HF1810

This bill establishes a Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Program in Minnesota. The POLST program aims to ensure that medical treatment preferences of patients nearing the end of life are honored.

Key Provisions:

1. Creation of the POLST Program

   • The Minnesota Commissioner of Health must establish and administer this statewide initiative.
   • It includes a POLST registry and a POLST registry call center to collect and provide access to POLST orders.
     
   • The Minnesota POLST Steering Committee, administered by the Minnesota Medical Association, will provide education and training.

2. POLST Registry

   • A centralized, electronic system for storing POLST orders.
   • Authorized users (such as emergency medical services, hospitals, and healthcare providers) can access these records.
     
   • Patients or their legal representatives can revoke or choose not to include a POLST in the registry.
   • Researchers may access data under strict privacy and security regulations.

3. POLST Registry Call Center

   • A 24/7 hotline to ensure authorized users can obtain POLST information without broadband access.

4. Legal & Privacy Protections

   • The bill classifies POLST registry data as private or nonpublic.
   • Individuals acting in good faith by reporting or acting upon POLST information are granted immunity from civil or criminal liability.

5. Implementation & Funding

   • The program must be fully operational by January 1, 2026.
     
   • $500,000 is allocated in fiscal year 2026 for setting up the POLST registry and call center, with $400,000 per year for 2027 and 2028.
     
   • $100,000 is set aside for a contract with the Minnesota POLST Steering Committee to provide training.

Impact:

This bill enhances patient autonomy by ensuring that end-of-life care preferences are easily accessible to healthcare providers, improving compliance with patient wishes and reducing unnecessary medical interventions.