You can strengthen existing professional misconduct laws in your state by organizing in support of new legislation that:

• reaffirms state jurisdiction over its licensees
• incorporates internationally accepted definitions of  torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment (CIDT)
• explicitly prohibits active and passive participation in torture or CIDT
• bans health professionals from participating in interrogations altogether and
• ensures that the reporting of abuse is mandatory.

Stronger laws stand a better chance of:

• providing support for health professionals inclined to report or refuse to participate in prisoner abuse
• deterring health professionals from participating in prisoner abuse and
• sending a clear message to the state boards that it is their obligation to enforce the laws and regulations that govern health professional licensees.

Support pending legislation in New York!

Gottfried-Duane Bill to Stop Health Professional Participation in Torture

• Sponsor’s memo
• Full text of the bill
• Press release on favorable reporting by the NY State Assembly’s Higher Education Committee

New York residents:

• Click here to send an email to your Assemblymember and State Senator, asking them to support Bill A6665 (Assembly) and Bill S4495 (State Senate)
• Directory of NY State Assemblymembers
• Directory of NY State Senators

Organizations:

• Submit a letter of support (template coming soon)