California Bills Protect Immigrants in Hospital Custody

0:00California lawmakers are pushing two bills through the state senate to shield patients in ice custody from being cut off from family and lawyers while hospitalized. These measures target practices like hospitals using fake names or blackout policies that hide patient locations, making it tough for loved ones to, find them more, offer support. The bills would bar immigration agents from hanging out in patient rooms without proper legal papers and require hospital staff to kick them out. Using medical exams or doctor talks, if agents refuse, workers must document it. Facilities also couldn't let agents call medical shots, handle translations, or rush discharges to under-prepared detention centers without follow-up, plans. Advocates for immigrants and health workers are all in, saying these steps protect basic patient rights during critical times. But hospital groups worry it could spark conflicts or safety issues for staff dealing with federal officers on the spot. This comes after KFF health news exposed cases like a 43-year-old man with terminal

1:03kidney disease who stayed shackled and isolated in a salated in a sing. Victorville Hospital for nearly two weeks. His family and attorney couldn't reach him until after a seizure and he passed away soon after release. It builds on last year's law limiting ICAT medical spots, but plugs gaps for those already detained. Both bills sailed through senate health and judiciary committees on party lines and head to appropriations next, aiming to empower hospitals to prioritize care over custody games. You've been listening to California News Today, AI-powered local news.