A workshop of approximately 30 participants met in Alexandria, VA, July 10-11, 1975 to evaluate the preliminary draft of a manual outlining standards and procedures for the delivery of health care to correctional institutions. The core reason of the workshop was essentially completed the first day. The second day was used for discussing various systems used to deliver health services to an inmate population. This issue led to preliminary discussions on developing a national organization of individuals involved in delivering health services to correctional systems. The organization was tentatively named, "Association of Correctional Health Services.”

An ad hoc committee was initiated to develop some proposals as to purpose, participants, dues and the development of a constitution and bylaws. Committee members Richard Kiel and Jay Harness MD developed the constitution and bylaws for the organization. The constitution and bylaws were approved by the ad hoc committee during the American Correctional Association (ACA) meeting in Louisville, KY in August 1975.

Organizational objectives were developed during the spring ACA meeting in 1976. Those objectives have remained essentially unchanged since that time. A name for the organization was approved The first professional conference for which American Correctional Health Service Association was identified as a national correctional health care organization was conducted in Raleigh, NC, October 27-19, 1976

Membership structure is revised to include Agency Memberships (not-for-profit organizations) and Sponsor Memberships (for profit organizations). The Life Membership category is reactivated.

First articles on AIDS appear in Corhealth.

An exhibition of correctional products and services is added to the annual multidisciplinary conference program. Develops policy statement that universal screening of incarcerated inmates with HTLV3 antibody testing should not be done. Approves a set of guidelines and self-audit tool for publication and sale. The "ACHSA Guideline Instrument for Evaluation of Health Services in Correctional Institutions" was developed by Dr. Dan Craigen.

Opposes mandatory AIDS testing for all federal and state inmates.

Publishes survey to collect data for a study of ethics and health services in corrections. Establishes a Standards and Policies Committee.

Informatics and Health Information Committee issues survey to collect data for a Directory of Computer Programs. Adopts a pro-visional Code of Ethics as a first step toward the development of statements of ethical responsibility for healthcare professionals. Initiates Distinguished Service Award for Correctional Health Care. Adopts continuing education position statement to support members quest for lifelong educational and learning experiences.

Informatics Committee conducts first computer workshop. Goal of the program was to make correctional professionals aware of the range of software and hardware options available. Adopts position statement for Volunteer's Role in Representing ACHSA. Revises the position on HIV mandatory testing. Adopts position statement on the right of non-condemned prisoners to voluntarily donate organs during life or at time of death.

Publishes first Buyers Guide to Correctional Products and Services. Adopts Elective Reproductive Position Statement.

Adopts resolution supporting smoke-free health care units in all jails and prisons. Adopts resolution that all children incarcerated in juvenile detention and confinement facilities be eligible for Medic-aid as are children placed in non-governmental facilities, providing all these youth the opportunity for comparable health care services regardless of their placement. Cassandra Newkirk, MD, testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the Health Care Needs of Incarcerated Women. Designs and implements a traveling display to promote ACHSA membership and conferences. The display is available for member and chapters to use at training sessions, state correctional conferences or other meetings attended by potential ACHSA members. Accepts invitation to become an affiliate member of the American Jail Association. Introduces Chapter Development and Administration Manual for chapter support. Initiates Conference scholar-ships which include full conference registration and a stipend for out-of-pocket expenses.

Adopts a position statement on the management of hunger striking prisoners. Works with American Nurses Association to revise and update ANA's Scope of Nursing Standards.

Approves a Code of Ethics. Creates Council of Chapters to represent ACHSA chapters and encourage chapter participation. Revises Bylaws to permit one vote per company for corporate members. Approves ACA revised Restraint Standard as proposed by the ACHSA Policy and Standards Committee in December 1994. Internet access to information about incarcerated populations is available for the first time through Correctional Health Care Forum. The American Nurses Association Congress of Nursing Practice reviews and grants acknowledgment to Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice in Correctional Facilities as revised by and ACHSA task force. ACHSA is one of sixty-eight organizations joining forces in The National Coalition to Eliminate TB. Establishes Council of Past Presidents.

Inaugurates Memorial Scholarship Fund. Publishes survey that predicts issues in 2001.

to be continued. . .

Code of Ethics

Service Awards