Division of Correctional Health Services

The Clinical Services Bureau is now the Division of Correctional Health Services.

New name, new department, new vision.

Read the Correctional Health Services Transition Update

Looking for the Department of Corrections?

In July 2023, the Utah Department of Corrections Clinical Services Bureau transferred responsibilities to the Department of Health and Human Services as a new Division of Correctional Health Services (CHS). The 2 departments will work together in a partnership to provide safety and care for the incarcerated population as the transition finalizes over the next year.

CHS will operate infirmaries at both the Utah State Correctional Facility and the Central Utah Correctional Facility. The infirmaries are certified by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care and offer comprehensive, on-site medical care where medical staff can treat or stabilize inmates needing health care.

Vision: Where we are going

To deliver whole person, data-driven care, which will improve health and safety outcomes while individuals are incarcerated, and as they transition to their communities.

Mission: What we do every day

We improve the lives of staff and individuals who are incarcerated and promote public safety by delivering safe and effective integrated healthcare.

Family medical line
801-522-7293

Our services

Medical care

Physical/Recreational therapy
X-Ray services
Specialty/Emergency care
Dietitian service

Telemedicine

OB/GYN
In-house pharmacy
Palliative care
Infectious disease services

Medication-assisted treatment
Mental/Behavioral health care
Dental care
Vision services
Chronic care management

Under State law, inmates are assessed a $5 co-pay for primary medical and dental care and are charged a $2 co-pay for prescription medication. When an inmate receives care in the community, he or she is responsible for 10 percent of the costs, with a cap of $2,000 per fiscal year. An inmate who has assets exceeding $200,000 upon arrival at the prison is expected to pay costs of all medical and dental care up to 20 percent of his or her total asset value. Offenders pay 50 percent of the cost for braces, eyeglasses, prosthetics and medical supplies. Offenders are responsible for 100 percent of the cost for dentures.

That said, health care is considered a basic need and is provided to every inmate regardless of ability to pay

Frequently asked questions

Yes, there are a couple of ways this can be done.

The offender can complete a GRAMA records request and return it to medical records. Unless indigent, the offender must also provide a blank money transfer to cover the cost of the copied records (25 cents per double-sided page). The records will be sent to the family member indicated on the form. The offender is required to pay for this service.
The family can submit a records request using a system called GovQA (Corrections GovQA Records Requests). A power of attorney or offender signed authorization form is required in order to release the records. There is no fee for family members using this type of request.

Yes. Inmates are offered a "Medical Information Release" form during intake to enable this sharing of information with a specific listed individual of their choice. If they want to initiate this authorization later in their incarceration (e.g. they choose not to authorize it during intake but later wish to grant the approval) then they should request the above-mentioned form from a caseworker. The inmate must fill out the form, have his or her caseworker notarize it and then ensure it is submitted to the Division of Correctional Health Services. A designated staff member in the division will make contact with the inmate's designated person to verify information and set up a passcode to be used when contacting the division. Each release form will remain in effect permanently, but the inmate may revoke that authorization at any time they wish.

When an incarcerated individual is taken off prison property and enters the care of a treatment facility, the Department of Corrections takes significant precautions to protect the individual’s safety along with our staff and medical providers.

If an incarcerated individual is hospitalized, it is the decision of the medical professionals to decide when communication should be initiated with the family of the individual. UDC has representatives on our team who facilitate those communications. Each incident is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Examples of when families may be notified include if the individual is near death or a decision needs to be made regarding an emergent procedure. Other scenarios may be considered upon the request of the hospital, but all decisions are vetted on an individualized case-by-case basis.

Yes. Co-payment requirements changed in 2009. Inmates are assessed a $5 co-pay for primary medical care, $5 for dental care and $2 for prescription medication. For services provided outside of prison while still in the Department of Corrections' custody, the inmate is responsible for 10 percent of hospital care costs.

There is a cap on the inmate's share of expenses of $2,000 per fiscal year. An inmate with assets exceeding $200,000 upon entry into the Department's custody is responsible to pay costs of all medical and dental care up to 20 percent of the inmate's total asset value. After receiving medical and dental care equal to 20 percent of the inmate's total asset value, the inmate will be subject to the normal co-payments.

Inmates pay 50 percent of the cost for braces, eyeglasses, prosthetics and medical supplies. Inmates are responsible for 100 percent of the cost for dentures. However, no medical or mental health visit, procedure or supplies will be denied due to lack of funds.

Correctional Health Services Director: Dr. Marcus Wisner

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) appointed Dr. Marcus Wisner to serve as director of the Division of Clinical Health Services.

Prior to this role, Dr. Wisner served as the dental director for UDC. He oversaw the modernization of the dental program and the integration of dental health into the greater health care picture. He developed and refined the facial trauma service and implemented treatment and pharmacy formularies increasing the rates of predictable, positive outcomes.

Dr. Wisner is a colonel in the Utah Army National Guard. He currently serves as commander of the Medical Readiness Command. He has held several successful leadership roles in the Army, most recently serving as Commander, U.S. Medical Forces-Humanitarian and Civic Assistance-Morocco.

Dr. Wisner earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Oregon Health and Science University. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He has attended the Army’s Command and General Staff College.

Dr. Wisner enjoys time with his family. He is an avid trail runner, BBQ enthusiast and sore jiu jitsu practitioner.