This analysis is based on a review of the relevant literature and interviews with correctional health services professionals. The study found that the effectiveness of privatized health-care services for jail inmates depends on an evaluation and analysis of the system prior to opening bids, the identification of bid specifications and performance criteria, a well-drafted contract, communication, monitoring, and supervision. Contracting, however, is but one option for providing inmate health services; it is not the solution for every situation. Contracting for health-care services is not a panacea and will not rid a jurisdiction of liability exposure. A contractor disposed to exploit the contracting jurisdiction could do so if contract performance is not carefully supervised. The delivery of inmate health services must be a team effort that involves a partnership of health-services and custody management and staff. The competition involved in the privatization of health-care services has had an overall positive influence on inmate health services. 6 notes