HEALTH NEEDS WHILE IN CBP CUSTODY
CBP custody standards require officers to address reported or observed medical concerns, obtain appropriate medical care when necessary and follow specific procedures for prescription medication.
CBP detention standards require officers or agents, when a person enters a CBP hold room, to ask about and visually inspect for signs of injury, illness or physical or mental health concerns and to ask about prescription medications.
CBP policy states that emergency medical services must be called immediately for a medical emergency such as a heart attack or difficulty breathing.
A traveler experiencing an urgent medical problem should clearly tell CBP personnel rather than assume the condition is obvious.
Under CBP detention standards, qualifying prescription medication in a properly identified container with the dosage indicated is generally self-administered under officer or agent supervision.
CBP’s detention standards provide that non-U.S.-prescribed medication may need validation by a medical professional, particularly when the person is no longer simply in general processing.
CBP may also arrange for a medical practitioner to provide an equivalent U.S. prescription when appropriate.
CBP policy generally does not authorize officers or agents to administer medications unless they have the appropriate emergency medical qualifications or are providing qualifying emergency assistance.
The policy allows assistance when a detainee cannot self-administer medication because of age or disability.
Separate CBP traveler guidance recommends carrying prescription medication in its original container and carrying a prescription or physician statement, particularly for medication that may contain controlled substances.
CBP standards state that where a detainee is hospitalized, relevant discharge information, treatment plans and prescribed medications should accompany the person upon transfer or repatriation.
Security and medication-validation procedures can affect possession, but CBP’s custody standards specifically address continued access to legitimate prescribed medication.
CBP policy provides procedures for medical validation of non-U.S.-prescribed medication.
CBP policy requires immediate emergency medical services in the event of a medical emergency.
These government materials describe the principal CBP custody and detention standards discussed on this page.
Where a border incident involved missed medication, hospitalization or another medical problem, the custody and medical records may become important evidence.