Minnesota § 246.721 - PROTOCOL FOR EXPOSURE TO BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 246.721 — PROTOCOL FOR EXPOSURE TO BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 246.721. PROTOCOL FOR EXPOSURE TO BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS
(a) A state-operated treatment program shall follow applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines under Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, part 1910.1030, for blood-borne pathogens.
(b) Every state-operated treatment program shall adopt and follow a postexposure protocol for employees at a state-operated treatment program who have experienced a significant exposure. The postexposure protocol must adhere to the most current recommendations of the United States Public Health Service and include, at a minimum, the following:
(1) a process for employees to report an exposure in a timely fashion;
(2) a process for an infectious disease specialist, or a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant who is knowledgeable about the most current recommendations of the United States Public Health Service in consultation with an infectious disease specialist, (i) to determine whether a significant exposure to one or more blood-borne pathogens has occurred, and (ii) to provide, under the direction of a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant, a recommendation or recommendations for follow-up treatment appropriate to the particular blood-borne pathogen or pathogens for which a significant exposure has been determined;
(3) if there has been a significant exposure, a process to determine whether the patient has a blood-borne pathogen through disclosure of test results, or through blood collection and testing as required by sections 246.71 to 246.722;
(4) a process for providing appropriate counseling prior to and following testing for a blood-borne pathogen regarding the likelihood of blood-borne pathogen transmission and follow-up recommendations according to the most current recommendations of the United States Public Health Service for testing and treatment;
(5) a process for providing appropriate counseling under clause (4) to the employee of a state-operated treatment program and to the patient; and
(6) compliance with applicable state and federal laws relating to data practices, confidentiality, informed consent, and the patient bill of rights.
History:
2000 c 422 s 51; 2020 c 115 art 4 s 94; 2022 c 58 s 116; 2024 c 79 art 2 s 60; 2024 c 108 art 5 s 15
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 246.721
What does Minnesota Statutes § 246.721 cover?
Section 246.721 ("PROTOCOL FOR EXPOSURE TO BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 246.721?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 246.721" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 246.721 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.