Governor pitches privatization plan

Angie Wagner

Tuesday, March 9, 1999 | 9:55 a.m.

INDIAN SPRINGS, Nev. -- After putting in almost 10 years as a prison psychologist, Dr. Jackie Moten is wondering how long he will still have a job.

If Gov. Kenny Guinn's plan for privatizing prison medical services is approved by the state Legislature, Moten and about 320 others could lose their jobs.

"It's not about a job to some of us. It's about a career," Moten said Monday as Guinn met with prison medical workers at the Southern Desert Correctional Center in Indian Springs.

Guinn estimates that privatizing the state's prisons could save taxpayers some $4.4 million over the next two years and help cut into the state's budget shortfall.

But that was of little comfort to about 43 workers who questioned Guinn for more than an hour Monday.

"What happens now when we're put out in the pasture?" asked Dr. John West, a supervising psychologist for the prisons in Indian Springs and Jean.

Guinn said some employees may be able to transfer to the private company.

"I don't know if this is going to pass or not," he said. "We don't intend for anybody to lose their job."

Nevada prison chief Bob Bayer first came up with the plan to hire private companies to provide medical care for Nevada's entire 9,200-inmate population, and Guinn strongly backed the idea.

A 1998 legislative audit found the current state-run prison medical system has been hemorrhaging money, costing the state nearly $30 million a year - about 20 percent of the prison's budget.

Critics say having profit-driven companies treat inmates could open the door to poor quality care and lawsuits, as well as start a trend of eliminating good state jobs in other departments as well.

Privatized care is already in place at Ely State Prison and at the women's prison in North Las Vegas. Various local and county jails are also under contract with private companies.

Fran Abramo, director of nursing for the Indian Springs prison, suggested the workers themselves figure out how to save money.

"We may not be able to have a slot for everybody. These are not easy decisions to make," Guinn said.

West said the medical workers could find jobs elsewhere, but they want to work in the prisons.

"After nine years, I find myself on the verge of losing my job because there's a feeling that it's expedient and more cost efficient to privatize medical and mental health services," he said.