Comprehensive Reform Urgently Needed in Hospital Shackling Policy for Incarcerated Patients in the United States

Abstract

Approximately 2.2 million people are incarcerated in the United States. The carceral population is aging due to strict sentencing laws, which has increased the frequency and acuity of off-site medical care. Inpatient providers must follow departments of correction procedures when treating incarcerated patients, which often prevents adherence to standards of care and puts the health of patients at risk. Shackling is a common requirement during hospitalization and is associated with increased risk for complications. Current state and federal policies regarding shackling lack specifics to prevent patient harm. Incarcerated people have a constitutionally protected right to health care, but with current policy, we are not meeting this essential responsibility. Updates to policy are needed to ensure that patients receive compassionate, safe, and constitutionally mandated health care.

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