Policy 500.306: Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention (Minnesota DOC)

Minnesota DOC Policy 500.306, effective March 25, 2026, sets the agency's suicide and self-harm procedures. Any staff member may refer someone to mental health services for evaluation at any time, and a professional evaluation must be conducted as soon as possible; if risk is identified outside business hours the on-call mental health provider must be contacted. Mental health staff conduct an admission mental health screening within 14 days of an incarcerated person's arrival and within seven days for a resident, following the 24-hour health and sexual violence screenings. People at moderate or high risk are placed on continuing observation status, where a nurse assesses them each working day and a mental health provider must assess them, consult the facility mental health director and document the assessment every working day; transfer to inpatient mental health care must be considered and documented. After removal from observation a follow-up session is required within one week. The policy also governs over-the-counter medication and razor restrictions and requires facilities to allow shaving at least three times a week.