SAIPAN – The Northern Mariana Islands Department of Corrections is restructuring its medical unit by replacing a single high-salary position with multiple healthcare providers, a move Commissioner Anthony Torres says will improve inmate care while achieving cost savings.
Torres held a press conference Thursday to clarify recent changes to medical staffing at the corrections facility, emphasizing that the reforms prioritize both healthcare quality and fiscal responsibility.
“This is not about cutting medical care, it is about improving it,” Torres said. “These reforms demonstrate fiscal responsibility while ensuring better, more consistent care.”
The department decided not to renew the contract of its previous Medical Director earlier this year. Rather than hiring another physician at a high salary, NMIDOC is repurposing those funds to create three positions: one Physician Assistant and two Medical Assistants.
“This strategic plan strengthens our Medical Unit by adding more providers for daily assessments, treatments, prescriptions, and follow-up care,” Torres explained. “It also saves taxpayer dollars through a sustainable and team-based model that costs less than relying on a single high-cost provider.”
Keith Longuski has been hired as the new Physician Assistant. As a licensed PA, he will conduct exams, diagnose and treat conditions, prescribe medications, and manage acute and chronic illnesses under physician supervision.
However, Longuski has been working for 10 weeks without pay while awaiting legislative approval of his salary certification.
Governor David M. Apatang has requested an above-cap salary certification of $104,000 for Longuski, reflecting what Torres called “the competitive demands of recruiting professionals for a correctional environment.”
In a recent letter to Senate President Karl King-Nabors and House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, the Governor highlighted urgent challenges including rising medical needs, chronic conditions, and risks to safety and constitutional compliance due to staffing shortages.
Torres expressed gratitude to the Governor for his support and urged the Legislature to approve the salary request without delay.
“PA Keith has graciously been working for the last 10 weeks without pay,” Torres said, calling for immediate legislative action.
The Commissioner also thanked Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation CEO Esther Muna and her team for clinical guidance and care coordination during the transition.
“CHCC’s partnership exemplifies collaborative government service for our people,” Torres stated.
He extended appreciation to the Professional Licensing Board for streamlining credentialing processes and exploring flexible solutions to expedite provider onboarding.
Torres said the restructuring will expand access to care, reduce treatment delays, alleviate burdens on staff and officers, and minimize costly off-island medical transports and legal risks.
The two Medical Assistant positions will be filled promptly to complete the restructuring, according to Torres.
NMIDOC officials say they remain committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in serving the Commonwealth.
