PHOENIX (AP) - A judge has sent the Arizona Department of Corrections back to the negotiating table after the department failed to comply with a settlement requiring better health care.
The Arizona Republic reported Monday that U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver told the department and lawyers representing inmates last week that they have 60 days to reach a new settlement.
Officials say the state owes $1.4 million for noncompliance in 2018 and could face another $1.7 million this year.
Court officials say lawyers detailed multiple stories in letters submitted to the court in May in which the department failed to provide adequate treatment to inmates.
Officials say the parties must submit to the court legal reasoning for reopening the case and going to trial if a new settlement cannot be reached.
