Policing of youth in the hospital

Background

Each year millions of children seek care in emergency departments, many of whom are from marginalized and minoritized groups who lack access to primary and preventive care. Law enforcement personnel are also commonly present in pediatric and adult emergency departments serving in a range of roles. Therefore, pediatric emergency departments sit at the nexus of the health system and the legal system for many vulnerable youth and families.

Objective

Herein, we explore several common specific legal issues surrounding policing of youth in the hospital setting: patient privacy and disclosure of information, questioning and visitation restriction, autonomy and decision making, restraints and use of force, and patient property.

Methods

Our team of legal scholars and clinician researchers examined the literature on policing of youth in healthcare settings and patients' legal rights in healthcare settings through searches using PubMed, Westlaw, and Lexis.

Findings

Through rigorous analysis of the medical literature, legal scholarship, and relevant case law, several important themes were identified which present challenges to clinicians caring for vulnerable children.

Conclusions and relevance

Pediatric clinicians, highly trained professionals in the medical and social care of youth and children, are often unaware of legal rules and procedures that guide law enforcement interaction with youth. This lack of knowledge may result in unknowing and unwitting violations of patients' rights while also compromising the quality of health care provided. Therefore, it is imperative that clinicians are educated on their roles and their institutions' roles in safeguarding patients' privacy and autonomy while still promoting effective collaboration with law enforcement.