diff --git a/model/lantern/lantern_server.rb b/model/lantern/lantern_server.rb
index afa847fdd..0c1ba544f 100644
--- a/model/lantern/lantern_server.rb
+++ b/model/lantern/lantern_server.rb
@@ -137,6 +137,10 @@ def container_image
   end
 
   def init_health_monitor_session
+    if strand.label != "wait"
+      fail "server is not ready to initialize session"
+    end
+
     {
       db_connection: nil
     }
diff --git a/spec/model/lantern/lantern_server_spec.rb b/spec/model/lantern/lantern_server_spec.rb
index d397d8312..720566aad 100644
--- a/spec/model/lantern/lantern_server_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/model/lantern/lantern_server_spec.rb
@@ -436,7 +436,13 @@
   end
 
   describe "Lsn monitor" do
+    it "fails to initiate a new health monitor session" do
+      expect(lantern_server).to receive(:strand).and_return(instance_double(Strand, label: "setup domain")).at_least(:once)
+      expect { lantern_server.init_health_monitor_session }.to raise_error "server is not ready to initialize session"
+    end
+
     it "initiates a new health monitor session" do
+      expect(lantern_server).to receive(:strand).and_return(instance_double(Strand, label: "wait")).at_least(:once)
       expect(lantern_server.init_health_monitor_session).to eq({db_connection: nil})
     end