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Appeals court blocks start of takeover of healthcare operations in Arizona prisons
The ruling follows findings that Arizona prisons have failed to provide constitutionally adequate medical care for more than 25,000 inmates, lawyers said.
- Late Friday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order blocking the scheduled Monday takeover of Arizona's prison healthcare system, putting the transfer on hold while considering the state's appeal regarding federal authority.
- U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver ordered the receivership earlier this year, concluding Arizona failed to remedy systematic medical deficiencies after a 14-year legal battle and citing care that exposed inmates to preventable harm.
- Attorneys for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry argue the receivership is an overly intrusive "remedy of last resort," contending the department has made progress since a 2023 injunction despite facing $2 million in contempt sanctions.
- Despite the stay, the court allowed appointed receiver Annette Chambers-Smith to continue operational planning, assessing resources necessary to manage healthcare for more than 25,000 inmates across nine prison complexes.
- The 9th Circuit scheduled oral arguments for Dec. 7, allowing the state to challenge federal oversight, as the panel noted immediate implementation of the receiver could cause irreparable harm to Arizona's sovereignty.
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Prison healthcare takeover put on hold as Arizona’s appeal moves forward
A last-minute order from a federal appeals court on Friday delayed a takeover of the state prison healthcare system. The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry was slated to lose control of healthcare operations on Monday. But in a new order, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed to put off a complete […]
Coverage Details
Total News Sources27
Leaning Left14Leaning Right4Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution52% Left
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources lean Left
52% Left
L 52%
C 33%
15%
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