Final answer:
The test used to determine if the level of medical care meets constitutional standards is the deliberate indifference test. This test requires inmates to show that prison officials were aware of their medical needs but disregarded them. Both subjective and objective elements must be met for a successful claim.
Step-by-step explanation:
The test used to determine if the level of medical care provided to inmates meets constitutional standards is the deliberate indifference test. This test was established by the Supreme Court in the case of Estelle v. Gamble (1976). Under this test, inmates must show that prison officials were deliberately indifferent to their serious medical needs, meaning that the officials were aware of the need for medical care but disregarded it.
To meet the test, inmates must show both subjectively and objectively that the medical care provided was inadequate. Subjectively, they must demonstrate that prison officials acted with deliberate indifference, while objectively, they must establish that the medical care provided fell below the minimum standards of professional judgment.
For example, if an inmate can prove that he or she was experiencing severe pain, needed medical treatment, and notified prison officials, but the officials ignored the requests or delayed treatment without a valid reason, the inmate may have a viable claim under the deliberate indifference test.