Monroe County Legislature Launches Investigation Into Jail Medical Provider Following Preventable Death
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Monroe County Legislature has unanimously approved an investigation into the private company providing medical services at the Monroe County Jail following a state report that found serious deficiencies in the treatment of an inmate who died in custody.
The bipartisan committee, established Oct. 13, will examine whether PrimeCare Medical of New York should continue providing health care at the jail and recommend improvements to medical services and oversight. Its findings are expected by mid-April 2027.
The investigation stems from the death of Brian Harmon, 62, who died Oct. 1, 2023, nine days after entering the jail on a parole violation.
According to the New York State Commission of Correction's Medical Review Board, Harmon died from sepsis caused by a urinary obstruction. The board determined that multiple deficiencies in his medical assessment and treatment contributed to his death.
The state report identified missed opportunities to recognize and respond to Harmon's deteriorating condition, including failures to provide timely medical intervention. Investigators concluded that his death was preventable.
Following its investigation, the commission directed the Monroe County Legislature in December 2025 to examine PrimeCare's fitness to continue providing medical services.
The report also called for investigations into the professional conduct of two medical practitioners involved in Harmon's treatment and recommended improvements to jail medical policies and procedures.
PrimeCare subsequently terminated three employees connected to the case, including a physician assistant and two nurse practitioners.
Despite the state's directive, the county renewed PrimeCare's contract earlier this year for approximately $13.6 million, extending medical services through January 2027.
The Legislature's newly established committee includes Democrats Linda Hasman and Albert Blankley and Republicans Jackie Smith and Blake Keller. The investigation was proposed by Democratic Majority Leader Michael Yudelson and Republican Minority Leader Sean McCabe.
The Legislature also considered reducing the length of PrimeCare's next contract renewal from one year to six months, but the proposal was tabled.
Harmon's son filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in July against Monroe County, PrimeCare and other defendants, alleging failures in the medical treatment provided during his father's incarceration. The allegations remain subject to litigation.
The investigation raises broader questions about the county's responsibility to oversee private contractors providing essential medical care to incarcerated individuals.
Under New York law, correctional facilities are responsible for ensuring that people in custody receive appropriate medical services, regardless of whether those services are delivered by government employees or private contractors.
The committee's findings could influence future contracting decisions, strengthen medical oversight and lead to changes intended to prevent additional deaths in custody.
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