- A federal court has ordered the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to reinstate access to specific inmate medical treatments.
- The court ruled that the BOP violated the Administrative Procedure Act by arbitrarily limiting prescribed care.
- Both preliminary injunction and class certification were granted, ensuring relief for current and future inmates.
Lead:
A U.S. District Court has ruled that the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) must immediately restore access to prescribed medical treatments for inmates, marking a major victory in an ongoing legal challenge to BOP healthcare practices. The decision, issued on February 3, 2025, by Judge Royce C. Lamberth, grants both a preliminary injunction and class certification, securing interim relief for hundreds of incarcerated individuals.
Background:
The lawsuit arose after inmates accused the BOP of abruptly withdrawing access to medical treatments — including prescription medications and therapeutic accommodations — that had been approved by BOP medical personnel. These actions were allegedly taken without reevaluation, explanation, or adherence to formal rulemaking procedures.
The plaintiffs argued that:
- The BOP’s decisions violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), which requires federal agencies to act reasonably and transparently.
- The denial of medical care prescribed by licensed prison physicians was arbitrary and capricious.
- The removals may constitute violations of the Eighth Amendment, which protects against cruel and unusual punishment — though the judge left this question open for future litigation.
In addition to a preliminary injunction, the plaintiffs sought and received class certification, meaning the ruling now protects not only the initial claimants but also future inmates who may face similar treatment denials.
Key Ruling:
Judge Lamberth agreed with the plaintiffs, holding that the BOP may not arbitrarily strip inmates of medical care deemed necessary by its own healthcare professionals without fully considering the consequences. The court stated:
The ruling also notes that even if the BOP had followed formal procedures, its decisions may still be subject to constitutional limitations under the Eighth Amendment — but that determination is reserved for future stages of litigation.
Court Order Summary:
Under the injunction, the BOP is required to:
- Restore access to previously prescribed treatment modalities for existing class members
- Maintain access to those treatments during the litigation
- Allow medical staff to prescribe the same treatments for future class members without bureaucratic interference
Judge Lamberth’s decision emphasizes that the BOP is bound by the APA to act deliberately and lawfully — particularly when medical care is involved. View the court’s full opinion.
Outlook:
The BOP is now under court order to comply with its own internal medical guidance while the case proceeds. Legal advocates say the ruling may set a powerful precedent for other lawsuits involving federal or state prison systems that attempt to circumvent physician-ordered care.
Also Read:
(with inputs from federal court records and judicial documents)
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