Title 42 — The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73

§1997h Notice to Federal departments

Title 42 › Chapter CHAPTER 21— - CIVIL RIGHTS › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER I–A— - INSTITUTIONALIZED PERSONS › § 1997h

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

When the Attorney General tells an institution that an investigation is starting or that the government plans to ask to join a case, and that institution gets federal money from the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Education, the Attorney General must tell the right Secretary at that department what is happening and why, and must talk with them. After that consultation, the Attorney General can go ahead with the action only if satisfied it matches the executive branch’s policies and goals.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §1997h

The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

At the time of notification of the commencement of an investigation of an institution under section 1997a of this title or of the notification of an intention to file a motion to intervene under section 1997c of this title, and if the relevant institution receives Federal financial assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Education, the Attorney General shall notify the appropriate Secretary of the action and the reasons for such action and shall consult with such officials. Following such consultation, the Attorney General may proceed with an action under this subchapter if the Attorney General is satisfied that such action is consistent with the policies and goals of the executive branch.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–134 substituted “the action” for “his action” and “the Attorney General is satisfied” for “he is satisfied”.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 1997h

Title 42 — The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73