PRECONFERENCE SEMINARS

Topical, informative seminars will help you stay up to date on critical issues facing the field. Learn about the new 2026 NCCHC Standards and other critical topics. Separate registration fee required.

Saturday, October 24, 9 am - 5 pm, $225

P01 An In-Depth Review of NCCHC’s 2026 Standards for Health Services in Jails and Prisons*
Wendy Habert, MBA, CCHP-A, National Commission on Correctional Health Care; Paulette Finander, MD, MBA, CCHP-CP, NCCHC Surveyor

This seminar will discuss the new 2026 Standards for Health Services, NCCHC’s revised and updated recommendations for managing health care delivery in jails and prisons. The course will highlight new requirements and content and share insights into the reasoning behind the changes. Whether or not your facility is accredited (or plans to be), this practical seminar will provide guidance on implementing an effective correctional health care system and demonstrating compliance with the Standards. The seminar includes  lunch, a copy of the 2026 Standards (jail or prison, a $109 value), and a copy of the presentation slides. 7 CE hours

P02 An In-Depth Review of NCCHC’s 2026 Standards for Mental Health Services*
Joseph Penn MD, CCHP-MH University of Texas Medical Branch Correctional Managed Care; Carrie Reindollar, LPN, CCHP-N, National Commission on Correctional Health Care
This seminar will discuss the 2026 Standards for Mental Health Services in Correctional Facilities. The course will highlight new requirements and content and share insights into the reasoning behind the changes. Whether or not your facility is accredited (or plans to be), this seminar will offer practical guidance on meeting constitutional requirements for mental health care services. The course includes lunch, a copy of the 2026 Standards (a $109 value), and a copy of the presentation slides. 7 CE hours

 

Sunday, October 25, 9 am - 12:30 pm, $110

P03 The First 72 Hours: Where Lives Are Lost – or Saved – Behind Bars*

Todd Wilcox, MD, MBA, CCHP-CP, CCHP-A, Salt Lake County Metro Jail

The first 72 hours of incarceration represent the most medically vulnerable period for individuals entering custody. This seminar examines the highest-risk health threats during early detention and outlines practical strategies to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality. Key risks include substance withdrawal, suicide, acute mental health crises, unmanaged chronic diseases, infectious disease exposure, and interruption of essential medications. A central focus of the presentation is the implementation of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder as a core risk-reduction strategy, emphasizing early identification, continuity of community treatment, and prompt initiation of buprenorphine or methadone when indicated. By prioritizing standardized workflows, interdisciplinary collaboration, and MAT integration within the first 72 hours, this session presents actionable approaches to improve safety, reduce liability, and save lives. 3.5 CE credits

 

P04 The Opioid Simulation: An Interactive Experience*

Melanie Stroda, DNP, FNP-BC, CCHP-CP, Advanced Correctional Healthcare

This interactive seminar explores opioid use disorder as a chronic, relapsing disease and examines the physical, psychological, and social factors that influence treatment and recovery. Participants will assume the role of a health care provider, peer navigator, or individual living with OUD. Following a briefing, participants will engage in realistic scenarios designed to highlight barriers to treatment, communication challenges, and the effects of stigma on patient outcomes. The seminar concludes with a facilitated debrief focused on practical strategies for fostering empathy, reducing bias, and supporting recovery-oriented care.

 

Sunday, October 25, 9 am – 5 pm, $225

P05 Translating Standards Into Nursing Practice: Preparation for the CCHP-N Exam

Tracey Titus, RN, CCHP-N, CCHP-A, and Spencer Sego, LPN, CCHP-A, Centurion Health

While traditional nursing  education and experiences are valuable in correctional nursing, nothing can fully prepare you for your role as a correctional nurse, a specialty that is most often learned on the job – until now. Whether you are brand new to the field or an experienced correctional nurse, this course will cover critical areas of correctional nursing from intake to release and the days, or hours, in between. Based on the updated 2026 NCCHC Standards, this review is a fantastic preparation tool for those interested in becoming certified as a CCHP-N, and a great refresher for all correctional nurses. The course includes lunch. 7 CE credits

 

Sunday, October 25, 1:30 pm – 5 pm, $110

P06 Suicide Precautions: Clinical Risks, Legal Risks, and Solutions*

Joel Andrade, PhD, LICSW, CCHP-MH, and Benjamin Rice, JD, Falcon Correctional and Community Services

Suicide is the leading cause of death in jails and a major concern in prisons. Overreliance on extreme preventive measures can cause harm and discourage individuals from reporting suicidal thoughts. This seminar will explore clinical, legal, and environmental factors contributing to suicide in correctional settings and review evidence-based interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Learn about more humane, effective methods to promote safety and treatment engagement and discuss case studies and the components of a comprehensive suicide prevention program. 3.5 CE credits

P07 Continuous Quality Improvement: Strategies and Techniques to Measure Change*

Cheryl Esposito, MSN, RN, CCHP-N, CoreCivic; Karen Riley, MBA, RN, CCHP-N, Titan Correctional Healthcare

Effective continuous quality improvement programs advance patient care, improve efficiencies in medical and mental health services delivery, help health professionals practice smarter, enable analysis of outcomes, and lead to objective analyses of areas needing improvement. A well-formulated CQI program also enables a correctional system to effectively respond to litigation. Participants will gain appreciation for the clinical and administrative value of a comprehensive CQI program and learn how to implement a useful program. 3.5 CE credits

* seminar is approved for APA credit