| Abstract: | U.S. District Judge Joyce Hens Green ruled that the District of Columbia Department of Corrections violated Latino inmates' constitutional rights when it did not furnish interpreters for those in need of medical, dental, and mental health care. As a result, the Department of Corrections will implement procedures to ensure access to medical care and HIV counseling for Latino inmates. Green cited the District of Columbia for substandard HIV testing and counseling services. Inmates now must be given Spanish-language information on health care access within the prison, including how to request HIV tests, and pre- and post-test counseling. |
