Corrections boss defends care provided in Arizona prisons

By JACQUES BILLEAUD
Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Corrections Director David Shinn testified at a trial over the quality of medical and mental health care in state prisons that incarcerated people often have greater access to health services than people who aren’t locked up. His testimony came after the state has faced complaints about poor health care behind bars and been fined $2.5 million for not complying with a settlement over the issue. The settlement was tossed by a judge who concluded Arizona showed little interest in complying with the deal. The prisoners are asking a judge to take over health care operations and appoint an official to run those services.