Purpose

Compassionate release is a process that allows for the early release or parole of some incarcerated people of advanced age, with life-limiting illness, complex medical care needs or significant functional decline. Despite the expansion of State and Federal compassionate release programs, this mechanism for release remains underutilized. Health-care professionals are central to the process of recommending compassionate release, but few resources exist to support these efforts. The purpose of this paper is to provide a guide for health-care professionals requesting compassionate release for patients who are incarcerated.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is stepwise guide for health-care professionals requesting compassionate release for patients who are incarcerated.

Findings

This study describes the role of the health-care professional in requesting compassionate release and offers guidance to help them navigate the process of preparing a medical declaration or request for compassionate release.

Originality/value

No prior publications have created a step-wise guide of this nature to aid health-care professionals through the compassionate release process.