New Federal Law: Accountability for Denying Medical Care to Detainees.
This law establishes a new legal requirement for federal officers, including police and prison staff, to immediately provide or obtain medical attention for individuals in federal custody showing signs of medical distress. Negligently failing to do so, resulting in unnecessary pain, injury, or death, becomes a federal offense punishable by up to one year in prison. This measure aims to increase the safety and protection of health for individuals held in federal custody.
Key points
Criminal Penalty for Negligence: Federal officials who negligently fail to provide immediate medical aid to detainees in distress face fines and up to one year in jail.
Mandatory Investigations: Inspector Generals must investigate all cases where failure to provide immediate care leads to serious harm or death of a person in custody.
Required Training: Federal agencies must provide training to all covered officials on how to handle medical emergencies for individuals in custody.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_1914
Sponsor: Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
Process start date: 2025-05-22