---
kind: "unit"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
key: "ch21/schI–A"
level: "subchapter"
label: "Subchapter I–A"
heading: "Institutionalized Persons"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/ch21-schI-A"
sections_count: 12
---

# Subchapter I–A — Institutionalized Persons

Title 42 — The Public Health and Welfare › Chapter 21 — Civil Rights

## Sections

- [§1997. Definitions](/usc/42/1997.md)
- [§1997a. Initiation of civil actions](/usc/42/1997a.md)
- [§1997a–1. Subpoena authority](/usc/42/1997a-1.md)
- [§1997b. Certification requirements; Attorney General to personally sign certification](/usc/42/1997b.md)
- [§1997c. Intervention in actions](/usc/42/1997c.md)
- [§1997d. Prohibition of retaliation](/usc/42/1997d.md)
- [§1997e. Suits by prisoners](/usc/42/1997e.md)
- [§1997f. Report to Congress](/usc/42/1997f.md)
- [§1997g. Priorities for use of funds](/usc/42/1997g.md)
- [§1997h. Notice to Federal departments](/usc/42/1997h.md)
- [§1997i. Disclaimer respecting standards of care](/usc/42/1997i.md)
- [§1997j. Disclaimer respecting private litigation](/usc/42/1997j.md)