The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 14 that it is making significant progress toward earning accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) for all seven county detention facilities.
The NCCHC accreditation process evaluates correctional healthcare systems against professional standards to improve patient care, safety, quality assurance, and accountability in detention settings. This effort aims to strengthen medical oversight and ensure constitutionally sound and evidence-based care for those in custody.
As part of its ongoing reforms, the Sheriff’s Office has hired a fourth Director of Nursing. Under the new structure, each major detention facility will have an assigned Director of Nursing who will also oversee designated satellite facilities. Additionally, one Director of Nursing will coordinate systemwide operations through the Medical Services Division. The recent NCCHC Resources report identified this enhanced structure as a key recommendation to improve continuity of care and operational accountability throughout the jail healthcare system.
The Sheriff’s Office is also expanding its Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program at Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility. This expansion ensures that incarcerated females have access to evidence-based MAT services similar to those available in male facilities. The MAT program is designed to address substance use disorders, support recovery efforts, improve health outcomes during incarceration, and reduce overdose risks after release.
“These efforts reflect our continued commitment to improving healthcare delivery, increasing professional oversight, and ensuring those in our custody receive constitutionally sound and evidence-based care. Achieving NCCHC accreditation across all seven detention facilities represents an important milestone in our broader mission to provide safe, humane, and professionally managed detention operations,” said the Sheriff’s Office.
Looking ahead, the Sheriff’s Office plans further improvements aligned with national best practices while collaborating with healthcare professionals, custody staff, and community stakeholders. The intent is to formally apply for NCCHC medical accreditation in early 2027.
San Diego County Government delivers essential services through groups focused on public safety as well as health and human services among others; it also manages historic preservation initiatives including maintaining landmarks such as the Administration Center listed on the National Register of Historic Places; these efforts are overseen by legislative leadership from the Board of Supervisors with Sarah Aghassi serving as interim chief administrative officer; regional airports are managed by a self-supporting aviation department; residents benefit from these services across urban, rural, mountain and desert regions according to the official website.
