H.R. 7733: Ensuring OB–GYN Care in Prisons Act

This bill, known as the "Ensuring OB–GYN Care in Prisons Act," aims to improve access to obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) care for female prisoners in facilities managed by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Here are the key provisions of the legislation:

Employment Requirements

The bill mandates that each BOP facility where female prisoners are incarcerated must employ at least one OB-GYN who is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology on a full-time basis. The goal is to ensure that female inmates have regular and timely access to specialized medical care related to women's health.

Initial Visits

Within 14 days of incarceration, every female prisoner is required to have an initial visit with the designated OB-GYN at their facility. This requirement is meant to facilitate early health assessments and address any immediate concerns.

Services Provided

The OB-GYNs are responsible for providing various essential services to female prisoners, including but not limited to:

• Menstrual health care and pain management
• Contraceptive counseling and access
• Diagnosis and treatment of gynecological conditions
• Cancer screenings in accordance with clinical guidelines
• Prenatal care and pregnancy screenings
• Postpartum care and recovery
• Mental health screening for postpartum depression

Patient Rights and Protections

The bill also establishes specific rights and protections for female prisoners receiving care:

• Informed consent is required for any exam or procedure.
• Prisoners have the right to refuse non-emergency medical procedures.
• Communication regarding medical care must be provided in the preferred language of the prisoner.

Furthermore, care provided must adhere to trauma-informed standards, particularly for survivors of sexual violence.

Referrals and Access to Care

The BOP Director is tasked with creating a system that allows female prisoners to receive referrals to other medical specialists when necessary. It is also required that transportation and security arrangements do not hinder access to medical care, and that care should not be denied due to cost or staffing issues.

Staffing Vacancies

In the event of a vacancy in the OB-GYN position, the bill stipulates that the BOP must fill the vacancy within 42 days to ensure continuous care for female prisoners.

Reporting Requirements

Within one year of the bill's enactment, and annually thereafter, the BOP Director must submit a report to Congress detailing:

• Facilities where OB-GYNs are employed full-time.
• Facilities with required but vacant OB-GYN positions and the duration of such vacancies.
• The number of visits to OB-GYNs by female and pregnant prisoners.
• The hours worked by each OB-GYN in the facilities.
• The number of childbirths and pregnancies categorized as high-risk among inmates.
• Any related deaths of female prisoners and newborns due to pregnancy complications.

Relevant Companies

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