[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 28, Volume 2] [Revised as of July 1, 2005] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 28CFR549.61] [Page 641] TITLE 28--JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION CHAPTER V--BUREAU OF PRISONS, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PART 549_MEDICAL SERVICES--Table of Contents Subpart E_Hunger Strikes, Inmate Sec. 549.61 Definition. As defined in this rule, an inmate is on a hunger strike: (a) When he or she communicates that fact to staff and is observed by staff to be refraining from eating for a period of time, ordinarily in excess of 72 hours; or (b) When staff observe the inmate to be refraining from eating for a period in excess of 72 hours. When staff consider it prudent to do so, a referral for medical evaluation may be made without waiting 72 hours.