Performance Bonds: A Costly Choice
Contracting for healthcare within a jail is complex. Some requests for proposals (RFPs) require performance bonds to bid on a contract. If your jail is unable to cough up the cash for these bonds, you won’t be able to bid on the contract. In theory, a performance bond sounds like a good idea to ensure a site receives quality healthcare services. However, how much “performance” can these bonds really ensure?
Use checklists, not bonds
Performance bonds are used in fields like construction to secure the cost of a project and ensure it gets completed. In jail settings, their relevance is less clear. Instead of a specific project, the performance these bonds seek to ensure centers around efficient operations and adherence to regulations. Instead of clear expectations, these bonds encourage one-sided judgments that may not accurately assess the quality or worth of healthcare services.
Checklists, training programs for staff, and clear healthcare protocols can be more effective in elevating jail healthcare performance. By fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, jails can enhance effectiveness without the need for performance bonds. Encourage staff to use checklists to evaluate the care in your facility to ensure it meets contract requirements. If you find the care is not satisfactory, check your contract’s termination clause to know how to end your partnership. Use checklists, not bonds.
Spend smart
Performance bonds in jail settings can pose financial challenges for county administrations. Bonds typically require jails to put down a large percentage of the overall cost of services. By tying up a large amount of the county’s finances as a bond, essential funds become unavailable. This financial constraint may hinder the ability to promptly address critical needs within the jail. Counties should weigh the drawbacks before committing to performance bonds. Ensure that your financial resources are utilized effectively to maintain quality healthcare services. Spend smart.
Click HERE for a sample performance checklist.
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Disclaimer
All materials have been prepared for general information purposes only. The information presented should be treated as guidelines, not rules. The information presented is not intended to establish a standard of medical care and is not a substitute for common sense. The information presented is not legal advice, is not to be acted on as such, may not be current, and is subject to change without notice. Each situation should be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
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