Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act
This act establishes mandatory procedures for federal agencies to notify families about serious health incidents or deaths of individuals in federal custody. It aims to ensure timely and comprehensive information for next-of-kin, enhancing their rights and reducing distress caused by lack of knowledge about their detained loved ones.
Key points
Federal agencies must collect emergency contact information and notify next-of-kin of death (within 12 hours) or serious injury/illness (within 48 hours) of individuals in custody.
Notifications must include pertinent details of the event, including cause of death (if determined) and information about ongoing investigations.
The act requires federal agencies to develop and distribute model policies for states, local governments, and tribes to implement similar procedures.
Families have the right to information about autopsies and their results, as well as to retrieve personal belongings and remains of the deceased.
Individuals in custody can designate emergency contacts and medical proxies, with the option to opt out of notifications.
An Ombudsman position within the Department of Justice is established to monitor compliance with notification requirements.
Status:
Expired
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