UMC releases results of investigation into accusation of violating woman’s civil rights

University Medical Center on Friday announced the results of an independent investigation it commissioned after it was accused of violating the civil rights of a woman the border patrol suspected of drug smuggling.

The law firm the hospital hired to do the investigation found UMC broke no laws, but needs to update and clarify its policies.

A report the hospital issued Friday says the hospital had a duty to evaluate the woman once she was taken there because of the extreme health risk drugs in a body cavity would pose.

The report also said, “there has been no attempt to engage in a dialogue with law enforcement about the fact that UMC-El Paso is a health care provider, and not an arm of law enforcement.”

UMC promises a clear policy going forward.