Bill > AB1922

This bill aims to significantly restrict the use of mechanical restraints, such as handcuffs, leg irons, and waist chains, on incarcerated individuals when they are admitted to a hospital for medical care, particularly when they are receiving an "advanced level of medical services" (defined as requiring interventions like mechanical ventilation, surgery, or chemotherapy, excluding emergency room care). While hospitals can initiate their own medical restraint processes if there's an "imminent physical threat" (defined as violent or self-destructive behavior that jeopardizes immediate safety), correctional facility staff are prohibited from using mechanical restraints in such situations, except in cases of escape attempts, where only the least restrictive restraints necessary for a limited duration are permitted. The bill also clarifies that these new restrictions do not apply during transportation to or from the hospital, where the least restrictive means necessary should still be used. This legislation expands upon existing protections for pregnant incarcerated individuals and applies these enhanced protections to all incarcerated patients receiving advanced medical care outside of correctional facilities, with the goal of preventing harm and ensuring dignified medical treatment.

Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1922