Incompetent Doctors Threaten Health Care Systems of California Prisons

August 23, 2004 Incompetent Doctors Threaten Health Care Systems of California Prisons A federal court report released on August 10, 2004, indicated that incompetent doctors – including some with a history of substance abuse or mental health problems – have been hired by California's prison system and have contributed to serious deficiencies in health care for inmates. The panel noted that at one facility, half of the eight doctors had a prior criminal charge, loss of privileges at community hospitals, or mental health problems. At another, seven of 20 doctors had similar problems. "There appears to be an emerging pattern of . . .