2002 Minnesota Code
Chapters 241 - 244 Corrections
Chapter 241 Department of Corrections
Section 241.336 Blood sample collection for testing.

241.336 Blood sample collection for testing.

Subdivision 1. Procedures with consent. (a) If a blood sample is not otherwise available, the correctional facility shall obtain consent from the inmate before collecting a blood sample for testing for bloodborne pathogens. The consent process shall include informing the inmate that the inmate may refuse to provide a blood sample and that the inmate's refusal may result in a request for a court order under subdivision 2 to require the inmate to provide a blood sample.

(b) If the inmate consents to provide a blood sample, the correctional facility shall collect a blood sample and ensure that the sample is tested for bloodborne pathogens.

(c) The correctional facility shall inform the corrections employee's health care provider about the inmate's test results without the inmate's name or other uniquely identifying information. The correctional facility shall inform the inmate of the test results.

(d) If the inmate refuses to provide a blood sample for testing, the correctional facility shall inform the corrections employee of the inmate's refusal.

Subd. 2. Procedures without consent. (a) A correctional facility or a corrections employee may bring a petition for a court order to require an inmate to provide a blood sample for testing for bloodborne pathogens. The petition shall be filed in the district court in the county where the inmate is confined. The correctional facility shall serve the petition on the inmate three days before a hearing on the petition. The petition shall include one or more affidavits attesting that:

(1) the correctional facility followed the procedures in sections 241.33 to 241.342 and attempted to obtain bloodborne pathogen test results according to those sections;

(2) a licensed physician knowledgeable about the most current recommendations of the United States Public Health Service has determined that a significant exposure has occurred to the corrections employee under section 241.341; and

(3) a physician has documented that the corrections employee has provided a blood sample and consented to testing for bloodborne pathogens and bloodborne pathogen test results are needed for beginning, continuing, modifying, or discontinuing medical treatment for the corrections employee under section 241.341.

(b) Facilities shall cooperate with petitioners in providing any necessary affidavits to the extent that facility staff can attest under oath to the facts in the affidavits.

(c) The court may order the inmate to provide a blood sample for bloodborne pathogen testing if:

(1) there is probable cause to believe the corrections employee has experienced a significant exposure to the inmate;

(2) the court imposes appropriate safeguards against unauthorized disclosure that must specify the persons who have access to the test results and the purposes for which the test results may be used;

(3) a licensed physician for the corrections employee needs the test results for beginning, continuing, modifying, or discontinuing medical treatment for the corrections employee; and

(4) the court finds a compelling need for the test results. In assessing compelling need, the court shall weigh the need for the court-ordered blood collection and test results against the interests of the inmate, including, but not limited to, privacy, health, safety, or economic interests. The court shall also consider whether involuntary blood collection and testing would serve the public interests.

(d) The court shall conduct the proceeding in camera unless the petitioner or the inmate requests a hearing in open court and the court determines that a public hearing is necessary to the public interest and the proper administration of justice.

(e) The inmate may arrange for counsel in any proceeding brought under this subdivision.

HIST: 2000 c 422 s 33