In 1975, the AMA was awarded a grant by LEAA to conduct pilot projects to improve the quality of health care in jails. The medical societies of six States were selected as subgrantees, and projects were initiated in 30 jails. The evaluation of these projects involved both process and impact components. The principal criterion for the process evaluation was the success of jails in meeting the standards of health care for jails established by the AMA as part of the project. The primary criterion used in the impact assessment was the extent of improvement in the early detection of inmates' health problems. Results indicate that significant improvements in health care occurred during the first 2 years of the project and that conformity to the standards for accreditation is associated with these improvements. The project was particularly successful when assessed by the criteria of an increase in the proportion of inmates receiving physical examinations upon or soon after admission, the increase in the proportion of abnormalities detected in admission screening exams, and the number of jails achieving the established standards of care. It is troubling to note, however, that inmates did not express greater satisfaction with the care available to them during the second year of the project. (Author abstract modified)