MS HB1692

Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) will assume sole responsibility for soliciting contractors to provide health care services to Mississippi Department of Corrections inmates, with planning to begin immediately and services commencing October 1, 2027.

DFA must consider both established correctional health care firms and hospitals or hospital groups capable of providing inmate health care services when preparing solicitations.

Bid price for health care services cannot be weighted more than 33% in the selection criteria, ensuring quality and other factors carry significant weight in contractor selection.

The current health care contract cannot be extended unless DFA determines it necessary to protect inmate health, and the Public Procurement Review Board is prohibited from approving any extension requests from the Department of Corrections.

Department of Corrections may assist DFA in developing the health care solicitation but has no authority to prepare or distribute the solicitation itself.