Bill > S07865

This bill prohibits health professionals from participating in torture of incarcerated individuals by establishing comprehensive legal protections and reporting requirements. The legislation defines torture broadly as any intentional act causing severe physical or mental suffering, including cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and applies to a wide range of health professionals across various medical disciplines. Health professionals are prohibited from engaging in, assisting, planning, or being complicit in torture, which includes actions like providing medical expertise to facilitate torture, being present during torture, or altering medical records to hide evidence of torture. The bill requires health professionals to report instances of torture, provides confidential reporting mechanisms, and protects reporters from retaliation. It mandates that covered facilities, which include correctional, juvenile, and immigration detention facilities, investigate and document torture allegations, with the office of the inspector general monitoring compliance. The legislation also requires mandatory training for facility employees about torture prevention and reporting, and establishes that violations can result in professional disciplinary action. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that health professionals' primary obligation is to provide care that respects human dignity and protects the health and safety of incarcerated individuals.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7865