department of Corrections. DOC’s mission is to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth and to provide a safe, secure and humane environment for staff and offenders in carrying out the mandates of the legislative and judicial processes; and, to provide opportunities for offenders to acquire skills, which facilitate non-criminal behavior.

- “EHR" means Electronic Health Record and refers to the software program provided by the Commonwealth to document an inmate medical history, vital statistics, clinical notes, medication administration, and complete health care profile.

- “eMAR” means electronic Medication Administration Record and refers to the electronic capture of the medication prescribed and administered to an inmate. The eMAR is a section within the EMR.

- “EMR” means Electronic Medical Record and refers to the electronic version of a patient’s chart. The EMR is an individuals’ record/file within the EHR system.

- "Health Care Services" means the furnishing of medicine, medical or surgical treatment, nursing, hospital service, mental health service, optometry service, complementary health services, or any or all of the enumerated services or any other necessary services of like character, whether or not contingent upon sickness or personal injury, as well as the furnishing to any person of any and all other services and goods for the purpose of preventing, alleviating, curing or healing human illness, physical disability or injury.

- “Offer” means a bid, proposal, Solicitation response or quotation.

- “PRN” means short-term, contract, part-time, or fill-in work by a nurse or health care professional.

- “RFP” means a Request for Proposals. KRS 45A.070(5).

- “Solicitation” means an RFB, RFI, RFP or RFQ.

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2600000380 Final Comprehensive Medical Servcies Total Pages: 42

- “Telehealth” refers to providing both clinical and non-clinical (training, education, etc.) health care services remotely using technology, including but not limited to an internet connection, site-to-site services, video conferencing, streaming media, wireless connections, medical coding, or image transfer.

- “Using Agency” means the state government entity that utilizes the work being contracted.

1.0 Purpose and Background

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit proposals for competitive negotiations pursuant to 200 KAR 5:307. The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Justice & Public Safety Cabinet, Department of Corrections (the “Commonwealth” or “DOC”) is seeking proposals from Contractors with proven experience serving Adults in correctional settings to provide comprehensive Health Care Services to incarcerated individuals.

In addition, the Commonwealth is seeking proposals from Contractors with proven experience serving both adults and juveniles in correctional and detention/residential settings as a contract may also be awarded from this RFP for comprehensive medical and mental Health Care Services for juveniles in the care or custody of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Juvenile Justice.

The following are the Commonwealth’s goals and objectives in seeking to contract for the services outlined in this RFP:

- Provide comprehensive Health Care Services meeting or exceeding the minimum requirements established by the American Correctional Association (ACA) to inmates;

- Maximize onsite care of inmates at all Commonwealth correctional, detention, and residential facilities, whether state-managed or private facilities;

- Reduce costs related to offsite care, including security and transport or transfer of inmates, through increased use of alternative delivery methods such as telehealth;

- Increase focus on preventive care, identifying and addressing illness and health problems in a timely manner to avoid health emergencies and resulting in lower overall medical costs;

- Improve overall continuity of care to ensure the highest quality and most cost-effective medical care is provided to inmates.

Contractors should note that due to recent reform initiatives, the current landscape of the Commonwealth of Kentucky facilities as detailed in this RFP may change prior to award (in either the addition or closure of institutions). The extent of these changes is unknown at this time and as such, DOC has provided Contractors with the most current and relevant information and data on their facilities available at the time of this RFP posting. Should major changes occur prior to award, DOC will communicate those changes and work with Contractors accordingly to assure a mutually beneficial outcome.

DOC currently has a 353 bed medical and mental health institution located in Lexington, KY that is anticipated to open in late summer 2026. The KY State Reformatory located in LaGrange, KY will be closing permanently in late 2026.

2.00 Scope of Work

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All services provided by the Contractor shall at a minimum meet proven standards of health care for inmates and shall meet or exceed the most current edition, including any supplements, of inmate health care standards as set forth by the ACA.

All services shall be consistent with any applicable DOC protocols, policies and procedures, and regulations, as currently existing or subsequently revised. If any applicable DOC policy, procedure or protocol, or regulation provides for a lesser degree of care than ACA accepted health care standards, then accepted ACA health care standards shall take precedence. If any applicable DOC policy or procedure, protocol, or regulation establishes a higher standard of care than ACA accepted health care standards, then such policy or procedure, protocol, or regulation shall take precedence.

# Non-secure DOC policies and procedures can be found at https:// corrections.ky.gov/About/cpp/Pages/default.aspx.

DOC institutions are currently accredited by the ACA. The Contractor must maintain compliance with ACA Standards to ensure all DOC institutions remain accredited. The Contractor shall be responsible for all costs associated with provision of services and maintenance of records in compliance with ACA standards. DOC shall be responsible for all costs associated with the ACA accreditation process.

In the event an institution fails to maintain ACA accreditation due to the non-compliance of the Contractor, liquidated damages as outlined in the Performance Requirements section of this RFP will be assessed against the Contractor. In the event of non-compliance, the Contractor shall immediately institute corrective action to remedy the non-compliance meet full compliance with ACA standards and to ensure accreditation shall be reestablished as soon as is possible.

The Contractor shall comply with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and all related DOC policies and procedures and regulations. The Contractor and subcontractors must adhere to ‘zero tolerance’ .

The Contractor shall ensure required licensure for institutions are maintained without delay or lapse throughout the life of the contract.

The Contractor and Contractor’s staff must acquire, hold, and maintain appropriate state, local, and federal licensing and certification requirements that apply to their profession and duties throughout the life of the awarded contract, including any renewals, and must limit their practice to those procedures in which they are trained and licensed to perform.

A current list of ACA scores for each institution and associated DOC divisions are located in Exhibit 4- ACA Reports.

Informed Consent

In every case and regardless of age, the inmate receiving care shall be consulted regarding the health care treatment being provided to the inmate.

Medicaid Services

In the fall of 2019, the Department of Corrections implemented a process to submit Medicaid applications on behalf of inmates at all fourteen (14) state-operated institutions.

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2600000380 Final Comprehensive Medical Servcies Total Pages: 42 https://corrections.ky.gov/About/cpp/Pages/default.aspx https://corrections.ky.gov/About/cpp/Pages/default.aspx

This process is intended to facilitate Medicaid reimbursement to outside medical providers, including hospitals, for eligible services.

The Contractor shall not be financially responsible for costs of services that are covered by Medicaid. However, the Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that all newly admitted inmates are enrolled in Medicaid upon entry into Department custody. The Contractor shall complete and submit all necessary applications and documentation to ensure timely reimbursement for covered services.

1115 Wavier

DOC has partnered with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Medicaid Services, to implement an 1115 Reentry Waiver. All providers delivering services under this Agreement shall be required to enroll and maintain enrollment as Medicaid providers.

Beginning no later than sixty (60) days prior to an inmate’s anticipated release, the Contractor shall coordinate with the applicable MCO to ensure that appropriate reentry services are arranged and available upon release, including continuity of care and access to necessary medical, behavioral health, and support services.

For purposes of this Agreement, a “Managed Care Organization” or “MCO” means an entity contracted with the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services to provide and manage healthcare services for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Medical Records All inmates have an EHR (Electronic Health Record) that contains medical history, key administrative clinical data relevant to the inmate’s care received, health care services administered, medication administration, vision screenings, dental care, mental health services, diagnostic and laboratory test results, referral documentation, and clinical treatment records. The EHR shall always be kept current. Documentation of every encounter with the inmate, including offsite and referral services, inpatient and emergency room visits, and laboratory and diagnostic, is required to be completed in a timely manner as agreed upon by KYDOC to provide real-time, accurate, and consistent documentation of all health care occurrences. The inmate’s medical records are maintained separately from the confinement records and are accessible only on an as-needed basis.

The Contractor shall be required to utilize the Commonwealth-provided EHR systems as the health care system of record. All medical record data shall be recorded in the EHR and any medications prescribed shall be ordered in the EHR. The Contractor is required to document all encounters, incidents, reports, labs, assessments, referrals, clinical notes, or related health care notes in the EHR system directly.

If changes or modifications to the EHR system are initiated or required by the Contractor for development, modifications and enhancements, costs for modifying the EHR system shall be at the Contractor’s expense and charged to the Contractor at the rate incurred by the Commonwealth. In addition, the Contractor shall be responsible for all costs associated with file interface development, interface modifications, and interface enhancements to the EHR system.

The Contractor shall store, retain, and maintain all records—regardless of format or medium, including but not limited to EHR—in accordance with all applicable

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Commonwealth of Kentucky records retention schedules, DOC specific retention schedules and the Commonwealth’s Open Records Act.

The Contractor shall be responsible for:

- Maintaining confidentiality of inmate Protected Health Information;

- All costs associated with the digital imaging of health care records and x-rays;

and

- Making available, at all reasonable times during the period of the contract, any of the records for inspection, audit or reproduction by any authorized representative of the Commonwealth, for court proceedings, or in response to authorized requests

Any records developed in the performance of an awarded contract shall become property of the Commonwealth. This includes all forms completed mechanically or electronically for either internal or external use.

Privacy and HIPAA The Contractor shall comply with all federal and state laws related to the use and disclosure of information. Specifically, the Contractor shall comply with obligations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (“HITECH”) Act, KRS 61.931 through KRS 61.934, and any other relevant laws and regulations regarding privacy (collectively the “Privacy Rules”). The obligations set forth in this Section shall survive the termination of the awarded Contract.

The Contractor warrants that it is familiar with the requirements of the Privacy Rules, and will comply with all applicable requirements in the course of any awarded contract;

it will cooperate with the Commonwealth, including cooperation and coordination with Commonwealth privacy officials and other compliance officers required by the Privacy Rules, in the course of performance of any awarded contract so that both parties will be in compliance with the Privacy Rules; it will sign documents, including but not limited to business associate agreements, as required by the Privacy Rules and that are reasonably necessary to keep the Commonwealth and the Contractor in compliance with the Privacy Rules; it will indemnify the Commonwealth and hold it harmless for any violation by the Contractor or its subcontractors of the Privacy Rules, to include the costs of responding to a breach of protected health information, the costs of responding to a government enforcement action related to the breach, and any fines, penalties, or damages paid by the Commonwealth because of the violation..

Supplies and Equipment The Contractor shall provide for all required medical supply needs of DOC and DOC inmates related to Health Care Services. All medical supplies both durable and non-durable, forms, first-aid supplies, office supplies, laboratory and X-ray supplies, books, periodicals, prosthetic devices, medical beds, mattresses, mattress pads, sheets, blankets, and the like will be the responsibility of the Contractor. This shall include all medical needs including sheets, toilet paper, blankets, shoes, detergent, allergies, etc. – if deemed necessary.

The Contractor shall be responsible for meeting all the equipment needs related to Health Care Services beyond that specified herein or available for use at the time of

Document Phase Document Description Page 9 initial implementation of the contract, including the ongoing maintenance of equipment.

Lease and rental agreements will have language indicating that the Contractor is solely responsible for the leased or rented items. The Contractor shall be responsible for furnishing all medical supply needs necessary for any correctional facilities opened or closed throughout the life of the awarded contract, including any renewals.

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing medical equipment such as AEDs and training AEDs provided to each institution’s training coordinators and each regional training center. The Contractor shall also be responsible for checking AED machines located throughout each institution daily to assure machines will be operable when needed. There shall be a minimum of one unit per institutional and regional training center and each minimum security institution and a minimum of two per medium and above institution.

The Contractor shall be responsible for properly accounting for and maintaining all furniture, non-health care equipment, and health care equipment including repair, replacement, and installation.

The Contractor shall be responsible for all costs, including installation, associated with any new or additional furniture, non-health care equipment, and health care equipment.

Any additional furniture or equipment added by the Contractor shall be owned and maintained by the Commonwealth and shall be retained by the Commonwealth upon expiration or termination of any awarded Contract.

DOC shall not be responsible in any way for damage or loss to the Contractor’s stored supplies, materials, equipment, or personal property on DOC property caused by fire, theft, accident, or other peril.

When in its best interest, the Commonwealth may require that the Contractor acquire certain medical supplies or equipment on their behalf. Reimbursement for any medical supplies or equipment acquired by the Contractor at the request of the Commonwealth shall be in accordance with Commonwealth law, Commonwealth policies and procedures, and the terms of the contractual agreement with the selected vendor.

The Contractor shall securely store, control, and maintain an accurate, up-to-date inventory of all instruments, supplies, tools, and equipment on DOC property, including ongoing tracking and periodic physical verification as required by the Department. The Contractor shall be responsible for all security controls and record inventory counts at the beginning and end of each shift.

All computer hardware and network hardware, per Finance and Administration Cabinet policy, must be leased from the Commonwealth Office of Technology. The Contractor’s employees shall only use a DOC provided email address. The Contractor shall reimburse the DOC monthly for computer hardware and network charges, including charges related to software licenses associated with the EHR system and network access systems.

Hardware includes but is not limited to PCs, printers/scanners, signature pads, cellular devices, copiers, and any other equipment needed to provide services required.

With respect to employee time tracking, the Contractor may, at its option, either: (1) utilize DOC-provided time tracking devices and reimburse DOC for all associated costs;

or (2) implement and maintain its own time tracking system, subject to DOC approval and compliance with applicable security and reporting requirements.

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Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances

The Contractor shall comply with KRS 218A.182, which requires that except for statutorily authorized exceptions, no practitioner shall issue any prescription for a controlled substance unless the prescription is made by electronic prescription from the practitioner issuing the prescription to a pharmacy.

Each institution shall have a DEA number registered for that institution to allow for the provision of stock-controlled substances.

All controlled substances shall be ordered electronically and shall require electronic signature using two-factor authentication. Such ordering shall be completed through the electronic prescribing system designated by the Department and utilized by its contracted pharmaceutical vendor.

The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining all necessary access, credentials, and authorizations required to utilize this system for the electronic prescribing and ordering of controlled substances.

Medical Waste & Decontamination The Contractor shall provide for, and be financially responsible, for meeting all bio-hazardous waste disposal and decontamination of medical equipment requirements at each DOC institution including provision of storage containers, implementation of appropriate storage procedures, transport of waste to appropriate pick-up point, and transport away from each DOC institution, in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal law and regulations.

Security The Contractor staff shall abide by all security rules of the Commonwealth and DOC correctional institutions.

The Contractor’s staff members shall be subject to criminal history and background investigation and approval by DOC prior to employment. Background investigations are provided by DOC for all contract staff members at no charge. Contractor staff members shall submit to DOC fingerprints at the cost of the Contractor.

The Commonwealth may prohibit any individual from entering a DOC institution when, in the discretion of the Commonwealth, such individual poses a threat to the security, safety, or orderly operation of the institution.

The Contractor’s staff shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing. As a condition of entry into any correctional institution, all Contractor employees shall be subject to search in accordance with DOC policy, including but not limited to pat-down or frisk searches, metal detection, and body scanning. Any individual who refuses to submit to a required search shall be denied entry to the correctional institution.

In addition, any vehicle or personal property brought onto DOC property may be searched based upon reasonable suspicion that the individual is in possession of contraband, is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or is otherwise violating Department policy or law. Strip searches or body cavity searches shall be conducted only upon reasonable suspicion that a felony offense is being committed and that contraband is concealed on the person. The Department will make reasonable efforts to notify Contractor management prior to conducting a strip search of Contractor staff.

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In addition to random drug and alcohol testing addressed above, the Commonwealth requires and will perform a drug screen test for all onsite staff providing services under this RFP prior to beginning work at any DOC institution. The Commonwealth may request a drug screen test be performed on any contract staff member at any time during the term of this contract.

Physicals The Contractor shall be responsible for determining and ensuring that all staff who access DOC correctional institutions receive a physical examination prior to job assignment in order to protect their health and ensure that they can carry out the ordinary minimum requirements necessary to complete tasks associated with their assignment.. The Contractor shall evaluate the basic health status of all employees against the specific requirements of their assignment. Physical examinations and screening procedures shall be in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The Contractor shall provide the Commonwealth with a copy of all evaluations conducted on Contractor staff related to the Contractor’s determination that the staff member is physically able to carry the ordinary minimum requirements necessary to complete tasks associated with their assignment..

Research Projects No research projects involving DOC inmates shall be conducted by the Contractor without prior written consent from the Commonwealth. All research performed will be in compliance with federal, state, and local, DOC policies and procedures, and ACA requirements.

Program Support The Contractor shall participate in the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee established to authorize and monitor the type of pharmaceuticals utilized for the inmate population. The Contractor shall participate in quarterly P&T Committee meetings to include review of the formulary and non-formulary usage, provider prescribing practices, drug utilization review, educational information, drug costs, and other topics relevant to pharmacy operations.

The Contractor shall establish a comprehensive policy and procedure, consistent with DOC Policy and ACA standards, that shall describe the use of the formulary and procedures for non-formulary approval.

The Contractor shall work collaboratively in the collecting and reporting of data and in the development of ACA indicators that demonstrate ACA compliance to be measured and standard reports for management and administrative purposes. These will include, but not be limited to, reports monitoring provider prescription practices against the DOC formulary.

Grievance & Current Lawsuits

DOC has an internal grievance system for inmates to file complaints. This system allows issues to be resolved without outside escalation. The Contractor shall be responsible for answering medical related grievances within the timeframes set by DOC policies and procedures. See statistical references in Exhibit 3-DOC Medical Related Grievances 2025.

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Not every issue can be resolved via the grievance process and medical services related lawsuits are filed by the inmate population. In 2024, 20 medical services related lawsuits were filed (3 in state courts and 17 in federal courts). In 2025, 13 medical services related lawsuits were filed (3 in state courts and 10 in federal courts). Historically, most medical services related lawsuits name both DOC and the medical services provider.

Some only name the medical services provider. Also, historically the majority of medical services related lawsuits allege failure to provide adequate medical treatment or wrongful death due to inadequate medical treatment.

Vaccines

Each institution shall participate in the KY Immunization Branch Program through the KY Department for Public Health (DPH) and report monthly documentation to DPH’s regional representative. All vaccine refrigerators and digital data loggers (DDL) shall be purchased by the Contractor at the Contractor’s expense and replaced as needed. All institutions shall have a backup DDL and be subject to yearly audits by the regional representative.

scope of work: HEALTH CARE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Health Care and Mental Health Services

The following are requirements that must be met by the provider of Health Care Services contracted for under this RFP.

Additional details related to current health care services, specialty care, and other medical related statistics received in calendar year 2025 (referenced as KYDOC HSD Jan 2026), 2024 (referenced as KYDOC December 2024 HSD), and 2023 (referenced as KYDOC HSD Dec 2023 ) have been provided as a supplement to this RFP. Exhibit 2- Health Care Servicessupplements include various service level, type of care, and location-based services.

NOTE: This data is not intended to dictate suggested service levels, instead it serves as a point of reference to DOC’s current health care environment.

Scope of Services The Contractor shall provide all health care services including, but not limited to, all general and specialty health care services provided by licensed health care professionals, in all available and appropriate delivery methods (onsite, offsite, telehealth, mobile, etc.).

All specialists shall be in good standing with their respective boards.

The Contractor shall provide mental health services including, but not limited to psychological and psychiatric services provided by licensed professionals, in all available and appropriate delivery methods (onsite, offsite, telehealth, mobile, etc.)

The Contractor shall provide vision services including, but not limited to services necessary to diagnose, treat, and manage vision health care needs provided by licensed professionals, in all available and appropriate delivery methods (onsite, offsite, telehealth, mobile, etc.).

The Contractor shall provide all diagnostic services in support of the above required services, including but not limited to pathology, laboratory, radiological or medical

Document Phase Document Description Page 13 imaging, and other related services necessary to properly diagnose disease or injury in persons. The Contractor shall also provide services in support of warrants, court orders, and investigations and in cases of occupational exposure, as requested by the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth recognizes that the methods of delivery of these services may differ from methods used to provide services to members of the general public, but the Health Care Services the Contractor provides shall meet or exceed the medical standards of care providing in the community setting. The Commonwealth further understands the methods of delivery varies between vendors. However, DOC seeks comprehensive healthcare that meets the applicable medical standards of care for all inmates regardless of method. It is the intent of the Commonwealth to ensure that all inmates receive adequate and cost-effective health care services regardless of place of assignment or disciplinary status.

Pandemic

Upon written request of the Commonwealth, the Contractor shall be required to implement applicable federal, state, and local requirements and advisories pertaining to pandemic or any other pandemic or public health emergency when providing services pursuant to any contract issued as a result of this RFP.

The Contractor shall provide a comprehensive plan for Health Care Services during a pandemic or public health emergency. The plan shall include, but not be limited to:

# Implementation of current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

# Health and hygiene measures;

# Testing and screening of all DOC staff and inmates;

# Testing and screening of all Contractor staff;

# Administering of Testing and Screening of visitors and subcontractors;

# Training for Contractor staff, DOC staff, and inmates.;

# Contact tracing;

# HIPAA compliance;

# Compliance with applicable federal, state, and local law and emergency orders;

# Communications procedures for keeping the Commonwealth up to date on the pandemic or public health emergency;

# Ensuring Contractor staff that are in quarantine or isolation due to exposure or potential exposure have the means to participate in delivery of service via telehealth;

# Procedures for processing test samples and reporting test results;

# Procedures for handling reports of potential exposure to viruses or pathogens;

# Contractor travel and leave policies;

# Procedures for clearing Contractor staff to return to work after testing positive for communicable illnesses;

# Vaccination of staff and inmates once a vaccine is approved and available;

# The provision of Health Care Services, including clinical operations and appropriate staffing, during a pandemic or public health emergency;

# Infection control and other precautionary measures to reduce transmission risks and limit the spread of the pandemic; and

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# Actions to be taken when staff or inmates are exposed and/or infected.

Medical Facilities The Contractor shall utilize DOC provided medical facilities to their fullest extent to provide Health Care Services as required in this RFP. The number and location of DOC medical facilities, including the number of available and types of beds, has been provided in Exhibit 1-DOC Facilities 2026.

# NOTE: This data is not intended to dictate suggested service levels, instead it serves as a point of reference to DOC’s current health care environment.

The Contractor shall establish and use onsite specialty health clinics and telehealth services for the care and treatment of DOC inmates and should identify the specialty clinics to be conducted onsite. The Contractor shall provide at DOC facilities, at a minimum, onsite clinics or telehealth services for Optometry, Orthopedic, Orthotics/ Prosthetics, HIV, OB/GYN, Physical Therapy, TB/Chest, Oncology, and Dialysis (currently 12 chairs

50A.4 Co-Pay for Services

DOC has established co-pays for inmates seeking inmate-initiated services, which shall be assessed at the point of service. Inmates shall be provided the services regardless of whether they have the means in their inmate accounts to satisfy the assessment. The purpose of this policy is to encourage responsible use of Health Care Services by inmates to improve the quality of the services rendered. DOC collects fees appropriately assessed by Health Care Services staff pursuant to policy. All co-pays collected shall be deposited into the Kentucky State Treasury. The Contractor shall be responsible for collecting all co-pays. Co-pays are outlined in CPP 13.1 (Exhibit 5a) and 13.2 (Exhibit 5b).

Inmates in County Jails State law mandates that county inmates with catastrophic medical issues may be transferred into the care of the DOC at the discretion of the Commissioner, the Commissioner’s designee, or the DOC Medical Director. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing Health Care Services for county inmates transferred into the care of the DOC. The Contractor shall bill the transferring county for reimbursement of services provided but must reprice all services provided to Medicaid reimbursement rates.

Last year (2025) DOC approved no transfers of county inmates into the DOC system for catastrophic medical issues.

In addition, the Commonwealth currently houses approximately 6,725 inmates (as of February 2026) (this number is subject to change) in county jails. DOC pays a medical per diem to the County for delivery of routine health care services defined to include onsite care and local specialty office care. When medical care for an inmate exceeds the routine services definition, DOC must provide for Health Care Services for the inmate.

The Contractor shall therefore be responsible for providing Health Care Services in these cases on behalf of the DOC.

Interstate Compact Inmates DOC houses Commonwealth inmates in correctional Institutions in other states and is responsible for payment of any offsite and other than routine health care services. The Contractor shall provide a mechanism for review of advance requests for Health Care

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Service for interstate compact inmates for approval and shall be responsible for the payment of these services to the other state. DOC currently has eleven (11) inmates (Feb 2026) housed in KY from other states and seven (7) KY inmates housed in other states.

DOC also houses inmates from other states within Commonwealth institutions. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing all Health Care Services outlined in this RFP to these inmates. Unless an emergency is involved, the Contractor shall request advance approval from DOC in writing before providing any offsite services under this RFP, for which the sending state shall be responsible for payment. In an emergency, the Contractor may proceed with provision of the necessary services without prior authorization but shall immediately notify the sending state in writing providing details regarding the nature of the illness or injury, the service provided, and the estimated cost of services provided.

Onsite Emergency Care for Non-Inmates The Contractor shall examine and render basic emergency care to any DOC employee, vendor, volunteer, visitor, agent or medical staff member who requires emergency Health Care Services assistance while on duty or on the premises of a DOC Institution. The Contractor shall not be responsible for any non-emergency care of DOC employees, vendors, volunteers, visitors, agent or medical staff other than the Contractor’s own staff.

Emergency and Non-Emergency Transportation The Contractor shall be responsible for all emergency medical transportation services for inmates This includes, but is not limited to, ambulance services (ground or air, as medically necessary), emergency medical response, and any associated medical transport costs.

The Contractor shall be responsible for all emergency ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) transportation of inmates requiring travel by ambulance or other life-support conveyance.

The Contractor shall be responsible for nonemergency transportation of individuals to offsite facilities, providers, or other Commonwealth institutions when transportation requires travel by ambulance or other life-support conveyance.

The Contractor’s employees shall never utilize their personal transportation for transport of inmates.

Inpatient Health Care Services The Contractor shall be responsible for coordination, scheduling, execution and payment for all inpatient Health Care Services. The Contractor is not responsible for payment of any inpatient health care services covered by Medicaid as outlined in this RFP, unless the claim is denied by Medicaid.

For each Commonwealth institution covered under this RFP, the Contractor shall identify primary hospital(s) and a regional referral medical center(s) that are licensed acute care hospital(s) convenient to each location and provide a list of such identified hospitals and regional referral medical centers. DOC shall be notified in writing of any changes to the utilized hospital(s).

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It is preferred that the primary hospital(s) unit or suite of rooms be utilized when possible. The Contractor shall ensure that any primary hospital(s) used agree to comply with all pertinent Commonwealth policies.

Any costs associated with providing these items shall be paid by the Contractor.

When offsite inpatient Health Care Services are required, the Contractor shall coordinate with institution security staff in arranging transportation and correctional officer coverage for the expected length of the services. Inmate transfers to other institutions for the purposes of providing onsite inpatient care may be utilized if prior approval is received.

Offsite Services Offsite services are to be provided at the nearest possible location to minimize transportation and staff overtime. While en route to offsite services, all inmates must be accompanied with proper security and documentation of previously provided medical care in order to maximize effectiveness of offsite services.

The Contractor shall coordinate all planned offsite medical trips with each institution’s security staff. The Contractor shall provide to the institution’s Captain’s office a weekly schedule of all proposed offsite medical trips no later than the Friday of the preceding week for prior approval.

Telehealth Services The Commonwealth currently manages certain diseases and medical conditions, such as HIV and co-occurring infections, by telehealth. These programs have provided both clinical and cost advantages, and the Contractor shall be required to:

# Decrease the need for offsite services where doing so does not impede the level of care;

# Expedite delivery of time sensitive training programs;

# Expedite communication of time sensitive information in meetings; and # Reduce travel expenses associated with required meetings.

The Contractor shall maximize use of telehealth in the delivery of services, including, but not limited to:

# Specialist consultations;

# Conferences between Commonwealth personnel, its contractor(s) or inmates and hospitals/providers;

# Health care meetings and training; and # Other meetings and trainings required by this RFP

Program Support Services In addition to providing onsite services, offsite services, and staff, the Contractor shall also be required to provide professional management services to support the Health Care Services program at DOC as follows:

Health Directors

The Contractor shall identify a single physician, designated as the Medical Director, and a single psychiatrist, designated as the Director of Psychiatric Services, who both must be licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and whose responsibilities

Document Phase Document Description Page 17 shall include the development of guidelines, arranging peer review, and the delivery of Health Care Services throughout the DOC system. These individuals shall also act as the responsible health authority and liaison to DOC with regard to the professional conduct of clinicians and for the care rendered to DOC inmates.

The Health Directors shall be responsible for the following:

# Ensuring that all employees or independent contractors providing respective clinical services are appropriately licensed or credentialed as required by the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Kentucky;

# Participating in an active, organized quality improvement program;

# Reviewing and/or recommending respective policies/procedures for implementation of health care services.

# Ensuring that their respective clinical programs, which may be implemented at the various DOC institutions, meet applicable Kentucky licensure requirements and ACA Standards; and

# Serving as responsible authority for the professional conduct of their respective clinical or consultant staff in delivering service(s) to DOC inmates; and

# All of these duties shall be completed under the direction of the DOC Health Services Administrator

Quality Assurance (QA) Program

The Contractor shall establish a program to evaluate the health care provided to inmates both onsite in DOC institutions and at offsite facilities for quality, appropriateness, and continuity of care. The Contractor must also fully cooperate with any independent Quality Assurance/ Performance Indicators activities conducted by or for DOC.

Utilization Management Program

The Contractor shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining a Utilization Management (UM) program to ensure that patients receive medically necessary and appropriate care at the appropriate time and setting in accordance with requirements of this RFP and acceptable medical standards of care. Health care needs shall be evaluated for medical necessity, utilizing an evidence-based criteria clinical care approach, using nationally recognized care management resources.

Within sixty (60) calendar days of the Contract award date, the Contractor shall develop and present to DOC a copy of its Utilization Management Program that shall include, but is not limited to:

# Description of Utilization Management processes;

# Requirements for institution on-site concurrent review;

# Emergency Room admissions and retrospective review;

# Post-stabilization and transfer from inpatient to Medical Observation Unit;

# Discharge planning and coordination to include weekend discharges to be coordinated on Fridays;

# Management and review of emergency room care;

# Referrals to out of network (non-contracted facilities or providers);

# Timeliness standards;

# Utilization Management staffing Plan;

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# Identification and review of over and under utilization;

# Utilization Management reporting; and # The Contractor shall employ a KY based Regional Care Manager

Staffing Considerations A detailed Staffing Plan for each institution shall be provided to DOC for prior approval, including number of hours, functional job title, average salary for each position, and typical schedule per work week. Once a Staffing Plan has been approved with the Contractor, the Commonwealth will deduct from the monthly payment for services one hundred percent (100%) of the actual cost of all staff hours not fulfilled for the period being invoiced.

Non-Essential Employees: Paid absences that are authorized, to include sick, vacation, holiday, bereavement leave, and approved education/training for all non-essential employees, shall not be deducted from the monthly payments.

Essential Employees: All essential employee hours shall be considered unfilled when an employee is absent from the workplace during regularly scheduled hours, regardless if it is an authorized paid absence or not, and shall be deducted from the monthly payments. The Contractor shall be required to backfill for all essential employees and may use whatever approach they deem to be most effective. For the purposes of this RFP, essential employees are defined as follows:

o Physicians;

o Midlevel Practitioners;

o Registered Nurses;

o Licensed Practical Nurses;

o Certified Medical Aides;

o Psychiatrists;

o Psychologists; and o Contractor staff assigned to expand current mental health services for the

Division of Probation and Parole.

The Contractor shall certify that all persons utilized by the Contractor shall be fully qualified and licensed to perform their assigned role and work required. The Contractor shall include a similar requirement in any contract they enter into with a subcontractor utilized to provide services under this RFP. All staff shall be properly licensed and/ or registered with the appropriate regulatory board to practice in the Commonwealth.

Failure of the Contractor to provide qualified staffing may result in termination of the contract at the Commonwealth’s discretion. The Commonwealth reserves the right to request removal of any Contractor employee.

The Contractor shall maintain a Kentucky presence for the duration of the Contract and any renewals, defined at a minimum, as placing a Site Manager in Kentucky to manage the contract, who shall be directly responsible for satisfactory delivery of all Health Care Services contract requirements under this RFP. The Site Manager shall serve as the primary contact for the Commonwealth any awarded contract. Any additional duties to be performed by the Site Manager shall be detailed in the Contractor proposal and/or Staffing Plan.

The Contractor shall identify a…