The Wyatt Detention Center in Rhode Island is facing allegations of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to a recent investigation, the facility failed to provide medications used to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), including methadone and buprenorphine, to detainees who had previously received treatment under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.
The investigation, conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, found that the Wyatt Detention Center did not provide individualized medical determinations to assess whether each person should be maintained on or withdrawn from OUD treatment. As a result, individuals who had previously received treatment for OUD had to undergo forced withdrawal while incarcerated at the facility.
Under the terms of a new agreement, the Wyatt Detention Center will adopt non-discriminatory medication management policies at the facility and provide methadone or buprenorphine for individuals with OUD who have been prescribed such medication under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.
“Efforts to combat substance abuse and opioid deaths require every tool at our disposal,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. “That means not just vigorous and targeted law enforcement, but also sensible and humane treatment that provides a bridge to recovery.”
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Romero. Those interested in finding out more about the ADA can call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov.
In related news, individuals in the District of Rhode Island may report civil rights violations directly to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/civil-rights-enforcement or 401-709-5000.
The Wyatt Detention Center is a correctional facility located in Central Falls, Rhode Island. According to the facility’s website, it houses approximately 540 inmates.
Defendant/Respondent: Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility
Exact Criminal Charges: Violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
City and State: Providence, Rhode Island
Exact Date: April 1, 2024
Sentence or Outcome: Agreement to adopt non-discriminatory medication management policies and provide OUD treatment to detainees
Dollar Amounts: None
Defendant/Respondent Full Name: Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility
Legal Entity Name: Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility
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Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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