To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish uniform processes for medical screening of individuals interdicted between ports of entry, and for other purposes.
Committees
House Homeland Security Committee
Bill Summary
U.S. Border Patrol Medical Screening Standards Act This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish procedures to ensure consistent and efficient medical screenings for all individuals stopped between ports of entry, with a priority on screening those who have not reached the age of 18. The screenings shall take place within 12 hours of the initial stop, or 6 hours for high priority individuals, such as those showing signs of acute illness. The screenings shall at minimum include (1) a visual assessment of the individual's overall physical and behavioral state, (2) a record of the individual's medical history and current medical complaints, (3) a screening of the individual's vital signs, and (4) a review by a medical professional of any prescribed medication in the individual's possession. Each Border Patrol sector shall have a pediatric medical expert on site. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall (1) research and report to Congress new approaches to improve the screening procedures and recommend any necessary corrective actions, and (2) establish an electronic health record system containing the records of individuals in DHS custody that can be accessed by all relevant DHS departments.
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish uniform processes for medical screening of individuals interdicted between ports of entry, and for other purposes.
U.S. Border Patrol Medical Screening Standards Act This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish procedures to ensure consistent and efficient medical screenings for all individuals stopped between ports of entry, with a priority on screening those who have not reached the age of 18. The screenings shall take place within 12 hours of the initial stop, or 6 hours for high priority individuals, such as those showing signs of acute illness. The screenings shall at minimum include (1) a visual assessment of the individual's overall physical and behavioral state, (2) a record of the individual's medical history and current medical complaints, (3) a screening of the individual's vital signs, and (4) a review by a medical professional of any prescribed medication in the individual's possession. Each Border Patrol sector shall have a pediatric medical expert on site. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall (1) research and report to Congress new approaches to improve the screening procedures and recommend any necessary corrective actions, and (2) establish an electronic health record system containing the records of individuals in DHS custody that can be accessed by all relevant DHS departments.