General Medical Officer (GMO) Manual: Administrative Section
Confinement Physicals
Department of the Navy
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Introduction Physical limitations Reference Initial Examination Re-certification
Acceptance of a member for confinement is contingent upon the individual being examined by qualified medical personnel to determine fitness for confinement. The purpose of the confinement physical is to ensure that the member is in good physical condition, has no illnesses that would be aggravated by confinement, and that any evidence of preexisting injury is documented before confinement.
The determination of fitness for confinement shall normally be a physical examination by a medical officer. If a medical officer is not available at the time of confinement, paramedical personnel authorized to perform physical examinations shall make this determination. Within 24 hours or the next working day, a medical officer or a physician assistant must perform the confinement physical examination. In the case of ships at sea, the follow-up examination may be deferred for those in confinement until within 24 hours, or the next working day, after arrival in port or other areas where a medical officer or a physician assistant is available. The examining official shall certify the person's fitness for confinement on the confinement order.
The examining official should specify physical limitations in writing in reference to full duty performance. (confirmed by a medical officer when specified by paramedical personnel). The examining official shall note on the original form the presence of cuts, bruises, or unusual marks. Females are to be given a pregnancy test and the results noted on the confinement order. If persons ordered into confinement display irrational or inappropriate behavior that is symptomatic of mental disturbance or of the effects of hallucinatory substances, they shall be placed in a medical facility and not be certified as "fit for confinement" until such time as they are capable of participating in their legal defense.
Re-certification of fitness for confinement is not required except for cause. Any interruption of confinement periods over 24 hours will necessitate a new physical examination. Examinations may be requested for shorter periods when circumstances indicate. Prisoners transferred between brigs will not require a new medical certification unless deemed necessary by either the receiving brig or the prisoner escort.
(a) SECNAVINST 1640.9B, Department of Navy Corrections Manual
Revised by ENS Alan J. Alfonso, PA-C, MSC, USNR, Bradley Branch Medical Clinic, Officer Candidate School, Quantico, VA. Reviewed by LT Denis Ashley, MC, USNR, GMO Policy and Plans, 00MC, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington, D.C. (1999).