END HEALTH PROFESSIONALS' COMPLICITY IN THE TORTURE OF DETAINED OR INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS ACT

A New York State Bill

A.8286 Kelles; S.7865 Salazar

We are very excited to be promoting the passage of a New York State bill (A.8286 Kelles; S.7865 Salazar) which would prohibit healthcare professionals from participating in the torture and improper treatment of incarcerated individuals. Behind bars, healthcare workers, such as doctors, nurses, and social workers, are a neutral presence, but they are also critical witnesses to goings-on inside prison walls, including brutality & torture of the incarcerated that often occurs.

This legislation would play a key role in reducing this abuse in two ways:

First, any participation in torture by healthcare workers, such as long-term solitary confinement would be prohibited. Furthermore, just as healthcare workers are mandated reporters in cases of suspected child abuse, they would be mandated to report suspected brutality against the incarcerated. Failure to do so could result in the loss of professional license.

Secondly, the organizations that the abuse is reported to would be mandated to investigate the claims and remedy the issue as appropriate.

Join us as we work together to pass this bill, which we envision as a template for legislation, nationwide.

To learn more or to become involved, please drop us a line at: swasc999@gmail.com

Learn More About This Bill

1-page Flyer

A document succinctly describing what this legislation does and why it is so crucial right now. Feel free to check it out, print, and share.

Download 1-page Flyer
Bill Memo

A description of the bill’s content and context, written by our sponsor Senator Salazar’s office.

Download Bill Memo

“Had legislation like this existed when I worked on Rikers Island, I could have remained in my role, fightingfor my patients from within the system rather than exposing it from the outside… I didn’t leave Rikers because I stopped believing in my patients; I left because the system made it impossible to protect them. But I have never stopped carrying their stories, suffering, and hope. This bill is the first absolute acknowledgment that health professionals should never be forced to choose between their ethics and employment. We are not meant to be silent witnesses to torture. We are healers. Pass this bill, for those still behind the walls, for those we’ve already lost, and for every provider who wants to do what’s right but fears the cost. Let us end complicity. Let us begin accountability.”

-Justyna Rzewinksi, LCSW, Rikers Island whistleblower and SWASC member