Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Office of the Revisor of Statutes

253B.06 INITIAL ASSESSMENT.

Subdivision 1.Persons who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled.

Every patient hospitalized as mentally ill or developmentally disabled pursuant to section 253B.04 or 253B.05 must be examined by a physician as soon as possible but no more than 48 hours following admission. The physician shall be knowledgeable and trained in the diagnosis of the alleged disability related to the need for admission as a person who is mentally ill or developmentally disabled.

Subd. 2.Chemically dependent persons.

Patients hospitalized as chemically dependent pursuant to section 253B.04 or 253B.05 shall also be examined within 48 hours of admission. At a minimum, the examination shall consist of a physical evaluation by facility staff according to procedures established by a physician and an evaluation by staff knowledgeable and trained in the diagnosis of the alleged disability related to the need for admission as a chemically dependent person.

Subd. 2a.Patient refusal.

If a patient refuses to be examined, the determination of the patient's need for treatment may be based on other available information and documented in the patient's medical record.

Subd. 3.Discharge.

At the end of a 48-hour period, any patient admitted pursuant to section 253B.05 shall be discharged if an examination has not been held or if the examiner or evaluation staff person fails to notify the head of the treatment facility in writing that in the examiner's or staff person's opinion the patient is apparently in need of care, treatment, and evaluation as a mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or chemically dependent person.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes