# 28 CFR § 541.6: Mentally ill inmates

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.6

## Section

- **Citation:** 28 CFR § 541.6
- **Heading:** Mentally ill inmates
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 28—Judicial Administration > CHAPTER V—BUREAU OF PRISONS, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE > SUBCHAPTER C—INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT > PART 541—INMATE DISCIPLINE AND SPECIAL HOUSING UNITS > Subpart A—Inmate Discipline Program

## Text

If it appears you are mentally ill at any stage of the discipline process, you will be examined by mental health staff.
(a) Competency to Participate in Disciplinary Proceedings. If evidence indicates that you cannot understand the nature of the disciplinary proceedings, or cannot help in your own defense, disciplinary proceedings may be postponed until you are competent to participate. The Unit Disciplinary Committee or Discipline Hearing Officer will make this decision based on evidence, including evidence presented by mental health staff.
(b) Responsibility for Conduct. You will not be disciplined for conduct committed when, as the result of a severe mental disease or defect, you were unable to appreciate the nature and quality, or wrongfulness of the act. The UDC or DHO will make this decision based on evidence, including evidence presented by mental health staff.

## Nearby sections

- [28 CFR § 541.1 § 541.1 Purpose.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.1.md)
- [28 CFR § 541.2 § 541.2 Application.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.2.md)
- [28 CFR § 541.3 § 541.3 Prohibited acts and available sanctions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.3.md)
- [28 CFR § 541.4 § 541.4 Loss of good conduct sentence credit as a mandatory sanction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.4.md)
- [28 CFR § 541.5 § 541.5 Discipline process.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.5.md)
- [28 CFR § 541.6 § 541.6 Mentally ill inmates.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.6.md)
- [28 CFR § 541.7 § 541.7 Unit Discipline Committee (UDC) review of the incident report.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.7.md)
- [28 CFR § 541.8 § 541.8 Discipline Hearing Officer (DHO) hearing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.8.md)
- [28 CFR § 541.20 § 541.20 Purpose.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.20.md)
- [28 CFR § 541.21 § 541.21 Special Housing Units (SHUs).](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.21.md)
- [28 CFR § 541.22 § 541.22 Status when placed in the SHU.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.22.md)
- [28 CFR § 541.23 § 541.23 Administrative detention status.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.23.md)
- [28 CFR § 541.24 § 541.24 Disciplinary segregation status.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.24.md)
- [28 CFR § 541.25 § 541.25 Notice received when placed in the SHU.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.25.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-28-541.6. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.