Schwarzenegger administration loses appeal to end federal oversight of inmate health care

California loses fight to end prison oversight

SAN FRANCISCO — The Schwarzenegger administration has lost a legal fight to end oversight of California’s prison health care system.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday ruled that a federal judge can continue with a court-appointed receiver to improve inmate medical care. The appeals court also dismissed the administration’s request to stop the receiver’s construction plans to add medical beds.

California has been trying to end federal oversight of the state’s prison system, largely because of the growing costs. State officials say the receiver in charge of making improvements has no right to order the construction of 10,000 new beds.