Answer to Question 1
A well-structured, adequately funded health care delivery system can employ any number of professionals. Professionals include psychiatrists, physicians, nurses (both RNs and LPNs), physician assistants, dentists, and optometrists. Other professionals may have nonclinical roles, such as those of social workers and counselors. Sophisticated delivery systems provide case management and other support services.
Answer to Question 2
Gender affects the type of health care services and professionals that must be available. Women will require access to gynecological services and obstetric and prenatal care if they are pregnant. The intake history for female inmates should include questions about menstrual cycles, pregnancy history, and gynecological problems. Female inmates need access to personal sanitary supplies, education on breast self-examinations, and annual Pap smears. Where state law allows, pregnant inmates retain the right to choose abortion services. Pregnant inmates pose a special problem for correctional facilities and should be housed together with other pregnant inmates. Their work assignments must be limited to protect their condition, and special attention should be paid to their diet.