Policy 500.050: Health Screenings and Full Health Appraisals (Minnesota DOC)

Minnesota DOC Policy 500.050, effective February 19, 2026, governs health screening at entry to any Minnesota correctional facility. An initial health screening must be completed within 24 hours of admission by health-trained or qualified staff and documented in the electronic health record, covering current complaints, chronic conditions, medication history, allergies, pain and injuries, communicable disease symptoms, a suicide risk screen using a facility-approved tool, intoxication and withdrawal risk, dental pain and trauma, and functional needs including mobility, hearing, vision, pregnancy and interpreter requirements. A comprehensive health appraisal, including a hands-on head-to-toe examination, mental health assessment and dental assessment, must be completed within 14 days by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, unless a DOC exam was documented in the previous 90 days. The policy also provides for periodic physicals on request — up to annually for people under 19 or over 50 and every two years for ages 19 to 50 — and for a release physical requested before leaving custody.