Virginia Law

A. No restraints shall be used on any prisoner who is in postpartum recovery unless a deputy sheriff or jail officer makes an individualized determination that (i) such prisoner will harm herself, the fetus, the newborn child, or any other person; (ii) such prisoner poses a flight risk; or (iii) the totality of the circumstances creates a serious security risk. If such individualized determination is made that restraints are necessary, the deputy sheriff or jail officer shall consult with the health care provider treating such prisoner to ensure that such restraints are the least restrictive possible. In such case, the deputy sheriff or jail officer ordering the use of restraints shall notify a supervisor as soon as reasonably practicable and shall submit a report indicating the reason for the use of such restraints and what type of restraints were used no later than the conclusion of such deputy sheriff's or jail officer's shift. The supervisor shall submit a written report to the sheriff in charge of the local correctional facility, or his designee, or the jail superintendent of the regional correctional facility, or his designee, within 72 hours following the use of restraints, containing justification for restraining the prisoner. If restraints are used on a prisoner as authorized by this subsection, such restraints shall be immediately removed upon the request of any doctor, nurse, or other health care provider treating such prisoner if the restraints present a threat to the life or health of the prisoner, the fetus, or the newborn child.

B. Following the delivery of a newborn child by a prisoner, the sheriff or jail superintendent shall permit the newborn child to remain with the mother until discharge from the health care facility unless a licensed medical or mental health care professional has a reasonable belief that the newborn child remaining with the mother poses a health or safety risk to the newborn child.

2025, c. 698.