Advanced Correctional Healthcare Leads Legal Fight to Protect Ethical Medical Care in Jails
Minnesota State Capitol - Saint Paul, MN
(Franklin, TN) – Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. (ACH), joined by Sheriffs and Counties from across Minnesota, has taken a bold step in defense of medical ethics and patient safety, filing a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota to challenge a newly revised statute that endangers patients in custody and the clinical integrity of correctional health care statewide.
An amendment to Minnesota Revised Statute 241.021 adding Subsection 4f, which was signed into law in May, requires jails to administer medications based solely on pre-incarceration prescriptions, even in situations where administering the medication would be harmful to the patient, stripping medical providers of the ability to assess or adjust treatment based on the patient’s current condition. ACH contends this approach not only disregards clinical judgment but also endangers detainees’ lives and violates fundamental constitutional protections.
“This isn’t just a policy disagreement. It’s a moral line we cannot cross,” said Jessica Young, Esq., President & CEO of ACH. “As a company rooted in faith and integrity, we are called to act justly. When a law mandates forced medication without proper medical review, it puts our patients in danger and violates both clinical ethics and principles of care for the vulnerable. We are standing up because it is the right thing to do.” The lawsuit outlines how the statute exposes detainees to harmful drug interactions or overdose and conflicts with federal law.
ACH has served as a national leader in correctional healthcare for over two decades, operating in 18 states with a reputation for patient-first care. “Our mission has always been to deliver the highest standard of care with compassion, integrity, and transparency,” Young said. “When that mission is threatened, we will not stay silent. We are prepared to lead, and we invite others to stand with us.” ACH is committed to solving problems and saving lives. The company has received two Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics and has recently earned its tenth consecutive year of Great Place to Work certification. ACH was also honored at Music City's Community Choice Awards for having the Best Employee Recognition Program and was most recently named “Best Hospital & Health Care Business of the Year” in the Global 100 Awards.
About Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc.
Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. (ACH) is the nation’s largest jail contract management company, managing contracts for health care teams and customized programs in a variety of correctional settings, including county jails, juvenile detention centers, mental health units, work release centers, and drug rehabilitation centers across 18 states. From 2019 to 2024, over 105% of contracted nursing hours were met nationwide, and more than 116 patient lives were saved. Learn more at advancedch.com.
