4.22 DEFINITION: SERIOUS MEDICAL NEED — CONVICTEPR Civiliviv. 1983) refers to a legal concept used to protect the medical rights of prisoners in the United States. According to 42 U.S.C. CIV. 1983, individuals convicted of a crime have a right to receive medical care and treatment that meets “serious medical needs”. SerimedicatedneeTototincludedde any physical or mental condition that would cause death or serious physical injury if left untreated. This includes any condition that significantly impairs the prisoner’s health or well-being. This definition includes two types of serious medical needs for prisoners: acute medical needs and chronic medical needs. Acute medical needs are medical conditions that require immediate medical attention, such as injuries or illnesses that cannot wait for treatment. Chronic medical needs are medical conditions that require ongoing treatment and management, such as diabetes, asthma, or HIV/AIDS. The right to receive medical care and treatment for serious medical needs is a fundamental right for prisoners in the United States, and this right is protected by 42 U.S.C. CIV. 1983. This law ensures that prisoners are not denied access to medical care and treatment that is necessary to maintain their health and well-being.