A Compassionate Release Pilot in New Orleans

Abstract

The prison population is aging and health care costs are rising. Compassionate release for the terminally ill and disabled is underutilized, especially in Louisiana, which is the state with the highest incarceration rate. This article evaluates the utilization of community physicians to improve compassionate release rates. Health care providers at a contract hospital for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections collaborated with attorneys, the Louisiana Department of Health, and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections to facilitate compassionate release for eligible individuals. A retrospective analysis of patients referred for compassionate release between August 01, 2022 and December 31, 2023 was completed. Outcomes included release rates and underlying conditions. During this time, 18 patients were eligible; most were 56 to 75 years of age, consistent with national trends. Of the 18 eligible patients, four were released, eight died while incarcerated, and six remained incarcerated. This retrospective review shows that a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach can have a significant impact.

Keywords: Medicaid; carceral health care; compassionate release; end-of-life; incarceration; medical release.