Officials running California’s prison healthcare system violated state and federal rules when awarding about $28 million in information technology contracts in 2007 and 2008, according to a report from the Bureau of State Audits. And identifying all IT contracts awarded is not possible because Corrections Department and other databases are incomplete or inaccurate, according to the audit. Eight out of 21 contracts reviewed, totaling $3.6 million, lacked required certifications stating that the purchases were necessary and were compatible with current IT systems. Four service contracts did not have evidence of compliance with bidding and award rules. One IT contract worth $190,400 was made using the wrong form, so it’s unclear whether the vendor agreed to the terms and requirements necessary under law for that type of contract, according to the audit…

LINK – www.modernhealthcare.com