When a person is sentenced to federal prison, their health and well-being become the responsibility of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). While most federal prisons provide basic health services, some inmates require specialized medical care that standard facilities cannot offer. This is where federal medical centers (FMCs), also called federal medical prisons, come into play. These specialized institutions cater to inmates with serious medical conditions, offering advanced treatments and healthcare in a secure environment. This page explores the role of federal medical centers, provides an overview of the federal prison medical centers in the U.S., and explains what life is like inside these facilities.
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What is a Federal Medical Center (FMC)?
A Federal Medical Center (FMC) is a specialized prison within the Federal Bureau of Prisons designed to offer advanced medical care for inmates with severe or chronic health conditions. These facilities house inmates who cannot receive adequate medical care in traditional federal prisons. The FMCs operate under strict security protocols while providing specialized healthcare services similar to those in hospitals.
Each federal medical center prison is fully equipped with medical staff to manage inmates’ illnesses and injuries, including doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and mental health professionals. These facilities are crucial for inmates needing long-term care, rehabilitation, or palliative care due to life-threatening conditions.
Key Features of Federal Medical Centers
- Comprehensive Medical and Mental Health Care: FMCs are equipped to provide a wide range of healthcare services. From basic medical care to advanced surgeries and psychiatric services, these centers cater to inmates with various health needs. Each FMC has specialized departments handling unique medical conditions, ranging from cancer treatment to mental health therapy.
- Specialized Facilities: FMCs are distinct from general federal prisons because of their enhanced medical capabilities. These facilities include surgical units, mental health wings, hospice care sections, and specialized rehabilitation units. For example, the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, is known for its robust psychiatric services, making it one of the most well-equipped facilities for inmates with severe mental health disorders.
- Dedicated Medical Staff: FMCs employ a diverse team of healthcare professionals trained to handle routine and specialized medical cases. This includes everything from general practitioners to oncology specialists. The staff’s role extends beyond just treating illnesses; they also monitor and manage chronic conditions to prevent them from worsening during an inmate’s incarceration.
- Strict Security Measures: Although FMCs focus on medical care, they are still administrative-security federal prisons. Inmates must follow strict prison rules, and the staff implements various security protocols to ensure the facility remains safe for inmates and medical personnel.
List of Federal Medical Centers in the U.S.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons operates several federal medical centers (FMCs) throughout the United States, each specializing in various types of medical care for inmates with serious or chronic conditions. These facilities provide a range of healthcare services, from basic care to advanced treatments such as dialysis, cancer therapy, and psychiatric care. Below is an expanded and detailed overview of each primary federal medical center, focusing on the services they provide and their unique features.
Federal Medical Center Butner (Butner, North Carolina)
FMC Butner, located just north of Raleigh, North Carolina, is a part of the Butner Federal Correctional Complex (FCC). It serves as a major medical and psychiatric referral center for male inmates, providing care for a wide range of health conditions, including cancer, mental health disorders, and chronic illnesses.
Specialties at FMC Butner
- Oncology Care: FMC Butner is the primary oncology referral center for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It provides chemotherapy and radiation therapy for inmates diagnosed with cancer, making it one of the leading centers for cancer treatment in the federal prison system.
- Dialysis Services: FMC Butner offers dialysis treatments on-site for inmates with end-stage renal failure, ensuring that inmates with kidney disease receive the specialized care they need.
- Orthopedic Surgery: Inmates requiring orthopedic surgery, including those recovering from fractures or joint issues, can receive treatment at FMC Butner.
- Psychiatric Services: FMC Butner is also well-known for its extensive mental health services, offering treatment for various psychiatric conditions. The facility provides care for inmates suffering from severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.
As part of the larger Butner FCC, which includes a low-security facility, two medium-security facilities, and a minimum-security satellite prison camp, FMC Butner ensures that inmates with serious medical needs receive specialized care in a controlled environment.
Federal Medical Center Carswell (Fort Worth, Texas)
FMC Carswell, located in Fort Worth, Texas, within the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, is the only federal medical center for female inmates in the United States. It provides comprehensive medical and psychiatric services to women with a wide range of health issues.
Specialties at FMC Carswell
- Women’s Health: FMC Carswell specializes in treating medical conditions unique to female inmates, including gynecological services and maternity care for pregnant inmates.
- Mental Health Services: The facility offers extensive psychiatric care for women with mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
- Chronic Illnesses: FMC Carswell is equipped to manage women with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, providing regular monitoring and treatment to prevent complications.
- Cancer Treatment: Women diagnosed with cancer can receive oncology services, including chemotherapy and other treatments, at FMC Carswell.
This facility is a critical component of the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ medical network, providing essential healthcare to women incarcerated in the federal system. It is recognized for its compassionate approach to end-of-life care and female inmates’ unique medical challenges.
Federal Medical Center Devens (Ayer, Massachusetts)
Located in central Massachusetts, FMC Devens is known for providing comprehensive medical and mental health care to male inmates. The facility is equipped to handle a wide range of complex medical conditions and offers in-house medical services and specialized treatments through community-based consultants.
Specialties at FMC Devens
- Cardiac Care: FMC Devens specializes in treating inmates with heart disease, offering cardiac care for those requiring monitoring and treatment for conditions like heart failure, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease.
- Dialysis Treatment: Inmates suffering from kidney failure can receive dialysis treatment at FMC Devens, which helps manage their condition and improve their quality of life while incarcerated.
- Psychiatric Services: Inmates with severe psychiatric disorders receive care through comprehensive mental health services. This includes therapy, counseling, and medication management for inmates with conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety.
FMC Devens also houses a minimum-security satellite camp, making it a dual-functioning facility that handles medical care and the needs of lower-risk inmates.
Federal Medical Center Lexington (Lexington, Kentucky)
FMC Lexington, located just north of Lexington, Kentucky, provides male inmates with a wide range of healthcare services. This facility is a major center for the treatment of chronic illnesses and offers specialized services for substance abuse rehabilitation.
Specialties at FMC Lexington
- Physical Rehabilitation: FMC Lexington offers physical therapy and rehabilitation services to inmates recovering from surgery, injury, or long-term illness.
- Substance Abuse Treatment: The facility offers comprehensive substance abuse programs, helping inmates overcome addiction through therapy and medication-assisted treatment.
- Cancer Treatment: FMC Lexington provides oncology services to inmates diagnosed with various types of cancer, including lymphoma and leukemia.
- Chronic Illness Management: For inmates with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and lung disease, FMC Lexington offers regular monitoring and treatment to ensure these conditions are kept under control.
FMC Lexington’s broad range of services makes it a critical facility in the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ medical care system.
Federal Medical Center Rochester (Rochester, Minnesota)
FMC Rochester, located in southeastern Minnesota, is a major referral center for inmates with serious medical and psychiatric conditions. Its proximity to the Mayo Clinic allows the facility to provide specialized care through external partnerships.
Specialties at FMC Rochester
- Infectious Disease Treatment: FMC Rochester is the primary referral center for inmates with advanced HIV infection and other infectious diseases. The facility provides long-term management and treatment of these conditions.
- End-Stage Liver Disease: Inmates with end-stage liver disease receive specialized care, including treatments aimed at managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.
- Psychiatric Services: FMC Rochester offers inpatient psychiatric services and outpatient mental health care for inmates. It also conducts forensic studies for the courts, assessing inmates’ mental health status for legal proceedings.
With its extensive medical services and strong collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, FMC Rochester is vital to the federal prison medical network.
United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners (Springfield, Missouri)
The United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners (USMCFP Springfield), located in southwest Missouri, is one of the country’s oldest and most well-known federal medical centers. It provides care to male inmates and is recognized for its psychiatric and surgical treatment expertise.
Specialties at USMCFP Springfield
- Psychiatric Services: As a major psychiatric referral center, USMCFP Springfield treats inmates with serious mental illnesses. The facility offers both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services, providing treatment for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression.
- Surgical Services: Inmates requiring surgical care for conditions like cancer, orthopedic issues, or cardiovascular problems can receive treatment at USMCFP Springfield. The facility is equipped with modern surgical units to handle a variety of procedures.
- Chronic Illness Management: USMCFP Springfield is equipped to treat inmates with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and COPD, offering long-term management and monitoring to prevent complications.
As a comprehensive medical center, USMCFP Springfield plays a crucial role in treating inmates with both physical and mental health needs, ensuring that they receive appropriate care during their incarceration.
These federal medical prisons are essential to the federal prison system, providing high-level medical care for inmates with serious health conditions. Each facility offers specialized services tailored to the needs of the inmate population, ensuring that even those with the most complex medical conditions receive the care they need while incarcerated.

What is Life Like Inside a Federal Medical Center?
Inmates who are designated to federal medical centers typically have a vastly different experience from those housed in regular federal prisons. Although they remain incarcerated, the focus on medical care alters their daily routines. Let’s look closer at what life is like inside these facilities and the types of care provided.
Daily Routine
The daily schedule at a federal medical center is structured around medical care. Inmates at FMCs generally have regular appointments with doctors, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers. These appointments often take precedence over typical prison activities, such as work assignments or recreational programs.
- Medical Care: Medical appointments range from daily check-ups to weekly specialist visits. Inmates might receive treatments such as chemotherapy, dialysis, or physical therapy. Those with serious or chronic conditions often monitor their vital signs throughout the day to ensure their health is stable.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy: Some inmates require physical rehabilitation due to injuries or post-surgical recovery. Inmates recovering from surgeries or managing long-term conditions are given individualized treatment plans that include physical therapy and other rehabilitative services.
- Mental Health Services: Mental health care is another vital component of the services provided in federal medical centers. Many FMCs have specific units for inmates with serious mental illnesses, offering therapies ranging from counseling to psychiatric treatment.
Work Assignments and Recreation
Although medical care is a priority, many inmates are still assigned jobs within the FMC. The type of work assigned is typically less physically demanding than work in general-population prisons. Some common inmate job assignments include clerical work, helping in the prison library, or working as an assistant in the medical facility.
Inmates who are physically able to participate in recreational activities can do so during their free time. Most FMCs have fitness rooms, outdoor spaces, and access to reading materials, though the extent of recreational opportunities often depends on the inmate’s medical condition.
Security and Restrictions
Even though FMCs focus on medical care, they remain federal prisons with stringent security measures. Inmates are subject to the same rules and restrictions as those in other federal institutions, including:
- Regular Headcounts: Inmates must report to headcounts multiple times daily to ensure everyone is accounted for.
- Controlled Movements: Inmates are only allowed to move around the facility during designated times and must have permission from staff to visit certain areas of the prison.
- Surveillance: Security cameras and guards monitor all areas of the FMC to ensure the safety of both inmates and medical staff.
Conditions Treated at Federal Medical Centers
Inmates with various health conditions are housed at federal medical centers based on the severity and type of care required. The BOP medical facilities are equipped to handle a wide range of illnesses, including:
- Chronic Illnesses: Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common among inmates. These conditions require regular monitoring and treatment to ensure the inmate’s health does not deteriorate while in custody.
- Cancer: Many FMCs have oncology departments that provide cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Federal medical prisons such as FMC Butner are known for their expertise in treating cancer patients.
- Mental Health Disorders: Inmates with severe psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, are often sent to FMCs, where they can receive intensive mental health care. The United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners is particularly renowned for its psychiatric services.
- Terminal Illnesses and Hospice Care: Inmates who are terminally ill or nearing the end of life may be placed in hospice care within an FMC. These facilities provide compassionate care aimed at improving the quality of life for dying inmates, often in conjunction with palliative treatments.
- Substance Abuse: Some federal medical centers, such as FMC Lexington, offer specialized programs for inmates struggling with substance abuse disorders, such as the Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (RDAP). These programs combine medical treatment with counseling and other rehabilitative services.
How Inmates are Placed in Federal Medical Centers
Determining whether an inmate should be sent to a federal medical center involves a comprehensive health evaluation by the BOP. The decision is based on several factors, including the inmate’s medical history, the severity of their current condition, and whether their medical needs can be met at a regular federal prison.
Medical Evaluations
Once inmates are in the federal prison system, they undergo an initial medical evaluation. During this evaluation, BOP medical staff assess the inmate’s health and identify serious conditions requiring specialized care. If the inmate’s condition is beyond the capabilities of a standard federal prison, they may be referred to a federal medical center.
Referral and Designation
The BOP takes medical recommendations seriously when assigning inmates to facilities. If an inmate’s condition is considered severe or chronic, a referral is made regarding placement in a medical center. The Federal Bureau of Prisons medical facilities network includes FMCs and Federal Correctional Institutions (FCIs) with medical units capable of handling less severe cases.
How Many Federal Medical Prisons Are There?
Six primary federal medical centers exclusively provide medical care to inmates in the U.S. In addition to these FMCs, several other federal prisons have specialized medical units, though they are not classified as medical centers. These federal medical prisons serve a critical role in ensuring that inmates with serious health needs are treated with care while remaining secure.
Federal Medical Centers vs. Standard Federal Prisons
While all federal prisons provide some level of healthcare, federal medical centers offer a significantly higher standard of medical care. The main differences include:
- Medical Resources: FMCs have more advanced medical equipment and a more extensive staff of healthcare professionals, allowing them to treat a broader range of illnesses and injuries.
- Patient Populations: Standard federal prisons primarily house healthy inmates, whereas FMCs exclusively house inmates with medical needs.
- Treatment Options: Inmates at FMCs have access to specialized treatments like dialysis, chemotherapy, and mental health services that are unavailable in general population prisons.
Your Federal Prison Team
Federal medical centers play an essential role in the U.S. prison system by providing advanced medical care to inmates with serious health conditions. These facilities, known as federal medical prisons, are designed to offer a higher standard of care than regular federal prisons, ensuring that inmates receive the treatments they need. Whether it’s cancer treatment, mental health services, or palliative care, the federal medical center prison system is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of incarcerated individuals.
For federal defendants and their families, understanding the role of federal medical centers can provide peace of mind and assurance that medical needs will be addressed. If you or a loved one is facing incarceration in the federal system, it’s vital to seek legal guidance to ensure appropriate placement and access to necessary healthcare services.
If you need assistance navigating the federal prison system or ensuring that a loved one receives proper medical care while incarcerated, we can help. Contact us for more information and experienced legal advice tailored to your situation. Our team of federal criminal defense lawyers is here to help.
Federal Medical Center FAQs
What is a Federal Medical Center Prison?
A Federal Medical Center (FMC) is a specialized prison operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) that provides advanced medical care to inmates with serious health conditions. These centers are designed to house inmates who need ongoing medical attention and offer services like surgery, mental health care, and rehabilitation.
How Many Federal Medical Prisons Are There?
There are six primary Federal Medical Centers (FMCs) in the U.S. specifically designed to handle inmates with significant medical needs. Other federal prisons have medical units that do not offer the same comprehensive care as the dedicated FMCs.
What is a Federal Medical Center Prison?
A Federal Medical Center prison is a federal prison with enhanced medical facilities to care for inmates requiring specialized medical attention. These prisons provide healthcare services similar to those offered by hospitals while maintaining the security and control typical of a federal prison.
What is Life Like in a Federal Medical Center?
Life in a Federal Medical Center revolves around medical care. Inmates typically have daily or weekly appointments with healthcare providers, participate in rehabilitation programs, and may engage in lighter work assignments. The focus is on managing and treating inmates’ medical conditions while maintaining the structure of a prison environment, including strict security protocols.
What is the Federal Medical Center Inside Like?
These centers are hybrids of hospitals and prisons, where inmates receive comprehensive medical care but remain under strict security protocols. This unique combination of healthcare and security ensures that inmates receive necessary treatments without compromising the safety of staff or other prisoners.
Published Oct 23, 2024 by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA | Last Updated by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA on Jan 12, 2025 at 5:09 pm