Can You Bring Medication Into an MDOC Facility? Here's What's Allowed
Need medication during an MDOC visit? Plan ahead. Prescribed meds must be left with the Visitor Center Officer—unless you've gotten advance written approval to keep them on you.
MDOC lets visitors bring prescribed medication, but only the dosage you'll need during your time at the facility. When you arrive, you'll hand it over to the Visitor Center Officer - you can't keep it with you in the visiting area.
Need to take a dose during your visit? Let the Visitor Center Officer know the exact time. When it's time, they'll return the medication so you can take it.
Some medications can't be safely separated from you - certain heart medications, for example. If that applies to you, MDOC requires advance approval before you can keep medication on your person in the visiting area. Submit a written request to the Area Warden ahead of time, along with a doctor's statement that includes your name, the medication prescribed, and confirmation that you must have it with you at all times. If approved, you'll receive written confirmation. Bring that approval letter with you on visit day.
- ✓ Write a request to the Area Warden asking for permission to keep your prescribed medication on you in the visiting area
- ✓ Get a written doctor’s statement verifying your name, the medication, and that you must keep it in your possession at all times
- ✓ Bring the written approval with you on the day of your visit
No OTC meds: MDOC does not allow visitors to bring over-the-counter medication of any kind into the facility.
Practical Steps
- ✓ Pack only what you truly need for the visit: MDOC allows prescribed medication only in the necessary dosage
- ✓ Expect to hand your prescribed medication to the Visitor Center Officer when you enter the visiting area
- ✓ Know your dosing time and be ready to tell the Visitor Center Officer the exact time you need to take it, so you can recover the necessary dosage at that time
- ✓ If you must keep prescribed medication on your person at all times, submit a written request to the Area Warden well before your visit
- ✓ Include a written doctor’s statement with your request that verifies your name, the medication, and that you must keep it in your possession at all times
- ✓ Do not bring any over-the-counter medication onto prison grounds - OTC medication of any kind is not allowed for visitors
Bring your paperwork: If you’re approved to keep medication on you, carry the written approval with you during the visit. Otherwise, plan to coordinate dosing times with the Visitor Center Officer.
Find an Inmate at Marion-Walthall Regional CI, MS
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
