(Courtesy of Arizona Department of Corrections)

The Arizona Department of Corrections has agreed to implement significant improvements to the state’s prison healthcare system. The new standards are a part of a settlement filed on Tuesday by the American Civil Liberties Union.

The agreement settles the Parsons v. Ryan lawsuit filed in 2012 alleging the state prison system did not provide adequate physical and mental healthcare to the states more than 33,000 prisoners.

One of the biggest changes is an overhaul of the rules surrounding solitary confinement.

Dan Pochoda is with the ACLU of Arizona.  

"And there’s no dispute there’s been unnecessary deaths because of the inadequate care. So yes, this will be a significant plus," said Pochoda "It has to be implemented. The department has shown a willingness to it. They have entered into the settlement voluntarily."

The settlement also asks for more staffing in medical areas.

Arizona Department of Corrections spokesman Doug Nick said it will benefit both prisoners and state taxpayers.

"This is an affirmation that the current practices and policies along with some recent enhancements in programming are working and are effective," he said. "So really, this is a positive development."

According to Nick, meeting the requirements of the settlement will not require additional funding.